James Brown

James Joseph Brown, Jr., African-American singer, dancer, composer, band leader and record producer. He brought gospel music and rhythm and blues into soul and funk elements, and also influenced many other types of music, such as rock, jazz, reggae, dance music, electronic music, African rhythm (Afrobeat) and hip-hop music. He is considered to have a profound influence on the pop music of the 20th century and is known as the "Godfather of Soul Music".