James Brown Quotes

A collection of quotes by James Brown.

James Brown, born on May 3, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina, was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and dancer, widely known as the Godfather of Soul. His unparalleled talent and energetic stage presence revolutionized the music landscape and influenced countless artists across various genres.

Growing up in poverty and facing personal hardships, Brown found solace in music, honing his skills as a self-taught musician. In the 1950s, he formed the famous vocal group The Famous Flames, and together they achieved success with numerous R&B hits. His electrifying performances became legendary, as he incorporated acrobatic dance moves and soulful vocals into his act.

Throughout his career, Brown released a string of chart-topping hits, including "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," "I Got You (I Feel Good)," and "Sex Machine." These songs not only solidified his position as a prominent figure in soul music but also paved the way for the development of funk.

James Brown's influence extended far beyond music. He was a civil rights advocate, using his platform to address societal issues and promote racial equality. He notably performed at the historic concert following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968, helping to calm tensions in the crowd.

Despite personal struggles and legal issues, James Brown's impact on popular music remains immeasurable. His innovative style, dynamic performances, and legacy as a cultural icon continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike. James Brown passed away on December 25, 2006, leaving behind a timeless musical legacy.

Like Christ said, love thee one another. I learned to do tha

Like Christ said, love thee one another. I learned to do that, and I learned to respect and be appreciative and thankful for what I had.

James Brown

Respect

I'm kidding about having only a few dollars. I might have a

I'm kidding about having only a few dollars. I might have a few dollars more.

James Brown

Funny

I just thank God for all of the blessings.

I just thank God for all of the blessings.

James Brown

God

Sometimes you struggle so hard to feed your family one way,

Sometimes you struggle so hard to feed your family one way, you forget to feed them the other way, with spiritual nourishment. Everybody needs that.

James Brown

Family

I used to think like Moses. That knocked me down for a coupl

I used to think like Moses. That knocked me down for a couple years and put me in prison. Then I start thinking like Job. Job waited and became the wealthiest and richest man ever 'cause he believed in God.

James Brown

God

I'm not going to be joining ZZ Top. You know they can't play

I'm not going to be joining ZZ Top. You know they can't play my stuff. It's too complicated.

James Brown

Music

I've outdone anyone you can name -- Mozart, Beethoven, Bach,

I've outdone anyone you can name -- Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Strauss. Irving Berlin, he wrote 1,001 tunes. I wrote 5,500.

James Brown

Music