James Brown

American singer, songwriter, and musician (born 3 May 1933 near Barnwell, South Carolina; died 25 December 2006 in Atlanta, Georgia (aged 73). Raised in poverty in Augusta, Georgia. Prior to his career in music, he worked as a shoe-shiner, car washer, and cotton-picker. 1950s: Joined the Gospel Starlighters in 1953, a vocal quartet led by Bobby Byrd, after completing a four-year stint in prison for robbery. As Brown became the focal point of the act, the group changed its name to 'The Famous Flames' and its focus from gospel to R&B.