James Brown

James Joseph Brown Jr. (Barnwell, May 3, 1933 – Atlanta, December 25, 2006) was an American singer, dancer, songwriter, and record producer recognized as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century in music. During his lifetime, he sold over 100 million albums and is recognized as one of the greatest artists of all time.

As a prolific singer, songwriter, dancer, and bandleader, Brown was a pivotal force in the music industry. He left his mark on numerous artists around the world, including the King of Pop Michael Jackson, influencing even the rhythms of African popular music such as afrobeat, juju, and mbalax, and providing the blueprint for an entire subgenre of funk, go-go.

Brown began his professional career in 1956 and rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s with the strength of his live performances and several hit songs. Despite various personal problems, he continued to be successful throughout the 1980s. In addition to his success as a musician, Brown was also involved in American political issues during the 1960s and 70s.

Brown was known by numerous nicknames, including Soul Brother Number One, Sex Machine, Mr. Dynamite, The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, The King of Funk, Minister of New Super Heavy Funk, Mr. Please Please Please Please Himself, I Feel Good, The Original Disco Man, and most notably The Godfather of Soul. In Arthur Conley's book "Sweet Soul Music," he is described as the King of Soul.