James Joseph Brown (born May 3, 1933 in Barnwell, South Carolina) is an American entertainer recognized as one of the most influential figures in 20th century music. Brown was a seminal force in the evolution of gospel and rhythm and blues into soul and funk. He has also left his mark on numerous other music types such as, rock, jazz, reggae, disco and hip-hop music.
Brown began his professional music career in 1953, and skyrocketed to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960. He scored hits in every decade through the 1980s.