James Brown’s Troubled Childhood
James Brown was born near Barnwell, South Carolina on May 3, 1933. Deserted by his mother when he was four years old, Brown’s father sent him to his aunt’s home, a brothel in Augusta, Georgia. Brown grew up fast. By the time he was sixteen years old, he was sent to a reform school for stealing a car. Originally sentenced to eight to sixteen years, he served only three and was released on parole.
Brown Turns His Life Around
Reform school opened up a new avenue for Brown. It was there that he learned to play an instrument and met Bobby Byrd, the leader of a gospel group. Brown and Byrd later changed from gospel to secular music. Along with Johnny Terry, Brown, and Byrd formed the band 3 Swanees. After moving to Macon, Georgia and performing impromptu at a Little Richard concert, Little Richard’s manager was so impressed that he changed their name to the Famous Flames and signed them.
Brown’s Energetic Performances
The Flames made their first recording “Please, Please, Please” in 1956. The Flames grew to include dancers, a court jester, a comedian, and a slew of other vocalists. As the group continued into the 1960s, the emerging black pride was reflected in songs such as “Say it Loud I am Black and Proud.” Brown’s energy in his performances also emerged as something to be remembered; the sweat drenched Brown wearing tight pants with crazy hair would entertain audiences with jumps, splits, and spins.
Brown’s music, which could only be heard on black radio stations, increasingly became popular with working class blacks. The appeal of his music lay in its funk sound that was evident in his 1963 song “Out of Sight.” Not everyone, however, was impressed with his style. By the time of his 1962 performance at the Apollo Theater, his screaming and yelling at the performance caused King Records to refuse to produce the album. Using his own money, Brown produced it. A year later when it was released, it shot to number two on the Billboard album chart.
Troubled Times in the 1970s
By 1970, with his release of “Get Up, I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine,” he captured the attention of fans and inspired later artists with the emergence of this full fledged funk song. In 1971 the Flames broke up, and Brown formed his own band called JBS. While Brown continued to experience success in his career, his business endeavors and personal life suffered. His son died in a car accident, Byrd left the group, he became addicted to drugs, was arrested, and the IRS attacked his assets. During the 1960s, he had acquired a jet, radio stations, a record label, a production company, and seventeen publishing companies, which all became subject to government collection.
Brown Makes a Comeback
Brown’s trouble in the seventies carried over into the 1980s. He was arrested, and this time he served time in prison for driving while on PCP. Beyond his personal problems, Brown again appeared in the public sphere. His music was featured in the movie Rocky IV and he played a pastor in the movie The Blues Brothers. Brown’s work was honored with his 1986 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a 1987 Grammy for “Living in America,” and a 1992 lifetime achievement Grammy. On December 25, 2006, James Brown died of pneumonia.
