The Architects of Soul

James Brown – God Father of Soul

Mr. Dynamite – Soul Brother #1

James Brown grew up near Augusta, Georgia where he learned his craft and how to be crafty. He would get into minor trouble as a kid, however, he had various talents including boxing, playing the guitar, piano, and harmonica that got him out of trouble. He entertained the troops stationed at Camp Gordon, nearby and entered into talent contests, winning many, While doing a stint at the juvenile detention center in Toccoa, Brown joined a gospel quartet singing and playing music and catching the eye of Bobby Byrd from the Gospel Starlighters. After parole, James Brown joined the Starlighters which became the Famous Flames.

“Please, Please, Please” 1956, “Try Me” 1958, “I’ll Go Crazy” 1960, “Think” 1960, “, “Lost Someone” 1961, “Baby You’re Right” 1961, Night Train” 1962, “Prisoner of Love”1963, “Out of Sight” 1964,  “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” 1965, “Cold Sweat” 1967

Another great innovator of soul that came out of gospel and the vocal R&B (Doo-Wop) styles was James Brown referred to as “The God Father of Soul”. James Brown would not only be an architect of soul but would also be the founder of funk music in the late 60s.