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James Brown
A massively influential figure, James Brown is remembered as the undisputed
"godfather of soul", his mix of frantic African rhythms with raw rock inspired
generations of funk, soul, rock and R&B artists. Born in America's Deep South in
the Depression era, Brown was brought up in extreme poverty, raised by an aunt
who ran a brothel. Dropping out of school, he polished shoes, washed dishes,
swept stores and, inspired by Louis Jordan, entered talent contests playing
harmonica. At 16 Brown was convicted of armed robbery and sent to a reform
school, where he put on a show witnessed by...
