James Brown

James Brown was born in Barnwell, South Carolina, and grew up in Augusta, Georgia, going on to become one of the most influential figures in American music. He built his career on a mix of soul, funk, gospel, and rhythm and blues, with a performance style built around explosive vocals, tight band arrangements, and relentless energy on stage. His recordings have been sampled more widely than almost any other artist, and his nickname, the Godfather of Soul, stuck because it fit.