James Brown, The Godfather of Soul, need no introduction.

Born and raised in the Jim Crow era South, Brown was a country boy with dreams of being a major entertainer.  With little education, but a hustler’s spirit, the South Carolina native formed The Gospel Starlighters in 1955, which soon found him touring on the “chitlin’ circuit”, and in the company of Little Richard, who helped him develop his prowess as the dynamic performer he was later known to be.

His fancy footwork, permed hair, passionate vocals, and his trademark “cape routine,” set Brown apart from his contemporaries. He was strong, yet cool. Hard edged, yet had a sex appeal that made women of every race go crazy.

For over five decades, he released close to 70 studio albums, 12 live albums, and a slew of R&B classics, including “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag – Pt. 1,” “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” “I Got The Feelin’,” and “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud, Pt. 1.”

During his lifetime he inspired a slew of younger entertainers including the late Michael Jackson, Anthony Hamilton, and even Usher, proving that Brown will go down in music history as a trailblazer, trendsetter, and icon.

James Brown passed away in 2006. He was 73 years old.

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