James Brown: The Godfather of Soul Dies at 73

James Brown was an American singer, songwriter and bandleader known as the Godfather of Soul. Born on May 3, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina, he grew up in poverty in Augusta, Georgia.

Brown's hits included "I Got You (I Feel Good)," "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," "Cold Sweat" and "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud." His rhythmic style shaped funk, soul and hip-hop. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in its first class in 1986 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992.

Brown died of congestive heart failure complicating pneumonia in Atlanta on December 25, 2006, at age 73. His body lay in repose at the Apollo Theater in Harlem before a funeral in Augusta.

Achievements: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1986), Grammy Lifetime Achievement (1992), Kennedy Center Honors (2003).

Birth: May 3, 1933 - Barnwell, South Carolina.

Profession: Singer and bandleader.

Interesting Facts: He was known as the hardest-working man in show business.