"Since You Been Gone" by James Brown (Duet with Bobby Byrd)

From 1965 to 1971 Clyde Stubblefield performed behind one of the most revolutionary musicians (and social activists) in recorded history. His time with James Brown is considered to be quintessential in shaping funk music, and along with John "Jabo" Starks, he was credited for being one of the most sampled musicians of all time. A self-taught drummer, he was also a well-regarded session player and house drummer for Public Radio International’s Whad'Ya Know?

Stubblefield was best known for his work on the songs “Funky Drummer,” “Cold Sweat,” and “Mother Popcorn” but “Since You Been Gone,” although maybe one of his funkiest, does not get as much notice. This is partly due to it going unreleased until 1988 on James Brown’s Motherlode Compilation. Just listen to Clyde’s left hand, his uncanny ability to turn around a beat, while keeping it funky. He performed all this while staying right in the pocket, never disrupting the tempo.
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Although Mr. Stubblefield has moved on from this planet, his performances will hopefully live on in infamy.