James Brown is dead, but name lives on in ski town bridge

Who knew? I mean really, who knew?

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The “James Brown Soul Center of the Universe” bridge has spanned the Yampa River in this northwestColorado ski town for 13 years, but it doesn’t have a sign bearing the name of the legendary singer who died Monday.

“There was originally, but people kept stealing it, so we just said no more signs,” Deputy City Manager Wendy DuBord said Tuesday.

Brown, 73, died of heart failure at an Atlanta hospital, where he had been admitted for pneumonia.

The bridge was named for Brown after a radio station contest in 1993. He came to town for the dedication that year and sang his classic “I Feel Good,” but attention has faded since then,DuBord.

A group of residents petitioned the city this year to change the name to something more in keeping with Steamboat Springs’ ranchingroots, but the City Council declined.

DuBord said as far as she knows, no wreaths or other signs ofmourning have appeared on the bridge, which stands on the outskirtsof town.

Would you like to contact the city of Steamboat Springs and demand a new plaque or sign? Click here

Are you amazed the hard-living godfather of soul lived as long as he did? You're not alone.

Have a thought on who will be the next celebrity to die? Here's mine.