Musician
James Brown
James Brown was born on May 3, 1933 in Barnwell, South Carolina. He released his first hit single the year he turned 23, and achieved his first number one hit the year he turned 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.
James Brown would be 93 years old in 2026 and would have turned 93 on May 3, 2026. James Brown's age in every year ↓
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?
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: he released his first hit single the year he turned 23. That's 3 years from now for you.
Are you older than them?
oldest → youngest
Isaac Asimov
Lived to 72
Rosalind Franklin
Lived to 37
Ray Bradbury
Lived to 91
John Glenn
Lived to 95
Doris Day
Lived to 97
Judy Garland
Lived to 47
Kurt Vonnegut
Lived to 84
Henry Kissinger
Lived to 100
Rocky Marciano
Lived to 45
Maria Callas
Lived to 53
Marlon Brando
Lived to 80
George H.W. Bush
Lived to 94
James Baldwin
Lived to 63
Jimmy Carter
Lived to 100
Malcolm X
Lived to 39
Margaret Thatcher
Lived to 87
Queen Elizabeth II
Lived to 96
Marilyn Monroe
Lived to 36
Mel Brooks
Age 100
Chuck Berry
Lived to 90
Sidney Poitier
Lived to 94
Gabriel García Márquez
Lived to 87
Pope Benedict XVI
Lived to 95
Maya Angelou
Lived to 86
Che Guevara
Lived to 39
Andy Warhol
Lived to 58
Martin Luther King Jr.
Lived to 39
Audrey Hepburn
Lived to 63
Anne Frank
Lived to 15
Clint Eastwood
Age 96
Neil Armstrong
Lived to 82
Warren Buffett
Age 96
James Dean
Lived to 24
Mikhail Gorbachev
Lived to 91
Elizabeth Taylor
Lived to 79
James Brown
Lived to 73
Yuri Gagarin
Lived to 34
Sophia Loren
Age 92
Brigitte Bardot
Lived to 91
Elvis Presley
Lived to 42
Woody Allen
Age 90
Jim Brown
Lived to 87
Robert Redford
Lived to 89
Václav Havel
Lived to 75
Pope Francis
Lived to 88
Jack Nicholson
Age 89
Morgan Freeman
Age 89
Jane Fonda
Age 88
Anthony Hopkins
Age 88
Kofi Annan
Lived to 80
Neil Sedaka
Lived to 86
Marvin Gaye
Lived to 44
Tina Turner
Lived to 83
John Lennon
Lived to 40
Pelé
Lived to 82
Bruce Lee
Lived to 32
Hayao Miyazaki
Age 85
Bob Dylan
Age 85
Stephen Hawking
Lived to 76
Muhammad Ali
Lived to 74
Harrison Ford
Age 84
Joe Biden
Age 83
Jimi Hendrix
Lived to 27
Mick Jagger
Age 83
Robert De Niro
Age 83
Diana Ross
Age 82
George Lucas
Age 82
Danny DeVito
Age 81
Bob Marley
Lived to 36
Helen Mirren
Age 81
Goldie Hawn
Age 80
James's age vs family
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.
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 turned 23 in 1956, the year he released his first hit single. 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 turned 26 in 1959, the year he achieved his first number one hit. 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 turned 30 in 1963, the year he released the album 'Live at the Apollo'. 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 turned 32 in 1965, the year he popularized funk music. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag'
James Brown turned 32 in 1965, the year he released 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag'. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'I Got You (I Feel Good)'
James Brown turned 32 in 1965, the year he released 'I Got You (I Feel Good)'. 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 turned 35 in 1968, the year he released 'Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud'. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Released 'Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine'
James Brown turned 37 in 1970, the year he released 'Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine'. 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 turned 39 in 1972, the year he performed at the Apollo Theater. 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 turned 47 in 1980, the year he won a Grammy Award. 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 turned 70 in 2003, the year he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Are you older than James was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by year
How old was James Brown in each year?
- 2026
- James Brown would be 93 years old in 2026 and would have turned 93 on May 3, 2026.
- 1956
- James Brown was 22 at the start of 1956 and turned 23 on May 3, 1956. That year, he released his first hit single.
- 1959
- James Brown was 25 at the start of 1959 and turned 26 on May 3, 1959. That year, he achieved his first number one hit.
- 1963
- James Brown was 29 at the start of 1963 and turned 30 on May 3, 1963. That year, he released the album 'Live at the Apollo'.
- 1965
- James Brown was 31 at the start of 1965 and turned 32 on May 3, 1965. That year, he released 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag'.
- 1968
- James Brown was 34 at the start of 1968 and turned 35 on May 3, 1968. That year, he released 'Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud'.
- 1970
- James Brown was 36 at the start of 1970 and turned 37 on May 3, 1970. That year, he released 'Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine'.
- 1972
- James Brown was 38 at the start of 1972 and turned 39 on May 3, 1972. That year, he performed at the Apollo Theater.
- 1980
- James Brown was 46 at the start of 1980 and turned 47 on May 3, 1980. That year, he won a Grammy Award.
James Brown's age in every year
Ages change on May 3: the first number is before that birthday, the second after it.
- 19330 years old
- 19340 → 1 years old
- 19351 → 2 years old
- 19362 → 3 years old
- 19373 → 4 years old
- 19384 → 5 years old
- 19395 → 6 years old
- 19406 → 7 years old
- 19417 → 8 years old
- 19428 → 9 years old
- 19439 → 10 years old
- 194410 → 11 years old
- 194511 → 12 years old
- 194612 → 13 years old
- 194713 → 14 years old
- 194814 → 15 years old
- 194915 → 16 years old
- 195016 → 17 years old
- 195117 → 18 years old
- 195218 → 19 years old
- 195319 → 20 years old
- 195420 → 21 years old
- 195521 → 22 years old
- 195622 → 23 years old
- 195723 → 24 years old
- 195824 → 25 years old
- 195925 → 26 years old
- 196026 → 27 years old
- 196127 → 28 years old
- 196228 → 29 years old
- 196329 → 30 years old
- 196430 → 31 years old
- 196531 → 32 years old
- 196632 → 33 years old
- 196733 → 34 years old
- 196834 → 35 years old
- 196935 → 36 years old
- 197036 → 37 years old
- 197137 → 38 years old
- 197238 → 39 years old
- 197339 → 40 years old
- 197440 → 41 years old
- 197541 → 42 years old
- 197642 → 43 years old
- 197743 → 44 years old
- 197844 → 45 years old
- 197945 → 46 years old
- 198046 → 47 years old
- 198147 → 48 years old
- 198248 → 49 years old
- 198349 → 50 years old
- 198450 → 51 years old
- 198551 → 52 years old
- 198652 → 53 years old
- 198753 → 54 years old
- 198854 → 55 years old
- 198955 → 56 years old
- 199056 → 57 years old
- 199157 → 58 years old
- 199258 → 59 years old
- 199359 → 60 years old
- 199460 → 61 years old
- 199561 → 62 years old
- 199662 → 63 years old
- 199763 → 64 years old
- 199864 → 65 years old
- 199965 → 66 years old
- 200066 → 67 years old
- 200167 → 68 years old
- 200268 → 69 years old
- 200369 → 70 years old
- 200470 → 71 years old
- 200571 → 72 years old
- 200672 → 73 years old
