James Ambrose Johnson Jr. (February 1, 1948 - August 6, 2004), better known by his stage name Rick James, was an American singer, musician, producer, and songwriter. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, James began his musical career as a teenager. In the late 1960s, he moved to California, where he formed a variety of rock and funk bands with varying success. After forming the popular Stone City Band in his hometown of Buffalo in 1977, James eventually found success as an artist after signing with Motown's Gordy Records, releasing his debut album under the name Rick James in 1978: Come Get It! which produced the hits "You & I" and "Mary Jane". In 1981, James released his most successful album, Street Songs, which included career-defining hits such as "Give It to Me Baby" and "Super Freak", his biggest crossover single, blending elements of funk, disco, rock, and new wave. Rapper MC Hammer sampled James's "Super Freak" for his 1990 hit "U Can't Touch This", which won the award for Best R&B Song at the 1991 Grammy Awards. James received his only Grammy for writing that song. Rick James was also known for his soul ballads such as "Fire & Desire" and "Ebony Eyes". This 3-CD Collected compilation combines all of Rick James's hits and the defining tracks from his successful career.