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Biography of James Brown

James Brown was an American singer known for his contributions to rhythm and blues, gospel, and soul music. Born into a challenging environment, Brown grew up in a poverty-stricken African American ghetto. As a teenager, he worked as a street shoe polisher and had frequent run-ins with the police, resulting in a prison sentence.

In the late 1940s, Brown began singing in gospel groups and learned to play the keyboard and drums. He performed in numerous African American clubs with his rhythm and blues group, the Famous Flames. With his powerful and deep voice, Brown quickly became one of the most popular performers in the genre. He signed a contract with the 'King' record label, which released his first bestseller, "Please Please Please," in 1956.

By the end of the 1950s, Brown was already regarded as the 'king' of rhythm and blues, capable of attracting thousands of fans to his solo performances (at that time, only collective gala concerts could fill stadiums). His tours in England and other European countries also enjoyed immense success. However, his fame in the United States was limited to primarily the African American audience.

In the 1960s, Brown released several classic songs, including "Think," "Prisoner of Love," "I Got You," "It's a Man's Man's Man's World," "Cold Sweat," "Say It Loud I'm Black I'm Proud," and "I've Got the Feelin'." In the 1970s, Brown successfully toured the country, performing in front of white audiences. Each of his concerts turned into a powerful show, where he, like a skilled preacher in a church, established an emotional connection with the audience.

In an interview in the 1980s, Brown proudly stated, "I have recorded about 800 songs. 83 of them have sold millions of copies. Others have sold between 700,000, 800,000, and 900,000 copies... There are some that have sold eight, ten, fifteen million copies. I recorded the song 'Please Please Please' in 1955, and it is still being reissued and reissued."

In 1986, Brown became one of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.