James Brown Biography
James Joseph Brown, also known as the “Godfather of Soul,” was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who had a profound impact on the development of several genres of music, including soul, funk, and hip hop.
Brown faced adversity and hardship during his childhood as his parents abandoned him, and he served jail time for various crimes. However, he discovered a passion for music at an early age and began singing in gospel choirs during his teens. Gospel, blues, and R&B music had a significant impact on him, and he fused these genres to create his unique sound.
In the early 1950s, Brown formed a vocal group called the Famous Flames, and they began performing in clubs and theaters throughout the South. In 1955, they signed a record deal with King Records and released their first hit single, “Please, Please, Please,” which became a huge success and established Brown as a rising star.
Over the next few years, Brown and the Famous Flames continued to churn out hit after hit, including “Try Me,” “I’ll Go Crazy,” and “Think.” Brown also became known for his electrifying live performances, which featured his trademark dancing and his powerful, soulful voice.
James Brown Age
Brown was born on May 3, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina, U.S. He died on December 25, 2006, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S aged 73.
James Brown Parents
Brown was raised by his parents Susie Brown (mother) and Joseph Gardner Brown (father). His mother was born on August 8, 1916, Colleton County, South Carolina, United States and died on February 26, 2004, in Augusta, Georgia, United States.
His father was born on March 29, 1911, in Barnwell County, South Carolina, United States and died on 10 July 1993, Augusta, Georgia, United States.
James Brown Spouse / Wife
Brown married four times over the course of his life and had six children. His wives’ names were Velma Warren (1953-1969), Deidre Jenkins (1970-1981), Adrienne Rodriguez (1984-1996) and Tomi Rae Hynie (2002-2004).
In 2004, Brown was arrested again on charges of domestic violence against Hynie, although he said in a statement: “I would never hurt my wife. I love her very much.”
James Brown Children
Brown had ten children five daughters and five sons. They are LaRhonda Pettit born (born 1962), Yamma Brown (born 1972), Deanna Brown Thomas (born 1969), James Joseph Brown II (born 2001), Daryl Brown, Venisha Brown, Lisa Brown, Larry Brown, Terry Brown, and Teddy Brown.
James Brown Death
James Brown, the American singer, songwriter, and dancer, passed away on December 25, 2006, at the age of 73. The cause of his death was reported as congestive heart failure, resulting from complications of pneumonia.
Brown had a long and influential career in the music industry, earning the nickname “The Godfather of Soul” for his contributions to the development of funk music and his high-energy performances. He left behind a legacy of iconic hits, such as “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” and “Sex Machine.”
CNN Investigation About the Deaths of James Brown and His Third Wife, Adrienne
James Brown, known as the “Godfather of Soul,” died on December 25, 2006, at the age of 73. His death was initially attributed to congestive heart failure, but there have been ongoing questions and suspicions surrounding the circumstances of his death.
Similarly, Adrienne Brown died in 1996 at the age of 47. Her death was initially attributed to an accidental overdose, but like James Brown’s death, there have been questions and suspicions surrounding the circumstances of her death.
In 2019, CNN aired a documentary titled “James Brown: Death, Drugs and Lawyers,” which investigated the deaths of both James and Adrienne Brown. The documentary raised questions about the circumstances surrounding their deaths and suggested that foul play may have been involved.
Since then, the investigation into their deaths has continued, and new evidence has been brought to light. However, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, no arrests or charges have been made in connection to their deaths, and the investigation is ongoing.
James Brown Career
James Brown, also known as “The Godfather of Soul,” was a highly influential American musician and singer-songwriter. He was born on May 3, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina, and grew up in poverty.
Brown began his musical career in the 1950s as a member of The Famous Flames, a vocal group that performed gospel and R&B music. They had a string of hits, including “Please, Please, Please” and “Try Me,” which helped to establish Brown as a major force in the music industry.
In the 1960s, Brown continued to release hit songs, including “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” and “Cold Sweat.” He also became known for his energetic live performances, which included his signature dance moves such as the “James Brown shuffle” and the “cape routine.”
Brown’s music had a significant impact on the development of funk, soul, and hip-hop music. He was a major influence on other musicians, including Michael Jackson, Prince, and Bruno Mars.
Brown continued to perform and record music throughout his career, and he won numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He passed away on December 25, 2006, at the age of 73.
James Brown Albums
James Brown, also known as “The Godfather of Soul,” was a prolific musician with a career spanning over several decades. He released numerous albums during his career, here are some of his most notable ones:
- “Please Please Please” (1959)
- “Try Me!” (1959)
- “Live at the Apollo” (1963)
- “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” (1965)
- “I Got You (I Feel Good)” (1966)
- “James Brown Plays James Brown Today & Yesterday” (1966)
- “Cold Sweat” (1967)
- “I Can’t Stand Myself When You Touch Me” (1968)
- “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” (1968)
- “Gettin’ Down to It” (1969)
- “Sex Machine” (1970)
- “Hot Pants” (1971)
- “There It Is” (1972)
- “The Payback” (1973)
- “Hell” (1974)
- “Reality” (1974)
- “Sex Machine Today” (1975)
- “Everybody’s Doin’ the Hustle & Dead on the Double Bump” (1975)
- “Get Up Offa That Thing” (1976)
- “Bodyheat” (1976)
- “Mutha’s Nature” (1977)
- “Jam 1980’s” (1978)
- “Take a Look at Those Cakes” (1978)
- “The Original Disco Man” (1979)
- “Soul Syndrome” (1980)
- “Bring It On… Bring It On” (1983)
- “Gravity” (1986)
- “I’m Real” (1988)
- “Love Over-Due” (1991)
These are just a few of the albums that James Brown released during his legendary career. He was known for his high-energy performances and his influence on funk, soul, and R&B music.
James Brown Songs
He had numerous hits throughout his career, including:
- “I Got You (I Feel Good)”
- “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag”
- “Sex Machine”
- “Living in America”
- “The Payback”
- “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World”
- “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine”
- “Cold Sweat”
- “Please, Please, Please”
- “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”
These are just a few examples of James Brown’s many iconic songs. He was known for his electrifying live performances, his innovative use of rhythm and his influence on the development of funk, soul and hip-hop music.
James Brown Films
- The T.A.M.I. Show (1964) (concert film)- with The Famous Flames
- Ski Party (1965)- with The Famous Flames
- James Brown: Man to Man (1968) (concert film)
- The Phynx (1970)
- Black Caesar (1973) (soundtrack only)
- Slaughter’s Big Rip-Off (1973) (soundtrack only)
- Blues Brothers 2000 (1998)
- Holy Man (1998)
- portrayed by Carlton Smith in Liberty Heights (1999)
- Undercover Brother (2002)
- The Tuxedo (2002)
- The Hire: Beat The Devil (2002) (short film)
- Paper Chasers (2003) (documentary)
- Soul Survivor (2003) (documentary)
- Sid Bernstein Presents … (2005) (documentary)
- Glastonbury (2006) (documentary)
- Life on the Road with Mr. and Mrs. Brown (2007) (documentary; release pending)
- Live at the Boston Garden: April 5, 1968 (2008) (concert film)
- I Got The Feelin’: James Brown in the ’60s, three-DVD set featuring Live at the Boston Garden: April 5, 1968,
- Live at the Apollo ’68, and the documentary The Night James Brown Saved Boston
- Soul Power (2009) (documentary)
- Get on Up (2014)
