Lyrics | Artists | James Brown

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James Brown

A massively influential figure, James Brown is remembered as the undisputed "godfather of soul", his mix of frantic African rhythms with raw rock inspired generations of funk, soul, rock and R&B artists. Born in America's Deep South in the Depression era, Brown was brought up in extreme poverty, raised by an aunt who ran a brothel. Dropping out of school, he polished shoes, washed dishes, swept stores and, inspired by Louis Jordan, entered talent contests playing harmonica. At 16 Brown was convicted of armed robbery and sent to a reform school, where he put on a show witnessed by...