James Brown

James Joseph Brown (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006) was an American singer, dancer, and musician. A central progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th-century music, he is often referred to by various nicknames such as "Mr. Dynamite", "the Hardest-Working Man in Show Business", "Minister of New Super Heavy Funk", "Godfather of Soul", "King of Soul", and "Soul Brother No. 1". Brown's music career, which spanned over 50 years, was marked by his relentless dedication and contributions to several music genres, most notably Soul, R&B and funk. Known for his dynamic live performances, his influence on the music industry is immeasurable.

Brown began his career as a gospel singer in Toccoa, Georgia in the mid-1950s and quickly rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Famous Flames, a rhythm and blues vocal group. He was noted for his vocals and dance moves, which greatly contributed to his rise to stardom. During the late 1960s, Brown moved from blues and gospel-based forms to a new music style, funk, emphasizing interlocking rhythms. By the early 1970s, he had established the funk sound with records such as "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" and "The Payback". Brown continued to perform and record until his death from pneumonia in 2006.