James Brown was a prolific singer, songwriter and bandleader and one of the most iconic figures in funk and soul music from 1956 to 2006. Born into extreme poverty, he worked his way to the top of funk and R&B music, earning the moniker “Godfather of Soul”. His unique vocal and musical style influenced many other artists.
However, Brown was also known for his tumultuous personal life. After becoming one of the first musicians inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, Brown became mired in drug addiction and depression in the late 1980s. He also married four times in his life and has had to contend with domestic abuse allegations. Brown was also heavily involved with social activism, advocating for the benefits of education to schoolchildren and for civil rights in his songs.
Brown once said that there was only one way to truly understand him: “As I always said, if people wanted to know who James Brown is, all they have to do is listen to my music.”
Written by Kaily Smith
Film by Monica Winefield
Presented by Steve Kilbey