The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, died on Christmas Day, 2006. His contribution to modern music is unfathomable. He reinvented rhythm and blues, invented funk, and influenced countless other musicians who in turn had their own massive contributions on changing the course of music. It’s hard to point to another artist who had such a major impact—including Miles Davis, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and the Beatles, all of whose influences are still felt to differing degrees.
James Brown, born in the Deep South—likely, Barnwell, South Carolina, in 1933—and raised in Augusta, Georgia, suffered great hardship early on, from extreme poverty to systemic racism, leading him into juvenile delinquency. Meeting Bobby Byrd would change the course of his life, as JB joined Byrd’s band in 1954. Within only two years, the band had evolved into the Famous Flames and landed a contract with Ohio-based King Records, releasing “Please, Please, Please” in March 1956 and selling over a million copies.
About a decade later, in 1965, James Brown set off a stick of dynamite that would forever reverberate within the music industry with his single “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag.” The next few years saw James Brown and his band getting funkier and funkier with tracks like “Mother Popcorn,” “Give It Up or Turnit a Loose,” and “Funky Drummer,” to name a few. R&B would never be the same.
Brown was no stranger to controversy, as throughout his lifetime he mistreated his bandmates, his wives, and his girlfriends; had substance abuse issues and run-ins with the law (even shooting at cops). He was a complicated person, persona, and personality, no doubt, but it’s impossible to look at the history of Black music without acknowledging Soul Brother #1.
As Christmas comes around each year, we are reminded of his death, and his life. So to celebrate his life and music this year, we’re offering a look at his life in photos.
![James Brown and the Original Flames, 1956. (left to right) Sylvester Keels, Nash Knox, Fred Pulliam, James Brown (on drums), Nafloyd Scott, Bobby Byrd (on piano), and Roy Scott. Photo via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208040-original-flames-1956.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208040-original-flames-1956.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208040-original-flames-1956.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208040-original-flames-1956.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208040-original-flames-1956.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208040-original-flames-1956.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown in New York City, 1956. Photo via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208241-jb-portrait-1956.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208241-jb-portrait-1956.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208241-jb-portrait-1956.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208241-jb-portrait-1956.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208241-jb-portrait-1956.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208241-jb-portrait-1956.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown promotional photo, circa 1958. Photo via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208262-jb-portrait-1958.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208262-jb-portrait-1958.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208262-jb-portrait-1958.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208262-jb-portrait-1958.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208262-jb-portrait-1958.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208262-jb-portrait-1958.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown rehearsing with the Famous Flames. Photo by Gilles Petard/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208722-famous-flames-rehearsal.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208722-famous-flames-rehearsal.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208722-famous-flames-rehearsal.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208722-famous-flames-rehearsal.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208722-famous-flames-rehearsal.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208722-famous-flames-rehearsal.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown and the Flames backstage at the Apollo, 1959. Photo by Ben Martin/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208463-jb-and-the-flames-backstage-at-the-apollo-1959.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208463-jb-and-the-flames-backstage-at-the-apollo-1959.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208463-jb-and-the-flames-backstage-at-the-apollo-1959.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208463-jb-and-the-flames-backstage-at-the-apollo-1959.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208463-jb-and-the-flames-backstage-at-the-apollo-1959.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208463-jb-and-the-flames-backstage-at-the-apollo-1959.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown with a toy poodle, New York City, 1960. Photo via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208823-jb-and-a-poodle-1960.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208823-jb-and-a-poodle-1960.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208823-jb-and-a-poodle-1960.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208823-jb-and-a-poodle-1960.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208823-jb-and-a-poodle-1960.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208823-jb-and-a-poodle-1960.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown needs help! Thankfully, his trusty MC, Danny Ray, is there to hold him up, as always. Photo taken in New York City, 1963, via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208950-danny-ray-helps-jb-1963.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208950-danny-ray-helps-jb-1963.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208950-danny-ray-helps-jb-1963.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208950-danny-ray-helps-jb-1963.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208950-danny-ray-helps-jb-1963.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640208950-danny-ray-helps-jb-1963.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown and his cape man Danny Ray backstage at the Apollo Theater, 1964. Photo by Don Paulsen via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640209099-jb-and-danny-ray-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640209099-jb-and-danny-ray-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640209099-jb-and-danny-ray-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640209099-jb-and-danny-ray-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640209099-jb-and-danny-ray-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640209099-jb-and-danny-ray-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown in his famous cape, helped offstage by MC Danny Ray at the Apollo Theater, 1964. Photo via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640209375-caped-jb-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640209375-caped-jb-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640209375-caped-jb-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640209375-caped-jb-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640209375-caped-jb-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640209375-caped-jb-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
James Brown onstage with the Famous Flames (Johnny Terry, Bobby Byrd, Bobby Bennett) at the Apollo Theater, 1964. Photos via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.
![James Brown, shirt off and slippers on, backstage at his second home, the Apollo, 1964. Photo by Don Paulsen via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210509-jb-shirtless-backstage-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210509-jb-shirtless-backstage-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210509-jb-shirtless-backstage-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210509-jb-shirtless-backstage-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210509-jb-shirtless-backstage-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210509-jb-shirtless-backstage-at-the-apollo-1964.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![Photo, circa 1965, by Gilles Petard/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210671-jb-and-band-onstage-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210671-jb-and-band-onstage-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210671-jb-and-band-onstage-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210671-jb-and-band-onstage-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210671-jb-and-band-onstage-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210671-jb-and-band-onstage-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown and band in 1965. Photo by Gilles Petard/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210827-jb-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210827-jb-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210827-jb-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210827-jb-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210827-jb-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210827-jb-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![JB in front of his first LearJet, circa 1965. Photo by Gilles Petard/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210886-jb-and-plane-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210886-jb-and-plane-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210886-jb-and-plane-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210886-jb-and-plane-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210886-jb-and-plane-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640210886-jb-and-plane-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![JB circa 1965. Photo via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211145-jb-portrait-outside-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211145-jb-portrait-outside-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211145-jb-portrait-outside-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211145-jb-portrait-outside-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211145-jb-portrait-outside-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211145-jb-portrait-outside-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![JB and band in the recording studio, 1965. Photo via GAB Archive/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211201-jb-in-studio-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211201-jb-in-studio-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211201-jb-in-studio-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211201-jb-in-studio-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211201-jb-in-studio-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211201-jb-in-studio-circa-1965.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown in the studio during “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” recording session, 1966. Photo by Gilles Petard/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211569-it-s-a-man-s-world-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211569-it-s-a-man-s-world-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211569-it-s-a-man-s-world-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211569-it-s-a-man-s-world-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211569-it-s-a-man-s-world-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211569-it-s-a-man-s-world-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![JB circa 1966. Photo via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211659-jb-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211659-jb-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211659-jb-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211659-jb-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211659-jb-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211659-jb-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown performs on the British TV show <i>Ready Steady Go!</i> at Wembley Studios, 1966. Photo via Echoes/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211759-jb-at-wembley-studios-ready-steady-go-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211759-jb-at-wembley-studios-ready-steady-go-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211759-jb-at-wembley-studios-ready-steady-go-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211759-jb-at-wembley-studios-ready-steady-go-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211759-jb-at-wembley-studios-ready-steady-go-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211759-jb-at-wembley-studios-ready-steady-go-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown on <i>Ready Steady Go!</i>, London, March 11, 1966. Photo by David Redfern/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211843-jb-in-london-1966-color.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211843-jb-in-london-1966-color.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211843-jb-in-london-1966-color.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211843-jb-in-london-1966-color.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211843-jb-in-london-1966-color.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640211843-jb-in-london-1966-color.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown and boxing champ Cassius Clay (soon to be known as Muhammad Ali) at the annual Bud Billiken Parade, Chicago, August 1966. Photo by Robert Abbott Sengstacke/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212002-jb-and-cassius-clay-in-chicago-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212002-jb-and-cassius-clay-in-chicago-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212002-jb-and-cassius-clay-in-chicago-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212002-jb-and-cassius-clay-in-chicago-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212002-jb-and-cassius-clay-in-chicago-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212002-jb-and-cassius-clay-in-chicago-1966.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey is joined by James Brown as Humphrey addressed hundreds of youth in the Watts Labor Community Action Committee’s summer program, Los Angeles, July 29, 1968. Photo via Bettmann/Getty Images. JB and his manager Ben Bart with Brown’s new LearJet Model 24A, circa 1968. Photo via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images. JB circa 1968. Photo via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.
![JB at the Newport Jazz Festival 1969. Photo by Gai Terrell/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212510-jb-at-newport-1969-color-2.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212510-jb-at-newport-1969-color-2.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212510-jb-at-newport-1969-color-2.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212510-jb-at-newport-1969-color-2.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212510-jb-at-newport-1969-color-2.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212510-jb-at-newport-1969-color-2.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![St. Clair Pinckney and JB at the Newport Jazz Festival 1969. Photo by Gai Terrell/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212582-st-clair-pinckney-and-james-brown-at-newport-1969.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212582-st-clair-pinckney-and-james-brown-at-newport-1969.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212582-st-clair-pinckney-and-james-brown-at-newport-1969.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212582-st-clair-pinckney-and-james-brown-at-newport-1969.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212582-st-clair-pinckney-and-james-brown-at-newport-1969.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212582-st-clair-pinckney-and-james-brown-at-newport-1969.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown on <i>The Dick Cavett Show</i>, 1970. Photo via Bettmann/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212725-jb-on-the-dick-cavett-show-circa-1970.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212725-jb-on-the-dick-cavett-show-circa-1970.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212725-jb-on-the-dick-cavett-show-circa-1970.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212725-jb-on-the-dick-cavett-show-circa-1970.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212725-jb-on-the-dick-cavett-show-circa-1970.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212725-jb-on-the-dick-cavett-show-circa-1970.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![The crew, circa 1970. Image via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212824-jb-crew-circa-1970.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212824-jb-crew-circa-1970.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212824-jb-crew-circa-1970.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212824-jb-crew-circa-1970.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212824-jb-crew-circa-1970.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212824-jb-crew-circa-1970.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![Bassist Bootsy Collins, James Brown, and guitarist Catfish Collins in East Ham, London, March 1971. Photo by David Redfern/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212897-bootsy-jb-and-catfish-1971.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212897-bootsy-jb-and-catfish-1971.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212897-bootsy-jb-and-catfish-1971.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212897-bootsy-jb-and-catfish-1971.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212897-bootsy-jb-and-catfish-1971.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212897-bootsy-jb-and-catfish-1971.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown onstage in London, March 11, 1971. Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212985-jb-in-london-1971.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212985-jb-in-london-1971.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212985-jb-in-london-1971.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212985-jb-in-london-1971.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212985-jb-in-london-1971.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640212985-jb-in-london-1971.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown at the Venue, London, September 1979. Photo by David Redfern/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213054-jb-in-london-1979.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213054-jb-in-london-1979.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213054-jb-in-london-1979.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213054-jb-in-london-1979.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213054-jb-in-london-1979.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213054-jb-in-london-1979.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown, with civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton by his side, shakes the hand of a New York City police officer outside City Hall, New York City, January 23, 1980. Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213294-jb-and-al-sharpton-1980.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213294-jb-and-al-sharpton-1980.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213294-jb-and-al-sharpton-1980.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213294-jb-and-al-sharpton-1980.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213294-jb-and-al-sharpton-1980.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213294-jb-and-al-sharpton-1980.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown plays the Moog Liberation at Hammersmith Odeon, London, May 23, 1985. Photo by David Corio/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213389-jb-with-moog-1985.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213389-jb-with-moog-1985.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213389-jb-with-moog-1985.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213389-jb-with-moog-1985.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213389-jb-with-moog-1985.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213389-jb-with-moog-1985.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![JB jumps at Hammersmith Odeon, London, May 23, 1985. Photo by David Corio via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213466-elderly-jb-jumping-by-david-corio.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213466-elderly-jb-jumping-by-david-corio.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213466-elderly-jb-jumping-by-david-corio.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213466-elderly-jb-jumping-by-david-corio.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213466-elderly-jb-jumping-by-david-corio.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213466-elderly-jb-jumping-by-david-corio.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown with producers Charlie Midnight and Dan Hartman in the control room at Greene Street Recording Studio, mixing Brown’s single “Living in America” for Rocky IV, circa 1985. Photo by Ebet Roberts/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213571-jb-and-dan-hartman-circa-1986.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213571-jb-and-dan-hartman-circa-1986.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213571-jb-and-dan-hartman-circa-1986.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213571-jb-and-dan-hartman-circa-1986.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213571-jb-and-dan-hartman-circa-1986.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213571-jb-and-dan-hartman-circa-1986.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![JB in the Netherlands, circa 1990. Photo by Michel Linssen/Redferns.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213804-jb-in-netherlands-circa-1991.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213804-jb-in-netherlands-circa-1991.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213804-jb-in-netherlands-circa-1991.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213804-jb-in-netherlands-circa-1991.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213804-jb-in-netherlands-circa-1991.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640213804-jb-in-netherlands-circa-1991.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)
![James Brown (1933–2006) poses outside on October 4, 2004. Photo by Neale Haynes/Getty Images.](https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640214146-green-jb-2004.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=100 100w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640214146-green-jb-2004.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=300 300w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640214146-green-jb-2004.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=900 900w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640214146-green-jb-2004.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1200 1200w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640214146-green-jb-2004.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1500 1500w,
https://www.datocms-assets.com/38007/1640214146-green-jb-2004.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=format&w=1800 1800w)