Musician
James Brown
James Brown was born on May 3, 1933 in Barnwell, South Carolina. He released his first hit single at age 23 and achieved his first number one hit at 26.
James Brown was born in 1933 and lived to age 73. Anyone born before 1933 is older than James. Anyone over 73 is older than James ever was.
Born
May 3, 1933
Barnwell, South Carolina
World pop: ~2.1B
Died
December 25, 2006
World pop: ~6.6B
James's age at death
73
Your age
20
Are you older than James Brown?
No — James Brown was born in 1933. You were born in 2006, making you 73 years younger. James lived to age 73. You are currently 20, so you are not yet older than James was when he died.
At your age (20), James hadn't yet reached his first major milestone. James was 23 when he released his first hit single — that's 3 years from now for you.
James's Life Timeline
James Brown was born on May 3, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina. He grew up in a poor family and faced numerous challenges during his childhood, including a troubled home life. Despite these difficulties, he developed a passion for music early on, which would eventually lead him to become one of the most influential figures in the music industry.
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Throughout his career, James Brown achieved numerous milestones that solidified his status as the 'Godfather of Soul.' He began his career in the 1950s with his group, The Famous Flames, and gained widespread recognition with hits like 'Please, Please, Please' in 1956. Over the years, he released iconic songs such as 'I Got You (I Feel Good)' and 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag,' and he played a pivotal role in the development of funk music, influencing countless artists across various genres.
James Brown's legacy extends beyond his music; he was a cultural icon who used his platform to address social issues, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. He continued to perform and record music until his death on December 25, 2006, at the age of 73. His contributions to music and culture have left an indelible mark, and he is remembered as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
Released his first hit single
James Brown was 23 years old when he released his first hit single, 'Please, Please, Please.' This song marked the beginning of his successful career and established him as a prominent figure in the rhythm and blues genre.
James Brown was 23 years old when he released his first hit single in 1956. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Achieved his first number one hit
James Brown was 26 years old when he achieved his first number one hit with 'Try Me.' This success further solidified his position in the music industry and showcased his unique vocal style.
James Brown was 26 years old when he achieved his first number one hit in 1959. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released the album 'Live at the Apollo'
James Brown was 30 years old when he released the album 'Live at the Apollo.' This album is considered one of the greatest live recordings in music history and showcased his electrifying performance style.
James Brown was 30 years old when he released the album 'Live at the Apollo' in 1963. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Popularized funk music
James Brown was 32 years old when he popularized funk music with his hit 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag.' This song is often credited with laying the groundwork for the funk genre and influencing future musicians.
James Brown was 32 years old when he popularized funk music in 1965. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag'
James Brown was 32 years old when he released 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag' in 1965. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'I Got You (I Feel Good)'
James Brown was 32 years old when he released 'I Got You (I Feel Good)' in 1965. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud'
James Brown was 35 years old when he released 'Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud' in 1968. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine'
James Brown was 37 years old when he released 'Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine' in 1970. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Performed at the Apollo Theater
James Brown was 39 years old when he performed at the Apollo Theater in New York City. This venue was significant for his career, as it was known for showcasing African American artists and helped to elevate his status.
James Brown was 39 years old when he performed at the Apollo Theater in 1972. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Won a Grammy Award
James Brown was 47 years old when he won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his song 'Get Up Offa That Thing.' This recognition highlighted his impact on the music industry and his continued relevance.
James Brown was 47 years old when he won a Grammy Award in 1980. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
James Brown was 70 years old when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This honor recognized his significant contributions to the music industry and his lasting influence on generations of artists.
James Brown was 70 years old when he inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by Year
| Year | Age | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 | 0 | |
| 1934 | 1 | |
| 1935 | 2 | |
| 1936 | 3 | |
| 1937 | 4 | |
| 1938 | 5 | |
| 1939 | 6 | |
| 1940 | 7 | |
| 1941 | 8 | |
| 1942 | 9 | |
| 1943 | 10 | |
| 1944 | 11 | |
| 1945 | 12 | |
| 1946 | 13 | |
| 1947 | 14 | |
| 1948 | 15 | |
| 1949 | 16 | |
| 1950 | 17 | |
| 1951 | 18 | |
| 1952 | 19 | |
| 1953 | 20 | |
| 1954 | 21 | |
| 1955 | 22 | |
| 1956 | 23 | released his first hit single |
| 1957 | 24 | |
| 1958 | 25 | |
| 1959 | 26 | achieved his first number one hit |
| 1960 | 27 | |
| 1961 | 28 | |
| 1962 | 29 | |
| 1963 | 30 | released the album 'Live at the Apollo' |
| 1964 | 31 | |
| 1965 | 32 | popularized funk music |
| 1966 | 33 | |
| 1967 | 34 | |
| 1968 | 35 | released 'Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud' |
| 1969 | 36 | |
| 1970 | 37 | released 'Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine' |
| 1971 | 38 | |
| 1972 | 39 | performed at the Apollo Theater |
| 1973 | 40 | |
| 1974 | 41 | |
| 1975 | 42 | |
| 1976 | 43 | |
| 1977 | 44 | |
| 1978 | 45 | |
| 1979 | 46 | |
| 1980 | 47 | won a Grammy Award |
| 1981 | 48 | |
| 1982 | 49 | |
| 1983 | 50 | |
| 1984 | 51 | |
| 1985 | 52 | |
| 1986 | 53 | |
| 1987 | 54 | |
| 1988 | 55 | |
| 1989 | 56 | |
| 1990 | 57 | |
| 1991 | 58 | |
| 1992 | 59 | |
| 1993 | 60 | |
| 1994 | 61 | |
| 1995 | 62 | |
| 1996 | 63 | |
| 1997 | 64 | |
| 1998 | 65 | |
| 1999 | 66 | |
| 2000 | 67 | |
| 2001 | 68 | |
| 2002 | 69 | |
| 2003 | 70 | inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame |
| 2004 | 71 | |
| 2005 | 72 | |
| 2006 | 73 |
