James Brown's memory board

James Joseph Brown, Jr. was an American recording artist, and musician who passed away at the age of 73 from congestive heart failure resulting from complications of pneumonia. Brown's sound defined funk music and he is often referred to as "The Godfather of Soul." Born 1933 in Barnwell, South Carolina, Brown left school after the sixth grade. In 1955, Brown was noticed as a member of "The Flames" with the ballads "Please, Please, Please" and "Try Me." In 1963, his rendition of the standard, "Prisoner of Love" peaked at the top 20 pop hits. In 1966, he appeared in a television show singing, "I feel good" and became a star. The next year, he released what the critics cited the first true funk song, "Cold Sweat" which hit number-one on the R&B chart. In 1975, Brown produced, directed, and hosted the variety show "Future Shock" which ran for three years. In 1986, he released his album "I'm Real" with 2 top hits, "I'm Real" and "Static," which peaked at No. 2 and No. 5, on the R&B chart. Public memorial servic