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American singer, songwriter, dancer, bandleader, and cultural icon known as the 'Godfather of Soul' and 'The Hardest Working Man in Show Business'. Born in extreme poverty in South Carolina, James Brown rose to become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. He pioneered funk music and transformed rhythm and blues with hits like 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag' and 'I Got You (I Feel Good)'. His electrifying stage presence, complex rhythms, and socially conscious lyrics made him a global icon. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, Brown remained a prolific performer until his death.

• Brown spent his youth in poverty, engaging in petty crime that led to a 3-year incarceration in a juvenile facility at age 16.
• He was notorious for fining band members for musical mistakes during performances, demanding absolute perfection.
• His 1968 anthem 'Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud' became a civil rights movement rallying cry.
• Struggled with drug addiction in the 1980s, leading to a high-speed police chase in 1988 and prison time.
• Died of congestive heart failure on Christmas Day 2006, with his cause of death complicated by pneumonia and diabetes.