S21E12: James Brown

James Brown was known by a lot of titles: The Godfather of Soul and The Hardest Working Man in Show Business among them, but as Alicia shares, his personal life was more than a little bit of a catastrophe. From trouble with the law, to trouble with the IRS, to extremely abusive relationships with women, this musical legend’s legacy is mixed at best. And was he murdered?

Content warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of domestic violence.

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Alicia’s Receipts

James Brown’s wife, married in 1953, claims couple never divorced | News | postandcourier.com

James Brown: Was the Godfather of Soul’s wife murdered? – CNN.com

James Brown Arrest in 1988: What Really Happened | TIME

Woman says she married James Brown in ’53 (today.com)

James Brown: The Godfather of Soul | GQ

James Brown’s Daughter Recounts Domestic Abuse, Son Claims Murder | News | BET

* Ellis Arnall; Former Georgia Governor Led College, Prison Changes – Los Angeles Times

James Brown’s daughter Yamma says watching him beat mom led her to accept abuse | Daily Mail Online

The Debtor: Who killed Darren Lumar, James Brown’s son-in-law? – Atlanta Magazine

James Brown: 15 facts to know about the funk singer | British GQ

ADRIENNE BROWN DIES AT 47 – The Washington Post

How Many Wives Did James Brown Have? Meet His Spouse (heightline.com)

James Brown’s Will: Is It Inching Toward Closure After 14 Years? – The New York Times (nytimes.com)

James Brown’s Family Settles 15-Year Dispute Over Estate (variety.com)