Rick James

Rick James (born James Ambrose Johnson Jr. February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004) was an American musician, composer and actor. Influenced by singers such as Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson, James started singing in doo-wop and R&B groups as a teenager in his hometown of Buffalo, New York. After entering the U.S. Navy to avoid being drafted, he deserted to Toronto, where he formed the rock and R&B band, The Mynah Birds, whose lineup included Bruce Palmer, Neil Young, and Nick St. Nicholas. James' tenure with the group was interrupted after he was discovered recording a record for Motown Records in 1966. Surrendering to military authorities, he served a one-year prison term. Upon release, James moved to California to resume his career with the Mynah Birds until the group disbanded. James began a series of rock bands in California, and worked for Motown as a songwriter under the alias "Ricky Matthews." In 1977, he signed with a Motown imprint, Gordy Records, as a recording artist, releasing his debut, Come Get It!, in April 1978. The album sold over two million copies, and launched his career as a funk and soul artis