Rick James

Birth Name:

James Ambrose Johnson

Birth Place:

Buffalo, New York, United States

Profession

Soundtrack, Actor, Music department

Was the nephew of well-known bass vocalist Melvin Franklin
His first band featured the future Steppenwolf bassist Nick St․ Nicholas
Was best known as a singer who specialized in funk music
In 1968, he started working as a songwriter for Motown records
Released his debut solo album "Come Get It!" in 1978
Was the godfather to singer Marvin Gaye's daughter Nona
At the age of 15, he decided to drop out of high school and join the U․S․ Naval Reserve

Fast Facts