James Brown

Profession: Singer

Nationality:

Biography: James Brown was an American musician and songwriter who was one of the most influential figures in 20th century popular music. He is often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul," and his music had a profound impact on the development of funk, soul, and hip hop.

Brown was born in South Carolina and raised in Georgia, where he began his musical career as a gospel singer in the 1940s. He joined a R&B group called the Famous Flames in the early 1950s, and they had a string of hits including "Please, Please, Please" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)."

Brown's career took off in the 1960s with the release of his album "Live at the Apollo," which is considered one of the greatest live albums of all time. He went on to release a series of hit singles and albums that defined the sound of funk, including "Cold Sweat," "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine," and "The Payback."

Brown's music was also a major influence on the development of hip hop, and he is credited with creating the genre's distinctive dance style, the "James Brown dance."

Brown continued to perform and record until his death in 2006.

Born: May 3, 1933
Birthplace: Barnwell, South Carolina, USA

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rooster
Star Sign: Taurus

Died: December 25, 2006 (aged 73)
Cause of Death: Pneumonia