A to Z Blogging Challenge:
J is for James Brown
by
Wanda Psycho
James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, was born May 3, 1933 in Barnwell, South Carolina. His parents were Joseph Gardner Brown and Susie Behlings Brown.
James' early life was troubled. The family lived in extreme poverty. His mother abandoned the family for another man. For a time, young James lived with an aunt who ran a brothel.
James dropped out of school after the seventh grade. He earned money doing odd jobs and singing in talent contests. He formed a vocal group, the Cremonia Trio, when he was just twelve years old.
James was convicted of armed robbery at the age of sixteen. While in prison, he formed a quartet. R&B legend Bobby Byrd heard James perform. He was impressed by the young man's talent, and worked to secure him an early release from prison.
Upon release from prison, James became active in boxing and semi-professional baseball. After sustaining a serious leg injury, he turned back to music.
James recorded an album with The Ever Ready Gospel Singers. Bobby Byrd asked James to join his band, the Avons. The Avons later changed their name to The Toccoa Band, and later to The Flames, and finally to The Famous Flames.
James passed away on December 23, 2006 due to pneumonia and congestive heart failure, which had resulted from the pneumonia going untreated for a fair period of time.
Although he sometimes had trouble in his personal life, James' contributions to music cannot be denied. He had one of the most powerful voices in music. He truly deserved his title, The Godfather of Soul.
~Wanda~
