Artist page · 04/07/2026

James Brown

BarnwellBorn in 1933Bandes originales (Films séries jeux…)20 vinyl albums
James Brown, born in 1933 in Barnwell, South Carolina, was an American singer, songwriter, and bandleader who pioneered funk. His career influenced soul, R&B, and gospel from the 1950s to the 2000s with vibrant performances and a prolific catalog.
Explore the discography The 3 must-haves
20Albums on Vinyles.com
7251Discogs releases
2.4MLast.fm listeners

About

50 vinyl editions ranging from 1960s funk to 2010s live albums and compilations; key pressings from 1972-74 draw collector attention.

James Brown helped create the foundation of funk with breakthrough tracks in the 1960s and 1970s, extensively documented on vinyl. His evolving style embraced raw grooves and rhythmic precision, blending soul, R&B, and jazz elements. Starting with his 1956 hit "Please, Please, Please," his prolific output includes studio, live, and soundtrack albums.

Key collaborations featured musicians like Maceo Parker and Bootsy Collins. Noteworthy vinyl pressings, especially original Polydor releases from the early 70s such as "Hell" (1974) and "Black Caesar" soundtrack (1973), sustain collector interest. His influence spans decades and musical movements including the rise of disco and hip hop collaborations later in his career.

Discography

James Brown discography

Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

Live At Home With His Bad SelfRepublic Records · 2019
2019
Live At Home With His Bad Self
Vinyl, LP, Album
Live
Get Down With James Brown! (Live At The Apollo Vol. IV)Polydor · 2015
2015
Get Down With James Brown! (Live At The Apollo Vol. IV)
File, MP3, Album
Live
Dynamite XCouch Records · 2007
2007
Dynamite X
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
The Next StepFome Records · 2002
2002
The Next Step
CD, Album
Studio
Ultimate RemixesUniversal · 2002
2002
Ultimate Remixes
CD, Album
Studio
The Merry Christmas AlbumGeorgia Lina Records · 1999
1999
The Merry Christmas Album
CD, Album
Studio
I'm BackGeorgia Lina Records · 1998
1998
I'm Back
CD, Album
Studio
Say It Live And Loud (08.26.68 Live In Dallas)Polydor · 1998
1998
Say It Live And Loud (08.26.68 Live In Dallas)
CD, Album
Live
Live At The Apollo 1995Scotti Bros. Records · 1995
1995
Live At The Apollo 1995
CD, Album
Live
Live, The Godfather Of SoulMusketeer · 1995
1995
Live, The Godfather Of Soul
CD, Album
Studio
Universal JamesScotti Bros. Records · 1993
1993
Universal James
CD, Album
Studio
Love Power PeacePolydor · 1992
1992
Love Power Peace
CD, Album
Studio
Love Over-DueScotti Bros. Records · 1991
1991
Love Over-Due
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Live At Chastain ParkCharly Groove · 1988
1988
Live At Chastain Park
Vinyl, LP, Album
Live
I'm RealScotti Bros. Records · 1988
1988
I'm Real
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
On StageBaur Music Production · 1988
1988
On Stage
CD, Album
Studio
GravityScotti Bros. Records · 1986
1986
Gravity
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Bring It On!Augusta Sound · 1983
1983
Bring It On!
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Nonstop!Polydor · 1981
1981
Nonstop!
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
...Live Hot On The OnePolydor · 1980
1980
...Live Hot On The One
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
PeoplePolydor · 1980
1980
People
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Soul SyndromeT.K. Records · 1980
1980
Soul Syndrome
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
The Original Disco ManPolydor · 1979
1979
The Original Disco Man
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Take A Look At Those CakesPolydor · 1978
1978
Take A Look At Those Cakes
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Jam/1980'sPolydor · 1978
1978
Jam/1980's
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Mutha's NaturePolydor · 1977
1977
Mutha's Nature
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
BodyheatPolydor · 1976
1976
Bodyheat
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
HotPolydor · 1976
1976
Hot
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Get Up Offa That ThingPolydor · 1976
1976
Get Up Offa That Thing
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Sex Machine TodayPolydor · 1975
1975
Sex Machine Today
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Everybody's Doin' The Hustle & Dead On The Double BumpPolydor · 1975
1975
Everybody's Doin' The Hustle & Dead On The Double Bump
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
RealityPolydor · 1974
1974
Reality
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
HellPolydor · 1974
1974
Hell
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
The PaybackPolydor · 1973
1973
The Payback
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Black Caesar (Original Soundtrack)Polydor · 1973
1973
Black Caesar (Original Soundtrack)
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Slaughter's Big Rip-Off (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)Polydor · 1973
1973
Slaughter's Big Rip-Off (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Get On The Good FootPolydor · 1972
1972
Get On The Good Foot
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
There It IsPolydor · 1972
1972
There It Is
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Studio album Live / EP

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up James Brown's career.

01
I Got You (I Feel Good)
·
02
Get Up Offa That Thing
·
03
The Boss
The Boss
Black Caesar (Original Soundtrack) · 1973
04
The Payback
·
05
Papa's Got A Brand New Bag
·
06
It's a Man's Man's Man's World
·
07
Try Me
·
08
Living in America
·

The essentials

The 3 James Brown albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 1972
LP, Album, Reissue
Get On The Good Foot

This album showcases James Brown's peak funk style with 13 tracks including the dynamic title song and a recitation by Hank Ballard. It features extended groove jams and polished compositions emblematic of early 70s funk.

13 tracksPolydor labelIncludes 'Get On The Good Foot (Parts 1 & 2)'Reissue format available on vinyl
Discover the album
#2 · 1974
LP, Album, Stereo
Hell

A double LP album blending soul and funk styles featuring tracks like 'Coldblooded', 'Hell', and 'Papa Don't Take No Mess'. The 14-track album highlights his range from gritty funk to soulful ballads.

14 tracksStereoPolydor labelOriginal US pressings available
Discover the album
#3 · 1973
LP, Album, Stereo
Black Caesar (Original Soundtrack)

From the soundtrack of the blaxploitation film 'Black Caesar', this album mixes cinematic funk and soul. It features 11 tracks including 'Down And Out In New York City' and 'The Boss'.

11 tracksPolydor labelOriginal US stereo pressingSoundtrack album
Discover the album

Go further

Artists similar to James Brown

Artists who share part of James Brown's musical DNA.

James Brown & The Famous Flames
The J.B.'s
Sly & The Family Stone
Bobby Byrd
Lyn Collins
Parliament
Parliament
Ohio Players
Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Mayfield

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of James Brown

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

"James Brown preferred simple rhythm and blues grooves over jazz complexity, focusing on funk's raw energy."
— Music analysis
01Studio

Recording of 'Hell' album

In 1974, James Brown released 'Hell' on Polydor, a double LP showcasing soul and funk. Original US pressings from that year are sought after and can be found starting at around €6.34, with rare promos fetching higher prices.

1974US
02Pressing

Japanese promo pressing of 'Hell'

A Japan promotional LP pressing of 'Hell' from 1974, issued by Polydor with catalog numbers MP 9474/5, is noted for its rarity and collector value, commanding prices up to €350.

1974Japan
03Live Album

2019 'Live At Home With His Bad Self'

The 2019 live album 'Live At Home With His Bad Self' captures James Brown's stage presence with 18 tracks of funk and soul. It was released on Republic Records in the US and is available on vinyl for around €19.14.

2019US
04Concert

Apollo Theater Success in 1963

The self-produced live album 'Live At Apollo' in 1963 marked James Brown's national breakthrough by capturing his intense live performances, rapidly expanding his audience beyond the southern US.

1963Apollo Theater

Records by James Brown

See all
Collected - Front Cover Collected - Front Cover

Collected

James Brown
International Soul Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
MUSIC ON VINYL
From $42.85 1 offer
SELECTED SOUL LP - Front Cover

SELECTED SOUL LP

James Brown
International Soul Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
BELLEVUE
From $30.74 1 offer
NIGHT TRAIN - Front Cover

NIGHT TRAIN

James Brown
Rock 'n' Roll / Rockabilly / Psychobilly Rock
SECOND RECORDS
From $27.09 1 offer
NIGHT - Front Cover

NIGHT

James Brown
Bebop Jazz/Blues
SECOND RECORDS
From $23.24 1 offer
In The Jungle Groove - Front Cover

In The Jungle Groove

James Brown
Funk / Soul / R&B Compilations Compilations
UNIVERSAL MUSIC
From $47.00 2 offers
James Brown Live At The Apollo, 1962 - Front Cover

James Brown Live At The Apollo, 1962

James Brown
International Soul Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
UNIVERSAL MUSIC
From $31.30 2 offers
Black Caesar - Front Cover Black Caesar - Back Cover

Black Caesar

James Brown
Film Music Soundtracks (Films, series, games, etc.)
POLYDOR
From $29.67 2 offers
Live At The Apollo - Vinyle Bleu - Front Cover

Live At The Apollo - Blue Vinyl

James Brown
International Soul Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
Pain
View details
MANY FACES OF JAMES BROWN/VINYLE CRISTAL AMBRE - Front Cover

MANY FACES OF JAMES BROWN/VINYLE CRISTAL AMBRE

James Brown
International Soul Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
MUSIC BROKERS
View details
Soul On Top - Front Cover

Soul On Top

James Brown
International Funk Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
Zest
From $24.84 1 offer
THINK - Front Cover

THINK

James Brown
International Funk Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
MUSIC LEGENDS COLLECTION
View details
COLLECTED/VINYLE NOIR AUDIOPHILE 180GR/POCHETTE GATEFOLD PVC - Front Cover

COLLECTED/180g Audiophile Black Vinyl/Gatefold Sleeve

James Brown
International Funk Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
MUSIC ON VINYL
From $42.89 2 offers
You Call It Soul - Front Cover

You Call It Soul

James Brown
International Funk Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
MAGIC OF VINYL
From $46.58 1 offer
The Godfather Of Soul - Live At Chastain Park - Front Cover

The Godfather Of Soul - Live At Chastain Park

James Brown
International Funk Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
GOLDENLANE RECORDS
From $33.99 1 offer
The Dynamic James Brown - Front Cover

The Dynamic James Brown

James Brown
International Funk Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
Intermusic
From $22.43 1 offer
It's a Man's Man's Man's World - Front Cover

It's a Man's Man's Man's World

James Brown
International Soul Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
SAGA
View details
VINYLART - JAMES BROWN - Front Cover

VINYLART - JAMES BROWN

James Brown
International Soul Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
VINYLART
From $33.43 1 offer
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE - VINYLBAG - Front Cover

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE - VINYLBAG

James Brown
International Funk Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
WAGRAM
From $25.18 1 offer
The Amazing James Brown & The Famous Flames - Front Cover

The Amazing James Brown & The Famous Flames

James Brown
Alternative
Intermusic
View details
Please, Please, Please - Front Cover

Please, Please, Please

James Brown
International Funk Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
Intermusic
From $26.34 1 offer
Try Me - Selected Singles 1957-1958 - Front Cover

Try Me - Selected Singles 1957-1958

James Brown
International Funk Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
ALLSTARS
View details
MERRY CHRISTMAS ALBUM - Front Cover

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALBUM

James Brown
International Funk Funk/Soul/R&B/Disco
BELLEVUE
From $23.20 1 offer
YOU VE GOT THE POWER/GATEFOLD COVER - Front Cover

YOU VE GOT THE POWER/GATEFOLD COVER

James Brown
Funk / Soul / R&B Compilations Compilations
New Continent
From $26.18 1 offer
HEY AMERICA/BROWN - Front Cover

HEY AMERICA/BROWN

James Brown
Funk / Soul / R&B Compilations Compilations
Polydor
View details

CDs by James Brown

Search all James Brown CDs
Rocks - Front Cover

Rocks

James Brown
Pop Compilations Compilations
CD BEAR FAMILY
From $12.99 2 offers

Recommended accessories

To protect, store and clean your records.

All accessories

FAQ

FAQ

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

What genres does James Brown's vinyl catalog mainly cover?

His vinyl works predominantly span funk, soul, rhythm and blues, and some jazz and disco influences.

Which James Brown albums are essential for funk enthusiasts on vinyl?

'Get On The Good Foot', 'Hell', and 'Black Caesar' soundtrack are key records showcasing his funk and soul eras.

What are notable original pressing details for James Brown's 'Hell' album?

The original US 1974 Polydor LP pressing, catalog PD 2-9001, is sought after by collectors with prices ranging around €6 to €350 depending on condition and rarity.

Where can I find French pressings of James Brown's albums?

French vinyl reissues of 'Get On The Good Foot' from 1972 are available, often found on Polydor labels with catalog number 2675 054.

How does James Brown's live vinyl material capture his performance?

Live albums like 'Live At Home With His Bad Self' (2019) feature extended sets demonstrating his energetic and dynamic stage presence on vinyl format.

Are there any vinyl albums where James Brown composed soundtrack music?

Yes, notable vinyl soundtracks include 'Black Caesar' (1973) which blends cinematic funk and soul tailored to the film.

How many James Brown tracks are typically included on his studio albums?

Studio albums often feature between 11 and 14 tracks, showcasing a mix of funk, soul, and R&B compositions.

What are the main labels releasing James Brown's vinyl records?

Common labels include Polydor and Scorpio, with original pressings from the 1970s and reissues into recent decades.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

  • WP
    Wikipedia
    Encyclopaedic data and biography
    ↗
  • MB
    MusicBrainz
    Artist metadata, dates, type
    ↗
  • DG
    Discogs
    Discography, pressings and market prices
    ↗
  • LF
    Last.fm
    Listeners, plays, similar artists
    ↗
  • VC
    Vinyles.com
    In-house catalog, prices and availability
    ↗

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 04/07/2026