Brown had succeeded in spite of a terrible start in life and seemingly without making musical compromises" (95). Indeed, he did. Brown's style has been one that successfully changed with the times. A close look at his songs will reveal how his music evolved with the sounds of the times. Brown drew from rhythm and blues musical influences such as Little Richard and Ray Charles, as these influences are present in his early work. From "Please, Please, Please" to "Living in America," Brown's identifiable sound has never lost his style. His first hit Please, Please, Please" demonstrates sounds that were popular in the late 1950s. In "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," we hear the earlier influences of the late 50s and early 60s in the lyrics and the guitar riffs.

Brown's career and musical inclinations began to change in the mid-60s, which can be seen in "I Feel Good (I Got You). Published in 1965, "I Feel Good" is another iconic James Brown song. This song is upbeat, happy, and makes the listener want to move. In the late 60s, Brown's music experienced a change and this can be seen in "Cold Sweat." This song brings more drum action into the song and the horn section is representative of the funk influence. "Cold Sweat" is often regarded as Brown's first funk tune" (Danielson 40). According to Danielson, the "grove is not much different from a predominantly rhythm and blues song such as 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag'" (D 40). While there are similarities, the changes between the songs are significant. Danielson maintains that while "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" is a "melodic line" (40) while in "Cold Sweat," the rhythm is only "fragments" (40). She asserts:

All of the instruments, including...

The grove has become an intricate fabric of sharp percussive sounds in which one sound brings on the next: the texture of the music has changed from horizontally divided layers of sound to a rhythmic patchwork. (40)
Brown's career experience a rebirth in the 1980s with the hit song "Living in America." This song represents how Brown never lost popularity as this song can be identified by anyone of almost any age. The lyrics in this song are profoundly American and represent patriotism similar to that which Bruce Springsteen and Lee Greenwood have enjoyed. "Living in America" also illustrates how Brown never lost his individuality. Traditional horn sections are still present along with a funky beat that resonates from his earlier tunes.

James Brown is no doubt a musical legend and genius. From his struggle out of poverty to his fame late in life, Brown never compromised what he believed in. These are characteristics that few musicians experience but when they do, they shine far brighter than any other stars. Brown overcame personal difficulties and will be remembered as an influential musician that helped mold the funky sound of soul.

Works Cited

Brackett, David. "James Brown." Grove Music Online. Site Accessed May 19, 2008. http://www.grovemusic.com

Kamien, Roger. Music: An Appreciation. Boston: McGraw-Hill. 2000.

Danielson, Anne. Presence and Pleasure: The Funk Grooves of James Brown. Connecticut: Wesleyan University Press. 2006.

Elliot, Marc. I Feel Good: A Memoir of a Life of…