James Brown

Soul Singer

Birthday May 3, 1933

Birth Sign Taurus

Birthplace Barnwell, SC

DEATH DATE Dec 25, 2006 (73)

#4005 Most Popular

About

Funky soul singer who gained fame for his anthem "I Got You (I Feel Good)" and Rolling Stone magazine ranked him seventh on their list of the 100 greatest artists of all time.

Before Fame

He lived with his aunt who was a madam at a brothel and, after being released from prison for robbery, he became a gospel singer.

Trivia

Known as The Godfather of Soul, he became a social voice with the 1968 hit, "Say It Loud-I'm Black and I'm Proud."

Family Life

He married Velma Warren on June 19, 1953, then Deidre Jenkins on October 22, 1970, then Adrienne Rodriguez in 1984, and finally Tomi Rae Hynie on December 14, 2001. His son Teddy Brown was killed in a car accident at the age of 19.

Associated With

He helped to found American funk music and inspired future musicians such as Herbie Hancock.

Video

James Brown Highlights
James Brown Highlights