James Brown Lyrics

(1956 — 2006)

James Joseph Brown (Barnwell, 3 May 1933 — Atlanta, 25 December 2006) is recognized as one of the most influential figures in 20th century music. As a prolific singer, songwriter, bandleader and record producer, Brown was a seminal force in the evolution of gospeland rhythm and blues into soul and funk. He has also left his mark on numerous other musical genres, including rock, jazz, reggae, disco, dance and electronic music, and, most famously, hip-hop music.

Joining Bobby Byrd’s vocal group The Famous Flames in 1955, Brown’s early recordings from the mid-50s, were fairly straightforward gospel-inspired R&B compositions, heavily influenced by the work of contemporary musicians such as Ray Charles and Little Richard. Little Richard’s relations with Brown were particularly significant in Brown’s development as a musician and showman....