Brown, James

James Joseph Brown (1933 - 2006) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, record producer and bandleader. His career spanned more than 50 years, and his music influenced the development of several musical genres, most notably soul and funk music. He is often referred to by honorary nicknames such as "the Hardest Working Man in Show Business", "Godfather of Soul", "Mr. Dynamite", and "Soul Brother No. 1". James Brown was one of the first 10 people inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at its inaugural induction in New York City on January 23, 1986.