Known for his energetic performances, Brown's shows often featured a large band and extravagant production, making him a live music legend.
In 1986, James Brown was one of the first ten inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing his immense contributions to music.
James Brown, known as the Godfather of Soul, was a pivotal figure in 20th-century music, influencing genres like funk and soul.
Biography
Early Life
James Joseph Brown was born on May 3, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina, to a young mother, Susie, and father, Joseph Gardner Brown. Growing up in poverty, his family moved to Augusta, Georgia, where he began performing in talent shows at a young age. His early exposure to music came from listening to blues legends and performing for troops during World War II. Despite a troubled childhood, including a brief stint in boxing and a conviction for robbery at 16, Brown's passion for music never waned.
Career
Brown's music career took off in 1954 when he joined Bobby Byrd's group, evolving from gospel to R&B. The group, initially known as the Famous Flames, gained fame with their hit "Please, Please, Please." Over the years, Brown became known as the "Godfather of Soul," pioneering funk music and influencing various genres. His dynamic performances and innovative sound led to numerous albums, including classics like "I Got the Feelin’" and "Say It Loud: I’m Black and I’m Proud." He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, solidifying his legacy as a music icon.
Social Activism
Beyond music, Brown was a passionate advocate for education, inspired by his own experiences. He released the pro-education song "Don't Be a Drop-Out" and met with President Lyndon B. Johnson to discuss youth issues. Throughout his life, he continued to support disadvantaged children, establishing the I Feel Good, Inc. Trust to provide scholarships and promote education. Even in his final days, Brown remained committed to giving back, distributing toys and food to children in need.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
There It Is1972
- 1.There It Is, Parts 1 & 25:52
- 2.King Heroin3:56
- 3.I’m a Greedy Man, Parts 1 & 27:06
- 4.Who Am I4:30
- 5.Talkin’ Loud and Sayin’ Nothing5:41
- 6.Public Enemy #1, Parts 1 & 25:05
- 7.I Need Help (I Can’t Do It Alone)2:56
- 8.Never Can Say Goodbye3:00
Get on the Good Foot1972
- 1.Get on the Good Foot, Parts 1 & 25:46
- 2.The Whole World Needs Liberation3:52
- 3.Your Love Was Good for Me3:20
- 4.Cold Sweat2:55
- 5.Recitation by Hank Ballard5:55
- 6.I Got a Bag of My Own3:46
- 7.Nothing Beats a Try but Fail3:15
- 8.Lost Someone3:55
- 9.Funky Side of Town7:51
- 10.Please, Please12:15
- 11.Ain’t It a Groove2:13
- 12.My Part / Make It Funky, Parts 3 & 45:24
- 13.Dirty Harri6:12
Hot Pants1971
- 1.Blues & Pants9:40
- 2.Can’t Stand It4:40
- 3.Escape‐Ism, Part 13:22
- 4.Escape‐Ism, Part 24:13
- 5.Hot Pants (She Got to Use What She Got to Get What She Wants)8:48
Sho Is Funky Down Here1971
- 1.Sho Is Funky Down Here8:50
- 2.Don’t Mind3:35
- 3.Bob Scoward3:27
- 4.Just Enough Room for Storage6:08
- 5.You Mother3:36
- 6.Can Mind5:01
It’s a New Day - Let a Man Come In1970
- 1.It’s a New Day (Part 1 and 2)5:45
- 2.Let a Man Come in and Do the Popcorn (Part 1 and 2)7:13
- 3.World (Part 1 and 2)6:08
- 4.Georgia on My Mind4:17
- 5.It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World2:52
- 6.Give It Up or Turnit a Loose2:45
- 7.If I Ruled the World3:07
- 8.The Man in the Glass (Part I)2:50
- 9.I’m Not Demanding (Part I)2:50
Hey America1970
- 1.Hey America3:49
- 2.A Lonely Little Boy Around One Little Christmas Toy3:59
- 3.Go Power at Christmas3:03
- 4.Christmas Love6:00
- 5.Santa Claus Is Definitely Here to Stay4:22
- 6.My Rapp6:00
- 7.I’m Your Christmas Friend, Don’t Be Hungry3:03
- 8.Merry Christmas My Baby and a Very, Very Happy New Year3:55
Ain’t It Funky1970
- 1.Ain’t It Funky Now, Parts 1 & 29:26
- 2.Fat Wood, Parts 1 & 29:15
- 3.Cold Sweat5:17
- 4.Give It Up or Turn It a Loose3:45
- 5.Nose Job2:30
- 6.Use Your Mother3:25
- 7.After You Done It3:28
Soul on Top1970
- 1.That’s My Desire4:10
- 2.Your Cheatin’ Heart3:00
- 3.What Kind of Fool Am I?3:06
- 4.It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World6:41
- 5.The Man in the Glass5:56
- 6.It’s Magic3:14
- 7.September Song5:03
- 8.For Once in My Life4:44
- 9.Every Day I Have the Blues4:29
- 10.I Need Your Key (to Turn Me On)3:46
- 11.Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag4:42
- 12.There Was a Time3:05
Say It Loud: I’m Black and I’m Proud1969
- 1.Say It Loud: I’m Black and I’m Proud, Part 12:46
- 2.Say It Loud: I’m Black and I’m Proud, Part 22:06
- 3.I Guess I’ll Have to Cry, Cry, Cry3:37
- 4.Goodbye My Love, Part 1
- 5.Goodbye My Love, Part 2
- 6.Shades of Brown2:48
- 7.Licking Stick2:56
- 8.I Love You3:37
- 9.Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye3:56
- 10.Let Them Talk4:04
- 11.Maybe I’ll Understand3:20
- 12.I’ll Lose My Mind2:45
The Popcorn1969
- 1.The Popcorn2:51
- 2.Why Am I Treated So Bad5:49
- 3.In the Middle, Part 13:05
- 4.In the Middle, Part 23:27
- 5.Soul Pride, Part 12:11
- 6.Soul Pride, Part 22:13
- 7.A New Shift3:36
- 8.Sudsy4:39
- 9.The Chicken4:00
- 10.The Chase0:29
It’s a Mother1969
- 1.Mother Popcorn, Part 13:22
- 2.Mother Popcorn, Part 23:09
- 3.Mashed Potato Popcorn, Part 13:02
- 4.Mashed Potato Popcorn, Part 23:25
- 5.I’m Shook2:56
- 6.Popcorn With a Feeling3:00
- 7.The Little Groove Maker Me, Part 13:00
- 8.The Little Groove Maker Me, Part 22:25
- 9.Any Day Now3:34
- 10.If I Ruled the World4:08
- 11.You’re Still Out of Sight3:14
- 12.Top of the Stack2:54
Gettin’ Down to It1969
- 1.Sunny3:21
- 2.That’s Life4:32
- 3.Strangers in the Night3:29
- 4.Willow Weep for Me4:42
- 5.Cold Sweat5:05
- 6.There Was a Time3:02
- 7.Chicago2:54
- 8.(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons7:44
- 9.Time After Time4:51
- 10.All the Way3:44
- 11.It Had to Be You2:46
- 12.Uncle2:36
I Got the Feelin’1968
Tracklist not collected yet.
A Soulful Christmas1968
Tracklist not collected yet.
Thinking About Little Willie John and a Few Nice Things1968
Tracklist not collected yet.
James Brown Plays the Real Thing1967
Tracklist not collected yet.
James Brown Sings Raw Soul1967
Tracklist not collected yet.
James Brown Plays New Breed1966
Tracklist not collected yet.
Handful of Soul1966
Tracklist not collected yet.
James Brown Plays James Brown: Yesterday and Today1965
Tracklist not collected yet.
Sings Out of Sight1965
Tracklist not collected yet.
Showtime1964
Tracklist not collected yet.
Grits & Soul1964
Tracklist not collected yet.
Prisoner of Love1963
Tracklist not collected yet.
James Browns Presents His Band & Five Other Great Artists1961
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- Federal Records
- Record label
- King Records
- Record label
- Polydor
- Record label
- Philips Records
Achievements
- Award
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Award
- Kennedy Center Honors
- Award
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Award
- MOJO Awards
- Award
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Groups
- James Brown & The Famous Flameseponymous · 1955current
- George Clinton and Familycurrent
- The J.B.’scurrent
- The James Brown Bandcurrent
- The Soul Generalscurrent
- Various Artists for Children’s Promisecurrent
Similar artists
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Brown, James, J. B., J. Brown, J.B., James Browm, James Brown at the Organ
James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, and record producer. The central progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th-century music, he is referred to by various nicknames, among them "Mr. Dynamite", "the Hardest-Working Man in Show Business", "Minister of New Super Heavy Funk", "Godfather of Soul", "King of Soul", and "Soul Brother No. 1". In a career that lasted more than 50 years, he influenced the development of several music genres. Brown was one of the first ten inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on January 23, 1986. His music has been heavily sampled by hip-hop musicians and other artists.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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