Childhood and Education Journey of James Brown in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of James Brown. From birth to education, explore key events.

James Brown, an iconic American singer, songwriter, dancer, and musician, is widely regarded as the "Godfather of Soul" and the central progenitor of funk music. Known for his energetic performances and relentless work ethic, he earned nicknames like "Mr. Dynamite" and "the Hardest-Working Man in Show Business." His influential career spanned over five decades, shaping the development of various music genres. Brown was among the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and his music has been extensively sampled, highlighting his enduring impact on music and popular culture.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1912: Joseph Gardner Brown's birth

In 1912, Joseph Gardner Brown was born.

1917: Susie (née Behling)'s birth

In 1917, Susie (née Behling) was born.

May 3, 1933: James Brown's birth

On May 3, 1933, James Joseph Brown was born in Barnwell, South Carolina, to Susie Behling and Joseph Gardner Brown.

1933: The Brown family lived in poverty in Elko, South Carolina

In 1933, the Brown family lived in poverty in Elko, South Carolina, which was an impoverished town.

March 9, 1950: Adrienne Lois Rodriguez's Birth

March 9, 1950, marks the birthdate of Adrienne Lois Rodriguez, who later became James Brown's third wife.

June 14, 1952: Paroled from prison

On June 14, 1952, Brown was paroled and went on to work with both of Lawson's sons, and came back to visit the family from time to time throughout his career. Shortly after being paroled he joined the gospel group the Ever-Ready Gospel Singers, featuring Byrd's sister Sarah.

1953: Marriage to Velma Warren

In 1953, James Brown married Velma Warren, and they had one son together.

1954: Joined Bobby Byrd's group

In 1954, James Brown joined Bobby Byrd's group, which had evolved from the Gospel Starlighters to an R&B group called the Avons, marking a significant step in his early music career.

1954: Birth of Teddy Brown

In 1954, Teddy Brown, one of James Brown's five sons, was born.

1955: Contacted by Little Richard

In 1955, The group contacted Little Richard while performing in Macon. Richard convinced the group to get in contact with his manager at the time, Clint Brantley, at his nightclub.

1957: Hired Ben Bart as manager

In 1957, James Brown replaced Clint Brantley as manager and hired Ben Bart, chief of Universal Attractions Agency. The original Flames broke up, after Bart changed the name of the group to "James Brown and His Famous Flames".

October 24, 1962: Financed Live Recording at the Apollo

On October 24, 1962, James Brown financed a live recording of a performance at the Apollo and convinced Syd Nathan to release the album.

1962: Birth of LaRhonda Pettit

In 1962, LaRhonda Pettit, one of James Brown's extramarital children was born.

1962: First Saw James Brown in San Diego

Tom Waits recalls that he first saw James Brown in 1962 at an outdoor theatre in San Diego and it was indescribable.

1964: Formation of Fair Deal production company

In 1964, James Brown and Bobby Byrd formed the production company, Fair Deal, linking the operation to the Mercury imprint, Smash Records.

1964: Birth of Venisha Brown

In 1964, James Brown's daughter Venisha Brown was born.

April 5, 1968: Free Concert at the Boston Garden

On April 5, 1968, a day after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., James Brown provided a free citywide televised concert at the Boston Garden to maintain public order and calm concerned Boston residents. This was done over the objections of the police chief, who wanted to call off the concert. The show was later released on DVD as Live at the Boston Garden: April 5, 1968.

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September 1968: Birth of Michael Deon Brown

In September 1968, Michael Deon Brown, another of James Brown's alleged sons, was born to Mary Florence Brown.

1968: Endorsement of Hubert Humphrey in 1968

During the 1968 presidential campaign, James Brown endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Hubert Humphrey and appeared with Humphrey at political rallies. Brown was labeled an "Uncle Tom" for supporting Humphrey and also for releasing the pro-American funk song, "America Is My Home".

January 1969: Performance at Nixon's Inaugural Ball

In January 1969, James Brown began supporting Republican president Richard Nixon after being invited to perform at Nixon's inaugural ball.

1969: Divorce from Velma Warren

In 1969, James Brown and Velma Warren divorced, though they maintained a close friendship until Brown's death.

October 22, 1970: Marriage to Deidre "Deedee" Jenkins

On October 22, 1970, James Brown married Deidre "Deedee" Jenkins. The couple had two daughters together.

1971: Touring Africa

In 1971, James Brown began touring Africa, including Zambia and Nigeria. He was made "freeman of the city" in Lagos, Nigeria, for his "influence on black people all over the world".

November 1972: Boycott and Protests in Cincinnati

In November 1972, James Brown's endorsement of Nixon's campaign during the 1972 presidential election negatively impacted his career during that period with several national Black organizations boycotting his records and protesting at his concert shows; a November 1972 show in Cincinnati was picketed with signs saying, "James Brown: Nixon's Clown".

January 1973: Withdrawal from Youth Concert

In January 1973, James Brown was initially invited to perform at a Youth Concert following Nixon's inauguration but bailed out due to the backlash he suffered from supporting Nixon. Brown blamed it on "fatigue".

1977: Attendance at Carter's Inaugural Ball

In 1977, James Brown openly supported Democratic President Jimmy Carter, attending one of Carter's inaugural balls.

1980: James Brown Concert in Boston

Around 1980, Rick Rubin saw James Brown in concert in Boston, describing it as one of the greatest musical experiences of his life. Brown's performance included dancing, singing, and playing a Hammond B3 organ with "Godfather" written across the front.

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January 10, 1981: Divorce from Deedee Jenkins

On January 10, 1981, James Brown and Deedee Jenkins divorced.

1983: Paternity Suit

In 1983, James Brown pleaded no contest to a paternity suit brought against him regarding Michael Deon Brown, though he never officially acknowledged Michael as his son.

1984: Marriage to Adrienne Lois Rodriguez

In 1984, James Brown married Adrienne Lois Rodriguez, marking his third marriage. The marriage would later become contentious.

1984: Support of Ronald Reagan's Reelection

In 1984, James Brown openly supported President Ronald Reagan's reelection.

1984: Regrets about "Say It Loud"

In 1984, James Brown stated he had regrets about recording "Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud", saying, "Now 'Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud' has done more for the black race than any other record, but if I had my choice, I wouldn't have done it, because I don't like defining anyone by race. To teach race is to teach separatism."

1993: Joseph Gardner Brown's death

In 1993, Joseph Gardner Brown died.

1999: Interview with Rolling Stone

In 1999, during an interview with Rolling Stone, James Brown mentioned John F. Kennedy and Strom Thurmond as heroes of the 20th century, praising Thurmond's ability to keep young politicians in line.

August 1, 2000: Signing of Last Will and Testament

On August 1, 2000, James Brown signed his last will and testament before J. Strom Thurmond Jr., which covered personal assets. An irrevocable trust was also created that year to handle music rights and business assets of James Brown Enterprises.

2001: Birth of James Brown Jr.

In 2001, James Brown Jr. was born.

July 4, 2002: Performance at Outdoor Festival in Steamboat Springs

On July 4, 2002, James Brown returned to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, for an outdoor festival, performing with bands such as the String Cheese Incident.

December 23, 2002: Wedding Ceremony with Tomi Rae Hynie

On December 23, 2002, James Brown, 69, and Hynie, 33, had a wedding ceremony that was officiated by the Rev. Larry Flyer. However, controversy arose following Brown's death regarding the validity of the marriage.

August 2003: Public Announcement of Separation

In August 2003, James Brown took out a full-page public notice in Variety featuring Hynie, James II and himself on vacation at Disney World to announce that he and Hynie were going their separate ways.

2003: Fundraiser for National Republican Senatorial Committee

In 2003, James Brown was the featured attraction of a Washington, D.C., fundraiser for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

2004: Susie (née Behling)'s death

In 2004, Susie (née Behling) died.

2005: Inspiration from Gorgeous George

In his 2005 autobiography I Feel Good: A Memoir in a Life of Soul, James Brown credited wrestler Gorgeous George as the inspiration for both his cape routine and concert attire, stating that seeing George on TV helped create the James Brown you see on stage.

November 2006: Induction into UK Music Hall of Fame

In November 2006, James Brown's last televised appearance was at his induction into the UK Music Hall of Fame, before his death in December.

December 23, 2006: Dental Appointment and Health Concerns

On December 23, 2006, James Brown arrived late to a dentist's office in Atlanta for dental implant work. The dentist observed that Brown looked weak and dazed and advised him to see a physician right away, raising concerns about his medical condition on December 23, 2006.

December 25, 2006: James Brown's death

On December 25, 2006, James Brown passed away.

December 28, 2006: Public Memorial Service at the Apollo Theater

On December 28, 2006, a public memorial service for James Brown was held at the Apollo Theater in New York City, attended by relatives, celebrities, and thousands of fans.

December 29, 2006: Private Memorial Ceremony in North Augusta

On December 29, 2006, a private memorial ceremony was held in North Augusta, South Carolina, with James Brown's family in attendance, following his death.

December 30, 2006: Public Memorial Service at the James Brown Arena

On December 30, 2006, another public memorial service was held at the James Brown Arena in Augusta, Georgia, following James Brown's death, with numerous celebrities and fans in attendance.

2006: Death from Pneumonia

In 2006, James Brown continued to perform and record until his death from pneumonia.

2006: Death from Congestive Heart Failure

In 2006, James Brown died at approximately 1:45 a.m. EST on Christmas Day, at age 73, from congestive heart failure, resulting from complications of pneumonia. His manager, Charles Bobbit, reported that Brown's last words were, "I'm going away tonight."

January 11, 2007: Reading of the Will

On January 11, 2007, during the reading of James Brown's will, it was revealed that his six adult living children were named in the document, but Hynie and James II were not mentioned as heirs.