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The Life and Legacy of Rick James: Funk Legend and Super Freak

Explore the life of Rick James, born James Johnson Jr. in Buffalo, New York, who rose from humble beginnings to become a funk icon. From his early days in the Mynah Birds alongside Neil Young to his explosive hits like “Super Freak” and “You and I,” Rick's music defined an era. Despite personal struggles with addiction, he made lasting contributions to the industry, influencing artists across generations. His journey illustrates both the highs and lows of fame and artistry, culminating in his untimely death in 2004.

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The Life and Legacy of Rick James: Funk Legend and Super Freak

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  1. Rick James Chronicles of A Super Freak Tatton Galyean Taylor DeWeese Jeff Williams

  2. His Life • He was born James Johnson Jr. February 1, 1948 in Buffalo, New York • He was the oldest child in a family of eight. • He was the nephew of the Temptations Melvin Franklin • Joined the Navy at age 15 and fled to Canada after going AWOL • Went to prison for the Abduction and Sexual Assault of his girlfriend

  3. He founded his first group, the Mynah Birds, in Toronto • He soon became known as Rick James • The Mynah Birds consisted of Neil Young and Bruce Palmer of Buffalo Springfield, and Goldie McJohn of Steppenwolf • The group recorded a couple of tracks but nothing was ever released

  4. In 1977 formed the Stone City Band • The band experimented with a mixture of Rock and Funk, which he called “Funk ‘n’ Roll” • In 1978 he signed with Berry Gordy to Motown Records • Later that year his first record, Come Get It, was released • “Mary Jane” and “You and I” were his two hit songs

  5. Records 1978 - Come Get It! 1979 - Bustin' Out of L Seven 1979 - Fire It Up 1980 - Garden of Love 1981 - Street Songs 1982 - Throwin' Down 1983 - Cold Blooded 1984 - Reflections 1985 - Glow 1986 - The Flag 1988 - Wonderful 1994 - Bustin' Out - The Very Best of Rick James 1997 - Urban Rapsody 2001 - Street Songs - Deluxe Edition 2002 - Anthology

  6. His Influences • Smokey Robinson • The Temptations • Paul McCartney • Neil Young • Dizzy Gillispie

  7. Who He Influenced • Prince • Eddie Murphy • MC Hammer • Teena Marie • And several Mary Jane Girl’s

  8. Awards and Accomplishments • 1990-Grammy Best R@B Song, written by Rick James and Recorded By MC Hammer • 2003 ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Heritage Award • Number 1 Songs • You and I – 1978 • Super Freak – 1981 • I - 1983

  9. His Death • Throughout his life he was a heavy alcoholic and cocaine addict • He was hospitalized several times between 1979 and 1984 • Died in his sleep of cardiac failure on August 6, 2004 • The Coroner found 9 different drugs in his system • He was 56 years old • He suffered from diabetes, had several strokes, and used a pacemaker during the final years of his life

  10. Questions • What type of music did Rick James create? • What was the name of his first band? • What is a hell of a drug?

  11. References http://slate.msn.com/id/2105003/ http://www.rickjames.com/ http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/awards/rsawards/2004/rickjames.html

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