Rick James Biography
Rick James, born James Ambrose Johnson Jr. on February 1, 1948, in Buffalo, New York, was an American musician, vocalist, songwriter, and record manufacturer, best referred to as The King of Punk-Funk. He played a pivotal function in promoting funk music popular during the late 1970s to early 1980s. His impressive success can be credited to his distinct voice, electrifying efficiencies, and controversy-filled life. James passed away on August 6, 2004.
Increased in a musically likely household, James revealed very early ability and rate of interest in music. His mommy was a professional dancer as well as jazz singer that performed at various clubs, and his uncle was a jazz musician. James went to Orchard Park High School yet was removed for poor presence. He later on participated in an additional senior high school prior to joining the U.S. Naval Reserve at seventeen.
Nevertheless, James' life took a dramatic turn when he left to Toronto in 1964 to avoid being drafted into the Vietnam War. In Toronto, he formed The Mynah Birds band, ultimately partnering with
Neil Young. Though The Mynah Birds protected a document deal with Motown Records, their debut album was not released due to James' fugitive status. After offering a year in prison, James transferred to Los Angeles as well as started functioning as a staff writer for Motown.
In the mid-1970s, James developed the Stone City Band in his home town of Buffalo, and also together they released their debut cd, "Come Get It!" in 1978. The cd included the hits "You as well as I" and also "Mary Jane," which thrust James to fame. He ended up being recognized for his impressive phase presence, distinctive mix of punk rock, R&B, and also funk, and also his trademark braids, which came to be a lasting part of his picture.
Throughout the 1980s, James produced and composed for other significant musicians like
Teena Marie, The Temptations, as well as
Eddie Murphy. His 1981 cd "Street Songs" became his best-selling cd, including the smash hits "Super Freak" as well as "Give it To Me Baby." James maintained an effective job throughout the years, despite taking care of drug addiction and also lawful issues.
Nevertheless, the 1990s marked a descending spiral for James, with fewer musical launches as well as involvements in numerous legal problems. After numerous arrests as well as serving time in prison, he tried a return with a brand-new cd, "Urban Rhapsody," in 1997. The album did not attain the success of his previous work.
Throughout his job, James fought drug dependency and dealt with lawful difficulties that eventually influenced his music job. Regardless of these obstacles, Rick James remains an influential figure in the world of funk as well as R&B songs.
In his personal life, James had 3 kids-- Ty, Rick Jr., and Tazman. He also had a prominent connection with actress
Linda Blair, who got pregnant with James' kid however later had a miscarriage.
Rick James passed away on August 6, 2004, at his Los Angeles residence from lung and cardiac failing, with drugs playing an adding function. In spite of his rough life, Rick James' payment to the music market-- as an introducing genre-blending musician, songwriter, and also manufacturer-- remains to reverberate with musicians as well as fans alike.
Our collection contains 5 quotes who is written / told by Rick.
Related authors: Eddie Murphy (Comedian), Neil Young (Musician), Anthony Trollope (Author), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete), Teena Marie (Musician), Linda Blair (Actress)
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