Born: 3 May 1933 · Died: 25 December 2006 · Age at death: 73
How old was James Brown when he died?
James Brown died aged 73. He was born on 3 May 1933 and died on 25 December 2006.
American singer and musician known as the Godfather of Soul
Did you know?He grew up in extreme poverty and once earned money as a youth by dancing for soldiers at military bases.
Quick facts
Date of birth3 May 1933
Date of death25 December 2006
Age at death73
Cause of deathPneumonia, heart failure
NationalityAmerican
BirthplaceAugusta, United States
Occupationsinger-songwriter, singer, composer
Editor's Take:
James Brown put the rhythm first. He told his band to hit the first beat of the bar hard. That became the backbone of funk and later hip-hop. His stage shows were famous for splits, spins and the cape routine. Songs like Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud became anthems of pride. His personal life was troubled, including arrests and prison time. His music is among the most sampled in history.
Key Milestones
1956: Has his first hit with Please, Please, Please
1963: Releases Live at the Apollo
1965: Releases Papa's Got a Brand New Bag
1986: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
James Joseph Brown (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, and record producer. The central progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th-century music, he is referred to by various nicknames, among them "Mr.
