He was a brilliant, sometimes troubled artist, who help define the sound of R&B in the 1980s. Today we wish a Happy Heavenly birthday to the late, great Rick James, born James Ambrose Johnson Jr. on February 1, 1948.
The Buffalo, New York, singer and guitarist played in bands in the US and Canada (once working with rock legend Neil Young) before breaking out on his own and forming the Stone City Band. He was signed to Motown and released his debut album, Come Get It!, in 1978. The album displayed the “punk funk” sound that became James’ signature, and it catapulted him into the spotlight as one of the bright young stars of music.
For nearly a decade, James rode that wave of popularity with hit album after hit album, while also working with such acts as varied as The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Teena Marie and his proteges, The Mary Jane Girls.
He was a brilliant, sometimes troubled artist, who help define the sound of R&B in the 1980s. Today we wish a Happy Heavenly birthday to the late, great Rick James, born James Ambrose Johnson Jr. on February 1, 1948.
The Buffalo, New York, singer and guitarist played in bands in the US and Canada (once working with rock legend Neil Young) before breaking out on his own and forming the Stone City Band. He was signed to Motown and released his debut album, Come Get It!, in 1978. The album displayed the “punk funk” sound that became James’ signature, and it catapulted him into the spotlight as one of the bright young stars of music.
For nearly a decade, James rode that wave of popularity with hit album after hit album, while also working with such acts as varied as The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Teena Marie and his proteges, The Mary Jane Girls.
James’ career moment came with the 1981 song "Super Freak," which became a cultural phenomenon and solidified his status as a musical trailblazer. The song's infectious groove and bold lyrics resonated with audiences worldwide, earning James critical acclaim and commercial success. His flamboyant stage presence and charismatic persona further contributed to his popularity.
Despite his musical achievements, Rick James faced personal challenges, including legal battles and drug addiction, and at the time of his sad death in 2004, he remained a complex figure.
Time has allowed a kinder perspective of James and a greater recognition of his substantial contribution to music. So today we celebrate the musical life of a man who was always “bustin out of L 7.”
By Chris Rizik