James Brown was an American singer, songwriter, and music producer, author of “I Feel Good,” one of the biggest hits of his career. The inventor of funk, he became one of the biggest names in showbiz.
James Joseph Brown Jr. was born in Barnwell, South Carolina, on March 3, 1933. Abandoned by his mother, he was raised by his father and an aunt who managed a brothel. He grew up in a poor neighborhood, and to help support the household, he worked in various jobs, such as a shoeshiner and dishwasher. Before turning 20, he was arrested multiple times for armed robbery and sentenced to over eight years in prison. For good behavior, after three years, he was sent to a reform school.
In 1953, taken in by the family of singer Bobby Byrd, 
he entered the music world. In 1953, he became part of the musical group “The Starlighters.” The group later changed its name to “the Famous Flames.” In 1955, he recorded the single “Please, Please, Please,” which reached number 5 on the R&B chart. In 1958, with the release of “Try Me,” the group began to be called “James Brown and the Famous Flames.” In 1964, James Brown released the album “Out of Sight,” which set him on the path to funk.
In 1964, he released two major hits: “I Got You” (I Feel Good) and “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” which became his biggest hits, both on the pop charts and the R&B charts. In 1966, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” won the Grammy for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording.
The hit “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud,” released in 1968, a declaration of black pride, became relevant to the civil rights movements of the 60s, while at the same time, it faced censorship from several American radio stations. In the 70s, Brown found success with “Sex 
Machine,” which reached number 1 in 1970, “The Payback,” which received a platinum record in 1974, in addition to “Papa Don’t Take No Mess,” “Body Heart,” among others.
In his film career, Brown acted in the movies “The Blues Brothers” (1980) and “Blues Brothers 2000” (1998). In both, he played Reverend Cleophus James. In 1986, he recorded the song “Living in America,” a theme composed for the movie “Rocky IV.”
His last public appearances were in 2006, at the Roundhouse in London and at the ceremony at Alexandra Palace in London, where he was recognized with his induction into the UK Hall of Fame.
James Brown passed away in Atlanta, USA, on December 25, 2006.
Source: www.ebiografias.com, by Dilva Frazão