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Artist Spotlight

James Brown

soul · 1965–1985

James Brown
📷 Dbking @ Flickr · CC BY 2.0

Imagine the electrifying pulse of a live band, the crowd moving as one, all ignited by a singular force—James Brown. The Godfather of Soul, with his unique blend of soul, funk, doo-wop, blues, and gospel, redefined the sound of 20th-century music. Known as "Mr. Dynamite" and "the Hardest-Working Man in Show Business," his influence rippled through genres, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of modern music. From the infectious grooves of "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" to the powerful anthem "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud," Brown's songs were not just hits; they were cultural milestones. With a career spanning over five decades, his legacy resonates still, a vibrant reminder of how one man's rhythm can change the world.

The facts

  • United States
  • soul, funk, doo-wop
  • On Federal Records, King Records, Polydor

The story behind “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine”

  • The Godfather of Soul, the blueprint for every drum break since.

James Brown in the crate

Papa's Got a Brand New Bag
James Brown
1965
Cold Sweat
James Brown
1967
I Got the Feelin'
James Brown
1968
Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud, Pt. 1
James Brown
1968
Mother Popcorn
James Brown
1969
Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine
James Brown
1970
Super Bad
James Brown
1970
Get On The Good Foot, Pt. 1
James Brown
1972
The Payback
James Brown
1973
Living In America
James Brown
1985
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