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This past week, a pioneer in entertainment made his transition. Soul music fans everywhere mourn the death of Mr. Danny Ray, known to the world as “The Cape Man,” and the “Second Hardest Working Man in Show Business.” The body of the longtime family and band member was discovered at his Augusta, Ga home Tuesday by James Brown’s daughter, Deanna Brown-Thomas. Mr. Ray was 85.
The entertainers met in 1960 when The Godfather of Soul hired Danny Ray as his personal valet. His work soon moved to the stage as James Brown’s emcee. With the high energy music and his high energy introduction, Danny Ray, described as the “original hype man,” brought Mr. Dynamite, James Brown onstage.
It was during the song “Please Please Please,” that Danny Ray earned the moniker as the “Cape Man.” During the song, the Godfather would work himself up, become emotional and drop to his knees. In an interview, Ray said it started with a Turkish towel to soak up the sweat and grew from there.
Ever at the ready, Danny Ray rushed to Mr. Brown’s side, put the cape on his shoulders and escorted him off. Brown would step away, if only for seconds and return to the stage. But Danny Ray was always at his post, as valet choosing the cape to match the costume, as Cape Man and as emcee, whenever Mr. Brown needed him. This friendship did not end with James Brown’s 2006 death. Danny Ray draped a sequined cape over Mr. Brown’s body during the funeral. He was called upon to hang a cape over a microphone stand during a tribute at the 2007 Grammy Awards. His relationship with the Brown family, the city of Augusta and fans everywhere endured.
In her statement, James Brown’s daughter, Deanna Brown-Thomas, talked about her Uncle Danny:
“….The Original Hypeman. He started that. The world’s best emcee and only Capeman. I understand Elvis wore a cape but he didn’t have a Capeman. He was a true friend and brother to my father for over 45 years. He was family. I went to check on him last Tuesday and unfortunately found him passed. I was devastated. But I know now he is in God’s loving arms and breathing better than ever.”
Mr. Danny Ray’s funeral will be held Saturday, February 13, 2021, at 11 AM at the James Brown Arena in Augusta, G-A.
Why You Need To Know:
Tom Joyner loved James Brown and loved to tell his stories about the entertainer, he also spoke with great excitement about Mr. Danny Ray. “Mr. Brown would be down on one knee,” Tom said. “And Danny Ray would swoop in, drape that cape and lead him off the stage. Man!”
As one who was lucky enough to see him work and see his interactions with fans offstage, Danny Ray was a very special man indeed. Everyone should have a Danny Ray in our lives. In these times, we can all use a hype man and a cape man. Many may have a theme song (or a jingle) playing in our heads, but a Hype Man to lift us up? A Cape Man who covers and cares for us when we’re down, sends us “back out there,” and is always standing by. Thank you, Mr. Danny Ray. We can all learn from you. In these divisive times, we owe it to you and to the world to follow your example.
SOURCE:
https://sybilwilkes.com/2021/02/a-ray-of-sunshine-mr-danny-ray/
