32 James Brown Quotes To Charge You Up
Rightly known as the ‘Godfather of Soul,’ James Brown was one of the most important figures in American music industry. Born in South Carolina and raised in Georgia, James is often credited with introducing America to a slew of new genres in music and also to influence some of the greatest American musicians of all times. After starring his musical journey as a kid, James joined ‘The Famous Flames’ in the 1950s and started live performances with his blues and gospel-influenced musical numbers. An inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, James was known for his energetic live performances on stage during his concerts. Rolling Stones magazine has listed him seventh among the Top 100 Artists of All Times owing to the albums such as ‘Live at the Apollo’. We have compiled the best James Brown quotes on god, blessings, music, gratitude, racism, world, peace, and love taken from his lyrics, interviews, live concerts, and speeches.
When God took it, he accepted it; when he brought it back, he accepted it. That's what's happening with me.
My son don't have to say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud. He don't have to be called those crazy names.
I'm kidding about having only a few dollars. I might have a few dollars more.
I was stillborn. The midwives laid me aside, thought I was really gone. I laid there about an hour, and they picked me back up and tried again, 'cause my body was still warm. The Good Lord brought me back.
I used to think like Moses. That knocked me down for a couple years and put me in prison. Then I start thinking like Job. Job waited and became the wealthiest and richest man ever 'cause he believed in God.
I think the best thing about being James Brown is looking at my little son. Hopefully I can make my son a role model to a lot of people.
I started Michael years ago. I saw him in Gary, Indiana, and we'd have him on the talent shows. He kind of emulated me, and did the best he could.
I named my new son James Joseph Brown II. I think he's going to be a lot better than I was.
I had to tell about my colonic, which expresses the fact why I'm so neat today as opposed to a few years ago. I never knew that the weight made that much difference.
I got a wife who likes expensive things, so she takes all the cash.
I'm not going to be joining ZZ Top. You know they can't play my stuff. It's too complicated.
I'd like to cut down on the work a little bit.
Michael Jackson has a very good heart. He was crying when he was giving me the award, 'cause his mind went back over the early days.
I did the thing with bonds, which was about 30 million dollars, and didn't get none of the money on them.
I've been knocked down a lot of times.
I've been held responsible for taxes I know nothing about.
You can take care of yourself, and God helps those who help themselves.
Sometimes I feel like I'm a preacher as well, 'cause I can really get into an audience.
You can't teach others if you are living the same way.
I taught them everything they know, but not everything I know.
You only live once.
My expectations of other people, I double them on myself.
I want to say to you, Help yourself, so you can help someone else.
Hair is the first thing. And teeth the second. Hair and teeth. A man got those two things he's got it all.
Thank God for the journey.
I think what I came through is great, but my son can take it to another level, not having to fight racism. His mother's a Norwegian and I'm mixed up four or five times, so he can face the world.
Like Christ said, love thee one another. I learned to do that, and I learned to respect and be appreciative and thankful for what I had.
The hardest thing about being James Brown is I have to live. I don't have no down time.
Sometimes you struggle so hard to feed your family one way, you forget to feed them the other way, with spiritual nourishment. Everybody needs that.
When I'm on stage, I'm trying to do one thing: bring people joy. Just like church does. People don't go to church to find trouble, they go there to lose it.
