Living in America, written and performed by American singer, songwriter, producer and musician James Brown, is one of his most iconic and well-known songs. Released in 1985 as a single from the soundtrack to the film Rocky IV, Living in America became an instant classic, receiving both commercial and critical acclaim.
The song was written by James Brown, along with Dan Hartman, Charlie Midnight, and Ivor Raymonde. It was produced by both James Brown and Dan Hartman. The single peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the highest charting single of Brown’s career.
It also earned Brown and Hartman a Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance at the 28th Annual Grammy Awards in 1986.
Who wrote James Brown song living in America?
“Living in America” was written by Dan Hartman, Charlie Midnight, and James Brown and was released by James Brown in 1985. It was the first single from the 1985 album of the same name.
Originally written as a theme song for the 1985 Rocky IV soundtrack, it was re-recorded by Brown in a more dance-friendly version that was released as a single on Scotti Brothers Records label. The song was Brown’s third US top ten hit, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, and also hitting the top spot on the R&B chart.
It also reached number two in Canada and number 25 in the UK.
The song was an immediate success, becoming a truly trans-generational hit in the US, with Dan Hartman taking the lead vocals. The song was one of the last hits of Brown’s career and it also became a popular anthem at sporting events.
What famous songs did James Brown write?
James Brown is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of music, and he wrote a large number of iconic songs during his career. Some of the most famous James Brown songs include “I Got You (I Feel Good)”, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag”, “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine)”, “Living in America”, “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”, “Get on the Good Foot”, “The Payback”, “Hot Pants (She Got to Use What She Got to Get What She Wants)”, “Get Up Offa That Thing”, “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World”, “Cold Sweat”, “Super Bad”, and “Out of Sight”.
These songs have been sampled and covered countless times, and they have helped shape genres such as soul, funk, and hip-hop.
Who is James Brown wife?
James Brown was married four times throughout his lifetime. His first wife was Velma Warren, whom he married in 1953 and divorced in 1969. From 1969 to 2004 he was married to Deedee Jenkins, although the marriage was at times rocky and the couple was divorced for a period of time in the 1990s.
In 2001, Brown married Tomi Rae Hynie, but the marriage was annulled in 2004 due to Brown not being legally divorced from Deedee Jenkins when they married. Brown married Adrienne Rodriguez shortly after and until his death in 2006.
What is James Brown’s most successful song?
James Brown’s most successful song is considered to be “I Got You (I Feel Good)”, released in 1965. The track was originally written by James Brown and recording performances with his band, The Famous Flames.
The single was a major commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart, number three on the Billboard Hot-100, and number six in the United Kingdom. It went on to be one of his most recognizable and respected songs, achieving both popular and critical acclaim.
In 2003, the song was ranked number 122 on Rolling Stone’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and it has been covered by numerous artists, including Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison and Tom Jones.
What James Brown said about Elvis?
James Brown had a tremendous amount of respect for Elvis Presley, and was often quoted publicly praising him. He said, “No one will ever touch him. He had a whole style of his own, a whole sound and he still sounds modern.
He was the epitome of a performer. He has changed the face of pop music…he was not only an entertainer, he was an innovator, he was a genius, he was an original. He had that particular flavor that others lacked.
He was the very best in the business. ” Brown loved Elvis’ music and the influence he had on the world and culture. He believed that Elvis was a symbol of the times and a beacon of hope for those who suffered through poverty and poor living conditions.
Brown was always quick to express his admiration of Presley’s genre, saying “When you talk about The King, you’re talking about Elvis. Elvis laid the groundwork for all of us. His music is the number one influence in our rhythm and blues, soul, R&B, and rock and roll music.
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Who did Elvis think was the singer?
Elvis Presley famously said that the “greatest living singer in the world” was fellow musician Ray Charles. Throughout his career, Presley was a huge fan of Charles’ blend of R&B, jazz, gospel, and blues, often citing him as a major influence on his own musical stylings.
Presley declared, “Ray Charles, to me, is the greatest living singer. There’ll never be another one like him. ” In appreciation of Charles’ work, Elvis even recorded a cover of his song “I Got a Woman” in 1956, which ended up as the B-side of Presley’s first single, “Heartbreak Hotel”.
It was clear that the admiration was mutual, as Charles once referred to Presley as “the only real revolutionary in the business”. Elvis and Ray Charles were evidently kindred spirits and forged a lasting mutual respect that was ultimately two-way.
What did paul McCartney think of Elvis?
Paul McCartney has been a long-time admirer of Elvis Presley and his music. He always commented on how influential the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was to him and many other artists. In a biography on Rolling Stone, McCartney said “When I heard Elvis for the first time, I just knew that I’d found the greatest thing I’d ever heard and he was the king — he’s still the king”.
In an interview with the Guardian, McCartney mentioned that growing up, everyone wanted to be just like Elvis. McCartney said “He was the big man and his was the big voice; we just thought he was the bees’ knees… I don’t think you can overestimate his influence on every kind of modern music.
” On the anniversary of Elvis’ death in August 1977, McCartney and wife Linda released a twelve Inch EP of their tribute called “Elvis Remembered” On the back of the record was the personal inscription “For Elvis, the King of Kings”.
To this day, McCartney remains a fan of Presley’s music and the many memories the King of Rock and Roll has left behind.
Who is the soul singer of all time?
It is difficult to determine who the single greatest soul singer of all time is, as so many have contributed timeless classics and innovative styles to the genre. Some of the greatest soul singers of all time include Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Marvin Gaye.
All four of these artists are widely acclaimed and have secured their place in music history as some of the greatest soul singers of all time.
Stevie Wonder is widely hailed as one of the greatest soul singers of all time, with some of his most well-known hits including “Superstition”, “Higher Ground”, “Living For The City”, and “I Just Called To Say I Love You”.
He has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and won 25 Grammy awards. He is widely recognised as one of the most successful artists of all time.
Aretha Franklin, widely known as the “Queen of Soul,” is widely undoubtedly one of the most iconic and most influential soul singers of all time. She released some of the most well-known soul songs of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, such as “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Think.
” Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and she remains one of the most popular and beloved soul singers of all time.
Otis Redding was one of the most influential singers in the soul genre. He released several popular songs throughout his career, including “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay,” “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” and “These Arms of Mine.
” Redding has been credited with paving the way for numerous other soul singers who came after him.
Marvin Gaye is another iconic soul singer who had a significant influence on the genre. Gaye released some of the most beloved soul songs of the 1970s, such as “What’s Going On”, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, and “Sexual Healing”.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and has been credited with pioneering and revitalizing the sound of soul music.
Ultimately, there is no single soul singer who can be crowned the absolute greatest of all time. All four of these legendary artists have made great contributions to the genre and have secured their place as some of the greatest soul singers of all time.
Who is the most popular American singer songwriter?
The most popular American singer-songwriter is arguably Taylor Swift. Since debuting her self-titled album in 2006, Taylor has experienced a meteoric rise to stardom, selling over 50 million albums and nearly 150 million singles worldwide.
She is the most-awarded female artist of all time, with a total of 33 awards from the American Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and more. Her lyrics are relatable and often focused on the human experience and personal stories.
She is also one of the best-selling digital music artists in history, having sold over 160 million digital single downloads. Taylor Swift has become an iconic presence in the music industry and is one of the most influential figures in pop culture today.
Who is the most prolific songwriter in American history?
Many would argue that the most prolific songwriter in American history is Irving Berlin (1888-1989). Berlin wrote an astonishing 1,500 songs, including classics such as “White Christmas” and “God Bless America.
” His music touched many generations and is still a major influence on today’s popular music. Berlin began his career as a professional singer in 1905 and soon after began writing songs. His credits include songs written for Broadway and Hollywood, as well as dozens of chart-topping hits.
Berlin received many accolades throughout his career, including an Oscar, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is considered the father of popular American music, and continues to be a major influence on popular music today.
Was Living in America written for Rocky 4?
No, the song “Living in America” was not written for Rocky 4. It was recorded by James Brown for the soundtrack of the film in 1985 and released as a single in the same year. The song is best known for its opening line, “Living in America, hand to hand, across the nation!” The song was actually written by Dan Hartman, Charlie Midnight, and Viktor van Voolen for the movie, but it was rejected for being too upbeat.
Hartman eventually used it for his 1986 album, “I Can Dream About You. ” The song was also covered by other artists, including the Italian singer Dalida and the Swedish group UB40.
Why did Charlie Daniels write in America?
Charlie Daniels wrote in America because he wanted to capture the spirit of the country and its people. He believed that America was a nation of many faces; a nation built by immigrants striving for freedom, opportunity and prosperity.
He wrote from observations of the American way of life and its people. He was inspired by the stories of everyday Americans, both current and past, who had overcome obstacles and triumphed against amazing odds.
Through his music, he believed he could express his love and admiration for the country, its history, and those who had fought and worked to make the United States the great nation it is today. He wrote to honor the past and to ignite a sense of inspiration and hope in the present and future.
He believed that if he told the stories of America’s past and present with passion and emotion, they would be remembered and continue to inspire future generations.
Did Mick Jagger produce the James Brown movie?
No, Mick Jagger did not produce the James Brown movie. The 2013 biographical drama film about the legendary musician was directed by Tate Taylor and produced by Mick Jagger’s production company Jagged Films, but Mick Jagger himself was not the producer.
The film, titled “Get On Up”, starred Chadwick Boseman as James Brown and featured Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Dan Aykroyd, and Jill Scott. It was co-produced by Brian Grazer and Elliott Webb, with Mick Jagger and Victoria Pearman as executive producers.
What was the first song written in America?
The first song written in America is widely accepted to be a song written by William Billings in 1770 titled “Chester” – a marching song written to commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill. The tune and words are believed to be entirely the work of Billings, who went on to have a major influence on American shape-note singing – a musical tradition lasting to the present day.
The song itself is often used to signify American patriotism and independence, owing to its age and legacy, as well as its tune and lyrics which clearly express a sense of national pride.