James Brown
Acting
James Brown (May 3, 1933 - December 25, 2006) was an American singer and songwriter, eventually referred to as "The Godfather of Soul"(GFOS). Brown started singing in gospel groups and worked his way on up. He has been recognized as one of the most iconic figures in the 20th century popular music and was renowned for his vocals and feverish dancing. He was also called "the hardest-working man in show business". Brown began his professional music career in 1956 and rose to fame during the late 1950s and early 1960s on the strength of his thrilling live performances and string of smash hits. In spite of various personal problems and setbacks he continued to score hits in every decade through the 1980s. In addition to his acclaim in music, Brown was also a presence in American political affairs during the 1960s and 1970s.
Known for
Acting102
movieThe Godfather of Soul
2026
Self (archive footage)
movieLadies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music
2025
Self (archive footage)
tvJames Brown: Say It Loud
2024
Self (archive footage)
movieSunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan
2023
Self (archive footage)
tvDeath by Fame
2023
Self (archive footage)
movieLouis Armstrong's Black & Blues
2022
Self (archive footage)
movieNueva York: A Musical History of Latin New York
2021
Self (archive footage)
movieWoodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage
2021
Self (archive footage)
movieBest of the 60s: The Story of Ready, Steady, Go!
2021
Self (archive footage)
tv1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything
2021
Self (archive footage)
tv70 Years of Youth Revolt
2020
Self (archive footage)
movieThe AGFA Mystery Mixtape Vault
2020
(archive footage)
movieAfrica Rising
2019
Self - Musician (archive footage)
movieThe Apollo
2019
Self (archive footage)
movieNice Girls Don't Stay for Breakfast
2019
Self - Singer (archive footage)
movie1968: A Year of War, Turmoil and Beyond
2018
Self (archive footage)
movieA Tale of James Brown
2016
Self (archive footage)
tvMadam Secretary
2014
James Brown
movieMr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown
2014
Self (archive footage)
tvThe Millers
2013
James Brown
movieFathers and Songs: Music for Father's Day
2013
Self (archive footage)
movieYo! The Story of ‘Yo! MTV Raps’
2012
Self (archive footage)
movieThe Real Rocky
2011
Self (archive footage)
movieSoul Power
2009
Self (archive footage)
movieJames Brown - The Night James Brown Saved Boston
2008
Self (archive footage)
movieGeorge Clinton: Tales of Dr Funkenstein
2006
Self (archive footage)
movieFrankie Laine: An American Dreamer
2006
Self (archive footage)
movieLive 8
2005
Self
movieRobots
2005
Diesel (archive footage) (uncredited)
movieCasey Kasem's Rock 'n' Roll Goldmine: The Soul Years
2004
Self (archive footage)
movieTV in Black: The First Fifty Years
2004
Self (archive footage)
movieBeat the Devil
2002
Mr. James Brown
movieThe Tuxedo
2002
James Brown
movieIt's Black Entertainment
2002
Self (archive footage)
tvThe Hire
2001
Self
movieHoly Man
1998
James Brown
movieBlues Brothers 2000
1998
Cleophus James
tvThe View
1997
Self
tvTFI Friday
1996
Self
tvDuckman
1994
Hostage Negotiator (voice)
movieRapLine
1993
Self
tvThe Simpsons
1989
James Brown (voice)
movieLegends of Rock 'n' Roll
1989
James Brown
movieRocky IV
1985
The Godfather of Soul
tvMiami Vice
1984
Lou De Long
movieDoctor Detroit
1983
Bandleader
movieThe Blues Brothers
1980
Cleophus James
movieThe Phynx
1970
James Brown
tvShindig!
1964
Self
tvThe Mike Douglas Show
1961
Self - Co-Host / Self
Say Hello to Our Good Friend Paul Shaffer
Self (archive footage)
Sound6
movieGet On Up
2014
Songs
movieWalk Out
1981
Music
movieSlaughter's Big Rip-Off
1973
Original Music Composer
movieBlack Caesar
1973
Original Music Composer
Creator1
Future Shock
Creator
Crew1
movieThe Godfather of Soul
2026
Compositor