Born in South Carolina, Brown rose out of poverty to become a pioneer of r&b, soul and funk music. He found global success in the 1960s with his album “Live at The Apollo” and songs like “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag.” Later with the JBs, he deconstructed funk rhythms along their african fault lines, and fused this dynamic energy with social and political commentary. He was a cultural icon, leaving a lasting legacy on funk, soul, and the music industry as a whole.