Newsworthiness of Presidents and Godfathers

It is the office, President of the United States, which makes all presidential deaths newsworthy. Since some presidents have a greater impact on the world and a greater role in history than others, so the death and funeral of some presidents warrant more extensive news coverage than that of other presidents. Still, the fact that one once held the office merits a certain high level of newsworthiness to his passing.

President Reagan arguably had a greater impact on the world than any other president in the past half century. His presidency changed the direction of United States foreign policy from one of détente to one of “peace through strength” which led to the reduction of nuclear arms for the first time in history and eventually led to the end of the Cold War.

The death of President Reagan was therefore far more newsworthy than that of Ray Charles whose death was also newsworthy because of his life’s achievements. Ray Charles was a great singer, a musical “Genius” and was loved by many. But he did not have the impact on the world nor change the course of history the way President Reagan had.

The newsworthiness of the deaths of other cultural figures who held no office is merited solely by their accomplishments and the influence they had on their respective field and on society in general.

James Brown was a living legend who epitomized the American dream. Former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka is fond of saying, “In life, it’s not so much what you accomplish that matters but what you overcome.” During James Brown’s memorial service at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, the Reverend Al Sharpton pointed out that no one started out lower than James Brown and not many reached the heights he attained.

The importance of James Brown does not stem only from his multitude of hit records or from his popularity as an entertainer. James Brown changed the direction of popular music and created something new. Just as President Reagan changed the course of world history, Mr. Brown changed the course of musical history. He influenced generations of musicians after him. He is the most sampled artist of all time. His onstage performances were legendary and were studied by the likes of Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Prince, MC Hammer, and even Elvis.

Not only was James Brown a major influence in the field of music and entertainment, but he had a great impact on American society, maybe more so than any other entertainer in history. While his “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud” became an anthem of the Civil Rights movement, his work quelling the riots after the assassination of Dr. King was recognized by the White House. Without James Brown, who gave a special concert in Boston the day after the King assassination, many believe the city would have been destroyed.

Although it should be noted he was not elected to the office, Gerald Ford faithfully fulfilled his duties as the thirty-eighth president of the United States. President Ford was one of among forty-three so far to hold the office of President. The fact that he held the office makes his passing newsworthy.

James Brown was one of a kind. It can be argued that James Brown had more of an impact on the world than President Ford. With the deaths of James Brown and Gerald Ford occurring within days of each other, the passing of The Godfather of Soul is at least as newsworthy if not more so than the passing of the thirty-eighth president.