| Full name | James Joseph Brown |
| Stage name | James Brown |
| Gender | Male |
| Born | 3rd May 1933(55 years) |
| Place of birth | Barnwell, South Carolina |
| Country of origin | United States of America |
| Age | 73 (died December 25th, 2006) |
| Occupation | Singer, dancer, musician, record producer, band leader |
| Spouses | Velma Warren(m. 1953; div. 1969)
Deidre Jenkins(m. 1970; div. 1981) Adrienne Rodriguez(m. 1984; died 1996) |
| Children | 9-13 Children |
| Net worth | $100 million |
| Years active | 1954–2006 |
| Partner | Tomi Rae Hynie (1997-2006) |
| Genres | Funk •R&B •Soul |
| Instruments | Vocals, keyboards, drums, harmonica, guitar |
| Height | 5’6”/168 cm/1.68 m |
| Source of wealth | Music royalties, investments, and appearances in films and TV shows |
What Is James Brown’s Net Worth
James Brown, one of the most renowned and honored singers of all time, had a net worth of $100 million at the time of his passing in 2006.
He was widely regarded as a pioneer of the funk music genre, and he’s one of its most important figures. He was known for his number-one single; I Got You (I Feel Good).
He was a well-known American vocalist, record producer, and bandleader who had a major impact on the evolution of funk music and music in the 20th century.
His lucrative music career, commercial enterprises, and real estate holdings primarily accumulated this. Let’s review some basic information on James Brown to learn more.
Who Is James Brown
James Brown was a man who had a significant impact on a variety of musical genres throughout a career spanning more than five decades.
On January 23, 1986, in New York, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame officially opened, and he was among the first set of musicians to be inducted.
Throughout his career, Brown released numerous hit albums and singles, and he was recognized for his contributions to music with numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992.
Additionally, he made countless guest appearances on music shows and appeared in several movies and television shows.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he continued to have successful singles, such as “I Got You (I Feel Good)” and “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.”
Personal Life
James Joseph Brown was born on May 3, 1933, in a little wooden shack near Barnwell, South Carolina, to Susie and Joseph Gardner Brown.
Joseph James Brown should have been his birth name, but his first and middle names were accidentally transposed on the birth certificate.
In his autobiography, Brown stated that his mother and father were both of mixed African-American and Asian origin and that he also claimed to be of Chinese and Native American descent.
James Brown first participated in talent competitions when he was a child, winning his first competition by singing the ballad “So Long” at the Lenox Theater in Augusta in 1944.
At the onset of World War II, he also entertained soldiers from Camp Gordon as a street entertainer in Augusta.
During this time, he became familiar with Howlin’ Wolf, the renowned blues performer, and picked up the piano, the guitar, and the harmonica.
After hearing Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five perform “Caldonia,” he was motivated to pursue a career in entertainment.
Education
To make money, James quit school in the seventh grade and worked a variety of occupations, including singing and dancing.
Career
James Brown launched his musical career as a lead singer of the rhythm and blues group, The Famous Flames in the 1950s.
As his career expanded, Brown created his distinct brand of funk music and established a reputation for his exuberant live performances and charismatic stage presence.
Throughout his career, James Brown put out many successful albums and singles, and he received many honors, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992, for his musical achievements.
Brown had a successful business career in addition to his musical career. He had a variety of record labels, radio stations, production companies, and endorsement deals under his control.
In addition, he owned several real estate holdings, including many homes in South Carolina and Georgia.
Highlights
- 1954-1961: The Famous Flames
- 1962-1966: Mr. Dynamite
- 1967-1970: Soul Brother No. 1
- 1970-2006: Godfather of Soul
Family
In his lifetime, James Brown was married three times. He wed Velma Warren in 1953, and they had a son together before divorcing in 1969. Despite their separation, the two remained close friends until Brown passed.
His second marriage to Deidre “Deedee” Jenkins ended in divorce after the couple separated over alleged domestic abuse in 1981. He had two daughters with Deedee.
His third marriage, which began in 1984 with Adrienne Lois Rodriguez, was marred by allegations of domestic abuse and culminated in her filing for divorce in 1988, but they eventually made up.
Brown hired Tomi Rae Hynie as a backing singer for his band after Adrienne Lois Rodriguez passed away in 1996; she then claimed to be his fourth wife; the two were married in 2002.
The legendary singer had a large family; nine of his children, including five sons and two daughters, were acknowledged by him.
James Brown’s Domestic Violence Arrests
James Brown was arrested multiple times, specifically for assault against his third wife, Adrienne Rodriguez, on four occasions between 1987 and 1995.
Rodriguez claimed that Brown had shot at her car and battered her with an iron pipe during one of these instances.
Charges were dropped after her passing in 1996, even though she was hospitalized following the last assault.
After his then-girlfriend Tomi Rae Hynie accused him of shoving her to the ground during an argument, resulting in cuts and bruises, he was jailed again for domestic abuse in 2004.
In June of the same year, Brown entered a no-contest plea to the event; however, as punishment, he was forced to forfeit a $1,087 bond instead of receiving a jail sentence.
James Brown’s Financial Troubles
Brown experienced several legal and financial issues in his final years despite having a sizable fortune. He had numerous unpaid tax liens and was usually in debt.
He also had some legal problems, such as accusations of drug use and an incidence of domestic violence.
Brown’s significance and influence on music and popular culture are indisputable despite these problems.
He is frequently cited as one of the most important individuals in the evolution of funk music and is regarded as a founder of the style.
Even today, audiences and artists are entertained and inspired by his inventive music and dramatic theatrical performances.
Later Life
James, a Beech Island, South Carolina resident, died after a long battle with type 1 diabetes that went untreated for many years.
He was also successfully treated for prostate cancer. He kept up his performance schedule and maintained the title of “hardest working man in the show industry” despite his infirmities.
James Brown passed away on December 25, 2006, at 73, from congestive heart failure brought on by pneumonia-related complications.
He had missed his dental appointment on December 23, and his dentist had told him to consult a doctor because he looked “quite awful, weak, and confused.”
His longtime manager Charles Bobbit was present at his deathbed, and according to him, Brown mumbled, “I’m going away tonight” before passing away.
In 2019, different publications of theories showed Brown had been murdered following an investigation by CNN and other journalists.
James Brown’s Investments
James Brown had several commercial interests in addition to his singing career that raised his net worth. He owned a network of radio stations, a record label, and a motion picture studio.
He also owned a sizable real estate portfolio, including numerous homes in the Augusta, Georgia, region, where he had his operations center.
Awards and Achievements
James Brown received numerous accolades and acclaim for his songs during his career. Some of them are listed below.
- Kennedy Center Honors(2003)
- Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance (1966 Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag)
- Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal. (1987 – Living in America)
- Grammy Award for Best Album Notes (1992 – Star Time)
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1992)
- BET Lifetime Achievement Award (2003)
- American Music Award of Merit (1992)
- Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award for Lifetime Achievement (1993)
How Did James Brown Spend His Money?
The singer’s family reached a settlement ending the lengthy legal dispute over his estate 15 years after he passed away. Brown bequeathed a sizable portion of his wealth to a trust in his will.
Nothing was left for Hynie; his assets had been distributed to some of his children, and $2 million had been set aside for the education of his grandkids.
James Brown Quotes
Summary
In conclusion, James Brown had a $100 million net worth at the time of his death in 2006, primarily derived from his lucrative music career, business endeavors, and real estate holdings.
His influence on music and popular culture is unquestionable, despite some financial and legal difficulties later in life.
