James Brown.

James Joseph Brown

Born 3 May 1933 Barnwell, United States

Died 25 Dec 2006 Atlanta, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 93 yr If Living

16 min read

Reading time

3,016

Words

Jul 21, 2026

Published

Film credits

Awards

TL;DR

Recording 17 No. 1 R&B singles and earning a 1986 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, James Brown 1933-2006 pioneered funk with his 1965 Grammy-winning hit ‘Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag’. His bandleader style and stripped-down grooves shaped soul and hip-hop. He is the most sampled recording artist in history.

Identity & family.

KIN · 5

Names, aliases, and relatives of James Brown — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name James Joseph Brown

Nicknames The Godfather of Soul, The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, Soul Brother Number One, Mr. Dynamite, The Godfather of Funk, Mr Please Please Please, J.B.

Aliases The Godfather of Soul James Brown, Mr. James Brown, The Godfather of Soul, The James Brown Revue, C.C. Lemonhead

Spouses: Tomirae Brown Adrienne Rodriguez Deidra Jenkins Velma Warren
Children: James Brown Jr.

At a glance.

STATS

James Brown by the numbers — life, work, and family.

73 Years lived

96 Film credits

5 Awards

4 Marriages

1 Child

Who was James Brown?

BIOGRAPHY

James Brown — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Brown grew up in extreme poverty in Barnwell, South Carolina, and later lived in Toccoa, Georgia, singing gospel in church. At 16, an armed robbery conviction led to three years in prison. After release, he turned to music full-time. In the early 1950s he met Bobby Byrd and joined Byrd’s group the Famous Flames, launching his professional career.

Career

Brown and the Famous Flames recorded their first R&B hit Please, Please, Please in 1956. The 1963 live album Live at the Apollo became a best-seller and highlighted his stage command. During the 1960s he released a string of landmark singles: ‘Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag’ 1965, Grammy winner, I Got You I Feel Good 1965, and ‘It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World’ 1966. By 1970, Brown had developed the funk sound with his backing band the J.B.s, producing classics like Get Up I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine and The Payback. His socially conscious anthem ‘Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud’ 1968 became a rallying cry during the civil rights era.

Personal life

Brown married four times: Velma Warren 1953-1969, Deidra Jenkins 1970-1981, Adrienne Rodriguez 1984-1996, died from heart failure after surgery, and Tomirae Brown 2001-2004. He fathered children: with Velma he had sons Teddy died 1973, Terry, and Larry; with Deidra he had daughters Deanna and Yamma; with Tomirae he had a son, James Brown Jr. born 2001. In 1988 he led police on a high-speed chase and served 26 months in prison. He faced domestic violence charges. He was lifelong friends with Little Richard, Reverend Al Sharpton, and Jesse Jackson.

Legacy

Brown is the progenitor of funk and a foundational figure in popular music. He was one of the first ten inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2003, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992. Funky Drummer is the most sampled individual piece of music; artists from Jay-Z to Public Enemy have used his beats. Brown’s 17 No. 1 R&B singles and his record for most Billboard Hot 100 entries without a No. 1 highlight his lasting chart success. He is remembered as the hardest-working man in show business and the Godfather of Soul.

Filmography.

FILMS · 96

The complete filmography of James Brown — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV

The Simpsons

1989
TV

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

1962
TV

Miami Vice

1984
TV

The Mike Douglas Show

1961
TV

Madam Secretary

2014
TV

Duckman

1994
TV

New York Undercover

1994
TV

The Ed Sullivan Show

1948
TV

Amen

1986
Movie

Robots

2005
Movie

Rocky IV

1985
Movie

The Blues Brothers

1980
TV

The Millers

2013
TV

The Flip Wilson Show

1970

Showing 14 of 96 View all 96 films

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 5

Every award, honor, and recognition received by James Brown — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Kennedy Center Honors
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
MOJO Awards
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 5

A wall of memorable lines from James Brown — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Disco Is James Brown, Hip-hop Is James Brown, Rap Is James Brown; You Know What I’m Saying? You Hear All the Rappers, 90% of Their Music Is Me.
I Would Like to Pass on the Want to Do Something. the Need Is There. Good Lyrics Are Good Things, but I Would Like to Pass on That Drive, That Vigorous Undying Determination.
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.
I’ve Been in Slavery All My Life. Ain’t Nothing Changes for Me but the Address.
Sometimes, You Like to Let the Hair Do the Talking!

Did you know?

FACTS · 45

Little-known facts about James Brown — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Brown coordinated his dance moves to lead his band; each movement was an instruction to the musicians.
In live shows, Brown would sometimes add the I got ya lyric when he caught a musician making a mistake.
He holds the record for charting the most singles on the Billboard Hot 100 without ever reaching #1.
He served 26 months in prison for leading police on a high speed chase in Georgia in 1988.
Was lifelong friends with Little Richard since they were both teenagers.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell appointed Brown the first US secretary of soul and foreign minister of funk, though the job description was never drawn up.
Insisted on using the title Mr. or Ms. for everyone in his band as a sign of respect.
His third wife, Adrienne Rodriguez, charged him four times with felony assault; she died from heart failure after plastic surgery.
J. Anthony Lukas’s book Common Ground notes that a 1968 Brown performance the day after Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination helped keep Boston from erupting.
Was friends with Elvis Presley and was one of only three celebrities present at Presley’s funeral, alongside Ann-Margret and George Hamilton.
Paroled after serving three years of a six-year sentence for threatening pedestrians, abusing PCP, and leading a high-speed chase in 1988.
His funeral was officiated by his good friend Reverend Al Sharpton.
Inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame for his contribution to British music.
Performed at President Richard Nixon’s first inauguration on January 30, 1969.
Because no flights were available after his death, Brown’s body was driven from Atlanta to New York for a public viewing at the Apollo Theater.
Son James Brown II was born to girlfriend Tomirae Brown on July 1, 2001.
Distressed by school shootings in the late 1990s, he wrote the song ‘Killing’s Out and School’s In’.
He is the world’s most sampled recording artist; his song Funky Drummer is the most sampled individual piece of music.
Some radicals criticized his patriotism, and he received death threats after performing for US troops in Vietnam in 1972.
He underwent treatment for addiction to painkillers and surgery for prostate cancer.
Got his start singing with Bobby Byrd’s group the Famous Flames.
Won three Grammy Awards: Best R&B Recording ‘Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag’, 1965, Best Male R&B Performance Living in America, 1986, and Best Album Notes Star Times, 1991; received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992.
Inducted into the American Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000.
Hit singles like ‘Say It Loud I’m Black and I’m Proud and Funky President galvanized black youth during the 1970s.
Charter member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1986.
Was planning to sing at B.B. King’s blues club in New York on New Year’s Eve a week before his death.
Popular songs include Please, Please, Please 1958, I Got You I Feel Good 1965, ‘It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World’ 1966, Cold Sweat 1967, ‘I Got the Feelin’ 1968, Get Up I Like Being a Sex Machine 1970, and Living in America 1985.
Arrested on January 28, 2004 for allegedly pushing his wife; he later filed for an annulment.
Augusta’s 9th Street was renamed James Brown Boulevard by Mayor Charles DeVaney.
One of five recipients of the 2003 Kennedy Center Honors, alongside Carol Burnett, Loretta Lynn, Mike Nichols, and Itzhak Perlman.
Voted the tenth greatest singer of the rock era in a 2008 Rolling Stone poll.
Diagnosed with heart disease in 2003.
Daughters with second wife Deidre Deedee are Deanna Brown and Yamma Brown.
In 2005, Reverend Al Sharpton unveiled a life-size bronze statue of Brown in Augusta, Georgia.
In 2003, South Carolina granted him pardons for seven criminal convictions over a 10-year period.
Voted the 7th Greatest Rock n Roll Artist of all time by Entertainment Weekly.
Reverend Jesse Jackson regularly visited Brown while he served time for the 1988 car chase.
Sons with first wife Velma were Teddy 1954-1973, Terry 1955-, and Larry 1958-.
Mentioned in the song Genius of Love by Tom Tom Club.
Awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1501 Vine Street on January 10, 1997.
Friends with M.C. Hammer.
Portions of his funeral in Augusta were shown live on CNN.
In 1991, techno group L.A. Style released the single James Brown Is Dead, which prompted response tracks James Brown Is Still Alive by Holy Noise and Who the F Is James Brown? by Traumatic Stress.
Resided in Beach Island, South Carolina at the time of his death.
Mentioned in the song When the World is Running Down by The Police.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 46

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about James Brown.

When was James Brown born?

James Brown was born on May 3, 1933 in Barnwell, South Carolina. He was the son of a sharecropper and grew up in poverty during the Great Depression.
What was James Brown's real name?

His full birth name was James Joseph Brown. He was later given nicknames like the Godfather of Soul and Soul Brother Number One.
Where was James Brown born?

Brown was born in Barnwell, South Carolina, USA. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Augusta, Georgia, where he spent much of his childhood.
When did James Brown die?

James Brown died on December 25, 2006 at age 73. He passed away in Atlanta, Georgia from complications of pneumonia.
How did James Brown die?

Brown died from pneumonia at Emory Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta. He had been hospitalized with heart disease and was recovering from recent dental surgery.
How old was James Brown when he died?

He was 73 years old at the time of his death. He was born on May 3, 1933, and died on December 25, 2006.
Where did James Brown die?

Brown died in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. His body was later driven to New York for a public viewing at the Apollo Theater.
What did James Brown do for a living?

Brown was a recording artist, actor, and music crew leader. He was a singer, dancer, bandleader, and record producer who pioneered funk music.
What nationality was James Brown?

James Brown was American. He was born in the United States and lived most of his life in Georgia and South Carolina.
Who was James Brown married to?

Brown was married four times: Velma Warren 1953-1969, Deidra Jenkins 1970-1981, Adrienne Rodriguez 1984-1996, and Tomirae Brown 2001-2004. All marriages ended in divorce or annulment except Rodriguez, who died.
Did James Brown have children?

Yes, Brown had several children. With his first wife Velma he had sons Teddy, Terry, and Larry. With second wife Deidra he had daughters Deanna and Yamma. With Tomirae he had a son named James Brown Jr., born in 2001.
What awards did James Brown win?

Brown received many lifetime honors, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award 1992, the Kennedy Center Honors 2003, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 1997, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1986.
What was James Brown best known for?

Brown is the Godfather of Soul and the pioneer of funk music. His hits I Got You I Feel Good, ‘Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag’, and Get Up I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine are among his most famous. He also appeared on television shows like The Simpsons and Miami Vice.
How tall was James Brown?

James Brown was 5 feet 7 inches 1.70 m tall.
What were James Brown's nicknames and why?

Brown was called the Godfather of Soul for his foundational role in soul music, the Hardest Working Man in Show Business for his relentless performance style, and Soul Brother Number One for his influence on African American culture. He also used the nickname Mr. Dynamite.
Why did James Brown use aliases?

Brown used aliases such as The Godfather of Soul James Brown and The James Brown Revue for stage performances and recordings. He also occasionally recorded as C.C. Lemonhead to experiment with different styles.
How many singles did James Brown have on the Billboard Hot 100?

Brown holds the record for the most singles on the Billboard Hot 100 that did not reach No. 1. He charted 17 No. 1 hits on the R&B charts but never reached the top spot on the pop Hot 100.
What was James Brown's role in the Famous Flames?

Brown was the lead singer of the Famous Flames, a rhythm and blues vocal group founded by Bobby Byrd. They recorded early hits like Please, Please, Please 1956 and Try Me 1958.
What is James Brown's most sampled song?

The drum break from Funky Drummer 1970 is the most sampled individual piece of music. Artists like Jay-Z, Public Enemy, and Dr. Dre have used it extensively in hip-hop.
Did James Brown serve time in prison?

Yes, in 1988 Brown led police on a high-speed chase across two states and was sentenced to six years. He served 26 months before being paroled. During his incarceration, he continued to write music and received visits from Jesse Jackson.
What was James Brown's connection to the civil rights movement?

Brown’s 1968 song ‘Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud’ became an anthem for Black pride. In 1968, his concert at Boston Garden the day after Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination helped calm potential riots.
Who were James Brown's close friends?

Brown was lifelong friends with Little Richard from their teens, Reverend Al Sharpton who officiated his funeral, Jesse Jackson, and Elvis Presley. He was one of only three celebrities at Presley’s funeral.
What was the significance of James Brown's Live at the Apollo album?

The 1963 album Live at the Apollo captured Brown’s electrifying stage show and became a landmark in live recordings. It spent over a year on the Billboard albums chart and cemented his reputation as a dynamic performer.
How many Grammy Awards did James Brown win?

Brown won three competitive Grammy Awards: Best R&B Recording for ‘Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag’ 1965, Best Male R&B Performance for Living in America 1986, and Best Album Notes for Star Times 1991. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992.
What was the impact of James Brown's song 'Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud'?

Released in 1968, the song became an anthem for the Black Power movement. It empowered African Americans during a time of racial tension and remains a powerful statement of Black identity.
Did James Brown appear in movies?

Yes, Brown acted in several films and TV shows. He voiced himself on The Simpsons, played Lou De Long on Miami Vice, and appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
What was James Brown's relationship with the United States government?

Brown performed at President Richard Nixon’s first inauguration in 1969 and was appointed secretary of soul by Secretary of State Colin Powell. He was criticized by some radicals for his patriotism and received death threats after performing for troops in Vietnam.
What honors did James Brown receive in his hometown?

The city of Augusta, Georgia renamed 9th Street to James Brown Boulevard and erected a life-size bronze statue in 2005. He also received pardons from South Carolina for previous convictions in 2003.
How did James Brown influence hip-hop music?

Brown’s funk grooves and breakbeats became the backbone of early hip-hop. His songs Funky Drummer and The Payback were heavily sampled by pioneering rap acts like Run-DMC, Eric B. & Rakim, and Public Enemy.
What was the cause of James Brown's death?

The official cause of death was pneumonia, contributed to by heart disease and other complications. He died on Christmas Day 2006 at Emory Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta.
Did James Brown have any legal issues with his spouses?

His third wife, Adrienne Rodriguez, charged him with felony assault four times. After her death in 1996 from plastic surgery complications, Brown faced further domestic violence charges with his fourth wife, Tomirae, in 2004.
What was the James Brown Revue?

The James Brown Revue was his touring show featuring a backing band, dancers, and elaborate choreography. It set the standard for live soul and funk performances and was known for its precision and energy.
What is James Brown's legacy in music?

Brown is celebrated as the inventor of funk and one of the most sampled artists in history. His work has influenced genres from soul to hip-hop, and he is often ranked among the greatest musicians of all time, including 7th on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists list.
How many No. 1 R&B hits did James Brown have?

Brown recorded 17 No. 1 singles on the Billboard R&B charts, a record at the time. His first was Try Me 1958 and his last was Get Up Offa That Thing 1976.
What was James Brown's height?

He stood 5 feet 7 inches 1.70 m.
What was James Brown's first major hit?

His first major hit was Please, Please, Please in 1956, recorded with the Famous Flames. It became a top-five R&B hit and established his signature vocal style.
Was James Brown a performer at the Apollo Theater?

Yes, Brown performed at the Apollo Theater many times. His legendary 1963 performance there was recorded and released as Live at the Apollo, which became a best-selling album.
What vehicle did James Brown drive in his infamous chase?

Brown led police in 1988 while driving his pickup truck on Interstate 20. The chase spanned two states and involved threats with a firearm.
Did James Brown have any famous relatives?

No notable relatives are publicly known. His children include Deanna Brown and Yamma Brown, who have managed his estate, but none achieved fame comparable to their father.
What was the name of James Brown's backing band?

Brown’s backing band was known by several names, including the James Brown Band, the James Brown Orchestra, and later the J.B.s. The J.B.s included future funk stars like Bootsy Collins.
How did James Brown's dance moves function as instructions?

Brown coordinated specific dance moves to cue his band. Each step or turn signaled a musical change, allowing seamless onstage direction without verbal commands.
What was the 'Funky Drummer' sample used in?

The drum break from Funky Drummer has been used in hundreds of songs, including Jay-Z’s 99 Problems, Public Enemy’s Fight the Power, and Kanye West’s The Glory.
What did James Brown do after the 1988 prison sentence?

After his release in 1991, Brown returned to touring and recording. He released albums like Love Over-Due 1991 and Living in America 1986 had already revived his career. He remained active until his death in 2006.
Was James Brown friends with Muhammad Ali?

There are no specific mentions of a close friendship in the source record, but both were iconic figures in the 1960s and 1970s. The source notes his friendships with Little Richard, Elvis Presley, and civil rights leaders.
What was James Brown's net worth at death?

The source record does not provide net worth data. After his death, his estate faced legal battles over assets, but specific figures are not given.
What is the James Brown statue in Augusta?

A life-size bronze statue of James Brown was unveiled in Augusta, Georgia in 2005 by Reverend Al Sharpton. It stands on the campus of the Augusta Commons and commemorates his contributions to music.

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Audited & updated by

Sophia has 4 years of editorial experience and a habit of becoming the person any team leans on when they need to know where something stands. At Famousy, she manages the content pipeline, coordinates reviews, and handles the detail work that keeps a large editorial operation from falling apart. She reads a lot of profiles in the process and she's developed a sharp instinct for when something doesn't feel right. She flags it. It usually is.

Published on July 21, 2026

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James Brown.

TL;DR

Early life

Career

Personal life

Legacy

The Simpsons

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

Miami Vice

The Mike Douglas Show

Madam Secretary

Duckman

New York Undercover

The Ed Sullivan Show

Amen

Robots

Rocky IV

The Blues Brothers

The Millers

The Flip Wilson Show