Is James Brown A-List?
NoB
No — James Brown is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Ranking Timeline
1956C$0.01M
"Please, Please, Please"
James Brown releases his first hit single, "Please, Please, Please".
1965B▲$0.1M+$0.09000000000000001M
"Papa's Got a Brand New Bag"
James Brown releases "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag", a groundbreaking funk track.
1968B$0.5M+$0.4M
"Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud"
James Brown releases "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud", becoming a civil rights anthem.
1970B$1M+$0.5M
"Sex Machine" Released
Releases "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine."
1986B$1.5M+$0.5M
Rock and Roll Hall
Inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
1988C▼$2M+$0.5M
Arrested for Assault
Arrested for assault.
2006B▲$3M+$1M
Death of Soul Godfather
James Brown dies at age 73.
Last updated: February 23, 2026