James Brown is a singer, record producer and bandleader from Barnwell, United States, born in 1933 and dying in 2006. He is widely associated with funk and soul and is often described as the central figure in the development of funk music. He is also known as the “Godfather of Soul”.

Early career and breakthrough

Brown begins his career as a gospel singer in Toccoa, Georgia. He first gains national attention in the mid-1950s as the lead singer of the Famous Flames, a rhythm and blues vocal group founded by Bobby Byrd. With songs such as “Please, Please, Please” and “Try Me”, he develops a reputation as a powerful live performer alongside the Famous Flames and his backing group, which is also known as the James Brown Band or the James Brown Orchestra.

1960s success and musical development

His popularity peaks in the 1960s with the live album Live at the Apollo and hit singles including “Papa's Got a Brand New Bag”, “I Got You (I Feel Good)” and “It's a Man's Man's Man's World”. During the late 1960s, Brown moves away from blues- and gospel-based styles towards a more stripped-down, rhythm-focused approach that helps shape funk. He also records socially focused material, including the 1968 hit “Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud”.

The J.B.’s and later work

By the early 1970s, Brown fully establishes the funk sound after forming the J.B.’s. Records from this period include “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” and “The Payback”. He continues performing and recording until his death in 2006. His studio albums include Please Please Please, Try Me!, Think!, Cold Sweat, Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud, The Payback, Hot, Gravity, I'm Back and The Next Step. His Christmas-related releases include James Brown Sings Christmas Songs, A Soulful Christmas and The Merry Christmas Album.

Recognition and legacy

Brown is one of the first ten inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at its inaugural induction in 1986. He later receives posthumous induction into the first class of the Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame as both an artist and a songwriter, and he is also honoured by the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He records 17 singles that reach number one on the Billboard R&B chart and holds the record for the most songs listed on the Billboard Hot 100 without reaching number one. He is ranked first in Joel Whitburn’s Billboard R&B artist analysis and seventh on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Related acts and labels

Brown is associated with James Brown & The Famous Flames, The J.B.’s, The James Brown Band, George Clinton and Family, The Soul Generals and Various Artists for Children’s Promise. He is also linked with Brownstone Records, People Records and Wisto Publishing Co.