James Brown quotes

James Brown, known as the "Godfather of Soul," was a legendary American singer, songwriter, and dancer. Born in 1933, Brown's dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals revolutionized the music industry. This SEO-friendly bio highlights key aspects of Brown's career, including his influential discography, multiple Grammy Awards, and impact on various music genres. As a profound performer, James Brown's contributions continue to inspire generations, making him an iconic figure remembered for his soulful music and electrifying dance moves.

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.

- James Brown

I taught them everything they know, but not everything I know.

- James Brown

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.

- James Brown

I got a wife who likes expensive things, so she takes all the cash.

- James Brown

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.

- James Brown

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.

- James Brown

I've been held responsible for taxes I know nothing about.

- James Brown

My expectations of other people, I double them on myself.

- James Brown

Thank God for the journey.

- James Brown

Sometimes I feel like I'm a preacher as well, 'cause I can really get into an audience.

- James Brown

I've been knocked down a lot of times.

- James Brown

The one thing that can solve most of our problems is dancing.

- James Brown

You can take care of yourself, and God helps those who help themselves.

- James Brown

I did the thing with bonds, which was about 30 million dollars, and didn't get none of the money on them.

- James Brown

I just thank God for all of the blessings.

- James Brown

You only live once.

- James Brown

When God took it, he accepted it; when he brought it back, he accepted it. That's what's happening with me.

- James Brown

Hair is the first thing. And teeth the second. Hair and teeth. A man got those two things he's got it all.

- James Brown

I'd like to cut down on the work a little bit.

- James Brown

The hardest thing about being James Brown is I have to live. I don't have no down time.

- James Brown

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.

- James Brown

I named my new son James Joseph Brown II. I think he's going to be a lot better than I was.

- James Brown

I'm not going to be joining ZZ Top. You know they can't play my stuff. It's too complicated.

- James Brown

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.

- James Brown

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.

- James Brown

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.

- James Brown

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.

- James Brown

I'm kidding about having only a few dollars. I might have a few dollars more.

- James Brown

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.

- James Brown

You can't teach others if you are living the same way.

- James Brown