James Brown (1933–2006), the Godfather of Soul, earned his title as the "Hardest-Working Man in Show Business" with every electrifying performance. Born in poverty in Barnwell, South Carolina, young Brown danced for spare change and picked cotton... Until music changed everything.

He joined Bobby Byrd's gospel quartet in 1952, and by 1958 had landed a #1 R&B hit, Try Me, with the Famous Flames. From that moment, he was unstoppable.

"When I'm on stage," he explained, "I'm trying to do one thing: bring people joy. Just like church does. People don't go to church to find trouble. They go there to lose it."

Known as "Mr. Dynamite," Brown's footwork dazzled, his vocals exploded, and his cape routines became legend. He gave us Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, I Got You (I Feel Good), and an entire generation of soul and funk. His beats laid the foundation for music from hip-hop to modern pop.

Like many icons, his life offstage was complicated. His temper and personal struggles sometimes overshadowed his genius, but his relentless drive never wavered. Through it all, he stayed grateful. "I thank God for everything. I've reached so many age groups. And I'm still doing it like I did. My show is the real thing."

“I’ve created the sound. I did that. And it still matters today,” he said with pride. Then, with soul-deep humility, he added, “But James Brown wants to give it back to the people.” That gift, a beat that makes us move, sweat, and feel alive, remains his greatest legacy.