The historical past of common music would look very completely different if not for the contributions of the inimitable James Brown. A pioneer in the style of funk and soul music, Brown was born into impoverished circumstances – however a mixture of exhausting work and dedication helped the proficient musician climb to the prime.
Over the years, Brown launched a quantity of hit songs, together with his iconic tune “I Got You,” however the “Godfather of Soul” by no means landed a Billboard No. 1 hit. In spite of that, Brown charted over 90 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, a staggering achievement for any artist.
James Brown was often known as the ‘Godfather of Soul’
Brown was born in 1933, raised in excessive poverty in South Carolina, and later, in Georgia, in keeping with Biography. After discovering his deep affinity for gospel music at an early age, Brown determined to pursue a profession in music – however the path to success didn’t come simple for Brown, and he needed to work lengthy and exhausting for his large break.
That large break finally got here in the ’50s as the lead singer of the group the Well-known Flames. By the ’60s, Brown had made a identify for himself as a dynamic solo performer – and his songs “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” and “I Got You (I Feel Good)” earned him icon standing.
Brown had a number of nicknames, together with “Godfather of Soul,” because of his devotion to the soul style, in keeping with Biography. He was also called “the Hardest Working Man in Show Business” as a result of of his tendency to carry out 5 – 6 exhibits every week.
James Brown by no means landed a Billboard No. 1 hit
Brown died in 2006 at the age of 73. He left behind an unimaginable legacy and a catalog of music that continues to encourage thousands and thousands. Curiously sufficient, nevertheless, Brown by no means charted a Billboard No. 1 hit all through the course of his intensive profession.
Based on Billboard, Brown landed over 90 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 however by no means climbed increased than No. 3, which he achieved together with his 1965 track “I Got You (I Feel Good).” As reported by Billboard, Brown was overwhelmed in the prime two spots by “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)” by The Byrds and “Over And Over” by The Dave Clark 5.
He additionally got here shut with different Billboard Prime 10 hits, together with “Living in America,” which peaked at No. 4 in 1986, “I Got the Feelin,’” which made it to No. 6, and “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag (Part 1),” which made it to No. 8. Brown’s different Prime 10 hits embrace “Cold Sweat (Part 1),” and “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.”
A quantity of common music artists by no means had No. 1 hits
James Brown is much from the solely iconic musician to by no means land a Billboard No. 1 hit. Grunge band Nirvana by no means landed a No. 1 hit, with their closest being the hit tune “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Based on (*1*), Bruce Springsteen, well-known for songs like “Born to Run,” has by no means had a Billboard No. 1 track, whereas beloved ’90s boy band the Backstreet Boys additionally by no means scored that coveted No. 1 spot.
Different well-known bands and artists who by no means had No. 1 hits embrace Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Sheryl Crow, and Led Zeppelin. Even Novel Prize-winning artist Bob Dylan by no means had a No. 1 hit on the Billboard charts, though he did have two No. 2 songs – “Like a Rollin’ Stone” and “Rainy Day Women # 12 and 35.”