Biography
James Brown (May 3, 1933 - December 25, 2006) was an American singer and songwriter, eventually referred to as "The Godfather of Soul"(GFOS). Brown started singing in gospel groups and worked his way on up. He has been recognized as one of the most iconic figures in the 20th century popular music and was renowned for his vocals and feverish dancing. He was also called "the hardest-working man in show business". Brown began his professional music career in 1956 and rose to fame during the late 1950s and early 1960s on the strength of his thrilling live performances and string of smash hits. In spite of various personal problems and setbacks he continued to score hits in every decade through the 1980s. In addition to his acclaim in music, Brown was also a presence in American political affairs during the 1960s and 1970s.
Acted in 30
2020s
- 2020
The AGFA Mystery Mixtape Vault
(archive footage)
2010s
- 2016
Andy Warhol, Fluorescent
(archive footage)
- 2014
The Story of Funk: One Nation Under a Groove
Movie
- 2013
2000s
- 2007
James Brown: Living in America
Movie
The Midnight Special Legendary Performances: More 1977
Movie
- 2005
- 2003
James Brown - Live at Chastain Park Atlanta 1980
Movie
Paper Chasers
Movie
- 2002
Beat the Devil
Mr. James Brown
- 2001
The UB40: Story of Reggae
Drummer
1990s
- 1998
- 1994
- 1991
James Brown Live in Berlin
Movie
- 1990
1980s
- 1989
Legends of Rock 'n' Roll
James Brown
- 1986
- 1985
Motown Returns to the Apollo
Movie
- 1984
- 1983
Doctor Detroit
Bandleader
- 1980
1970s
- 1978
James Brown Soul Brother No. 1
Movie
- 1970
The Phynx
James Brown
1960s
- 1969
The Music Scene
TV
Playboy After Dark
TV
Sound 7
2010s
- 2014
1990s
- 1992
Black Women, Sexual Politics and the Revolution
Songs
- 1990
1980s
- 1984
- 1981
Walk Out
Music
1970s
- 1973
Slaughter's Big Rip-Off
Original Music Composer
Other crew 1
2020s
- 2026
The Godfather of Soul
Compositor
Appearances70
2020s
- 2026
The Godfather of Soul
Self (archive footage)
- 2025
- 2024
James Brown: Say It Loud
Self (archive footage) · 4 episodes
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
Best of the 60s: The Story of Ready, Steady, Go!
Self (archive footage)
- 2020
70 Years of Youth Revolt
Self (archive footage) · 1 episode
2010s
- 2019
Africa Rising
Self - Musician (archive footage)
- 2018
1968: A Year of War, Turmoil and Beyond
Self (archive footage)
- 2016
- 2015
Les Fous du Funk
Self · 1 episode
- 2014
James Brown - The Man, The Music & The Message
Self
Finding the Funk
Self
- 2013
Fathers and Songs: Music for Father's Day
Self (archive footage)
- 2012
Yo! The Story of ‘Yo! MTV Raps’
Self (archive footage)
- 2011
The Real Rocky
Self (archive footage)
2000s
- 2009
Soul Power
Self (archive footage)
Sex in '69: The Sexual Revolution in America
Self
- 2008
James Brown Live At The Apollo '68
Self
James Brown Live At The Boston Garden - April 5, 1968
Self
Pavarotti The Duets
Self
- 2006
George Clinton: Tales of Dr Funkenstein
Self (archive footage)
Full Length & Fabulous: The Beckhams' World Cup Party
Self
Frankie Laine: An American Dreamer
Self (archive footage)
- 2005
Live 8
Self
Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music
Self · 6 episodes
Rock 'N' Roll Forever: Ed Sullivan's Greatest Hits
Self (archive)
- 2004
James Brown: Live
Self
James Brown: Body Heat
Self
Casey Kasem's Rock 'n' Roll Goldmine: The Soul Years
Self (archive footage)
- 2003
James Brown: Soul Survivor
Self
The Giants of Black Music
Self
- 2002
It's Black Entertainment
Self (archive footage)
- 2001
Rhythm and Blues 40: A Soul Spectacular
Self
- 2000
WCW SuperBrawl 2000
Himself
1990s
- 1999
James Brown: Live From The House Of Blues
Self
- 1997
- 1996
- 1995
Cincinnati's Rock 'N Roll Legends
Self
- 1994
- 1993
RapLine
Self
1980s
- 1988
- 1987
James Brown & Friends: A Night of Super Soul
Self
- 1985
James Brown - Live At Chastain Park
Himself
- 1983
When the Music's Over
Self
- 1981
James Brown: Live at Montreux
Self
1970s
- 1978
- 1974
The Midnight Special Legendary Performances 1974
Self
James Brown: Soul Train 1973-1974
Self
- 1971
James Brown: Love Power Peace
Self
- 1970
1960s
- 1965
- 1964
The T.A.M.I. Show
Self
- 1962
- 1961
1940s
- 1948
