What influenced James Brown to become a singer?

Read how James Brown rose from extreme poverty to become the 'The Godfather of Soul' on Biography.com. read more

The "Godfather of Soul," James Brown, was born James Joe Brown Jr. on May 3, 1933, in a one-room shack in the woods of Barnwell, South Carolina, a few miles east of the Georgia border. His parents split when he was very young, and at the age of 4, Brown was sent to Augusta, Georgia, to live with his Aunt Honey, the madam of a brothel. read more

Louis Jordan, Hank Ballard, Little Richard, Elvis and Ray Charles. He was undoubtably influenced by the gospel music of his youth as well. read more

James Brown was clearly influenced by classic blues, gospel, and African-American folk music. Brown knew he wanted to become an entertainer after watching performance footage of the popular jazz and R&B singer Louis Jordan. read more