James Joseph Brown
- Born:
- May 3, 1933, Barnwell, South Carolina, USA
- Died:
- December 25, 2006, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Bandleader, Record Producer
Early Life and Education
- Raised in poverty in Augusta, Georgia.
- Largely self-taught in music and dance.
- Early experiences included picking cotton and shining shoes.
- Briefly pursued boxing and baseball before focusing on music.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his music career singing gospel before transitioning to rhythm and blues.
- Rose to prominence in the mid-1950s with his group, The Famous Flames.
- Pioneered funk music and was a major influence on the development of hip-hop.
- Known for his energetic stage performances and distinctive vocal style.
- Nicknames included "Soul Brother Number One," "Mr. Dynamite," and "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business."
- Received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
Notable Works
Discography (Selection)
| Year | Album | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Please Please Please | King Records |
| 1963 | Live at the Apollo | King Records |
| 1967 | Cold Sweat | King Records |
| 1970 | Sex Machine | King Records |
| 1971 | Hot Pants | Polydor Records |
Filmography (Selection)
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | The Blues Brothers | Reverend Cleophus James |
| 1998 | Blues Brothers 2000 | Reverend Cleophus James |
| 1996 | Mars Attacks! | Himself |
Legacy and Impact
James Brown's influence on music, dance, and popular culture is undeniable. His innovations in funk laid the groundwork for numerous genres, and his energetic performances set a new standard for live shows. As this james brown artist biography highlights, he was a pivotal figure in shaping the sound of the 20th century.