James Brown biography Born in Barnwell, South Carolina, on May
3, 1933, into extreme poverty, James Brown worked his way to the
top of the funk and R&B music earning the moniker "The Godfather
of Soul." His unique vocal and musical style influenced many
artists. Brown was also renowned for his work in social
activism, both in his songwriting ("America is My Home," "Black
and Proud") and advocating the benefits of education to
schoolchildren. Early Life in Georgia 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 ways 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.
Growing up in abject poverty during the Great Depression, a
young Brown worked whatever odd jobs he could find, for
literally pennies. He danced for the soldiers at nearby Fort
Gordon, picked cotton, washed cars an