These songs show James Brown’s full range—his power as a performer, yes, but also his depth as a storyteller, a thinker, and a man who understood the world around him.

5. “The Payback” James Brown’s influence on hip-hop is undeniable, and “The Payback” (1973) is one of the most sampled songs in the genre.

James Brown’s influence on hip-hop is legendary. Explore 8 classic rap songs that sampled his grooves — and still sound fresh today.

4. “I Got You (I Feel Good)” This would not be a list of essential James Brown songs without mentioning his most well-known song from 1965, “I Got You (I Feel Good)”.

That did it. Listening to James Brown’s live album, Love, Power, Peace: Live at the Olympia, Paris, 1971, Catfish plays some incredible lead guitar — especially on “Sex Machine.” ...