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2006
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James Brown, Musician

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.

James Brown was born on May 3, 1933 in Barnwell, South Carolina and died on December 25, 2006 at the age of 73. James would be 93 years old today.

Born

May 3, 1933

Died

December 25, 2006

World pop. at birth

~2.1B

James's age at death

73

Your age

20

Are you older than James Brown?

NoJames 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.

Not born in 2006? Adjust your year:
2006
you'd be 20

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.

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James's age vs family

Tomi Rae HynieSpouse
5716 years younger than James
Adrienne RodriguezSpouse
NaN (d. 1996)
James Brown Jr.Child
2548 years younger than James

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.

Read more

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.

You are here — Age 20
23
1956

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.

26
1959

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.

30
1963

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.

32
1965

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.

32
1965

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.

32
1965

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.

35
1968

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.

37
1970

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.

39
1972

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.

47
1980

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.

70
2003

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

YearAgeNotable Event
19330
19341
19352
19363
19374
19385
19396
19407
19418
19429
194310
194411
194512
194613
194714
194815
194916
195017
195118
195219
195320
195421
195522
195623released his first hit single
195724
195825
195926achieved his first number one hit
196027
196128
196229
196330released the album 'Live at the Apollo'
196431
196532popularized funk music
196633
196734
196835released 'Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud'
196936
197037released 'Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine'
197138
197239performed at the Apollo Theater
197340
197441
197542
197643
197744
197845
197946
198047won a Grammy Award
198148
198249
198350
198451
198552
198653
198754
198855
198956
199057
199158
199259
199360
199461
199562
199663
199764
199865
199966
200067
200168
200269
200370inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
200471
200572
200673