James Brown Biography

Fast Facts

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, and ranked seventh in Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Artists of All Time․"
• An advocate for education, humanitarianism and civil rights
• Died of pneumonia
• After joining the Famous Flames soulful doo-wop group, they contacted iconic rock and roll, R&B star Little Richard, landing an audition with his manager at the time, then later signed with King Records' Federal subsidiary
• Quote: "We need to protect the kids by giving them something to do․ [It's about] making them interested, making them love mom and dad more, love the family more, love themselves more and love their school․ So there won't have to be killing in school․"
• Soulful funk legend recognized for pompadour hairstyle, wearing a cape for performances, and dance moves
• Comes in second behind Elvis Presley for most hit singles records in their career