James Brown was an American singer, songwriter, bandleader, and cultural icon whose innovations defined funk and transformed 20th-century popular music. Known as The Godfather of Soul, Brown bridged gospel fervor and percussive rhythm, developing a new musical language built on groove and syncopation. His relentless work ethic, explosive performances, and control over his band set new standards for stagecraft and recording precision. Brown’s sound—built on rhythmic repetition, call-and-response, and tight ensemble dynamics—became the DNA of hip-hop, funk, and dance music worldwide.