Portrait of James Brown

James Brown

Godfather of Soul

Modern influential 155 sayings

Sayings by James Brown

I don't mind being a symbol, but I don't want to be a monument. There's a difference.

1986 — Interview with Rolling Stone
Wisdom Unverifiable

I taught my men to be strong. Always be strong. Never give up. Never give in. And always keep your word. That's the way I live.

1999 — Interview with Larry King Live
Inspirational Unverifiable

I'm a workaholic. I love my job. I love to work. I love to make people happy.

1997 — Interview with Charlie Rose
Love & Relationships Unverifiable

I'm not a politician. I'm an entertainer. I'm a musician. I'm a showman.

1972 — Interview with Jet Magazine
Political Unverifiable

I'm an innovator. I'm a creator. I'm a leader. I'm a pioneer.

1988 — Interview with Ebony Magazine
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

I stay on the scene, I stay on the move, I stay on the groove.

1996 — Interview with Vibe Magazine
Wisdom Unverifiable

I feel good, I knew that I would now.

1965 — Lyrics from 'I Got You (I Feel Good)'
Wisdom Unverifiable

Get up, get on up, stay on the scene like a sex machine.

1970 — Lyrics from 'Get Up (I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine)'
Wisdom Unverifiable

Hit me!

Various — Live performance ad-lib
Wisdom Unverifiable

I don't think I'm a legend. I'm just a man who's been blessed to do what I love to do.

1990 — Interview with TV Guide
Biblical Unverifiable

I'm not going to stop until I drop. That's my motto.

2005 — Interview with The New York Times
Wisdom Unverifiable

I don't sing for the money. I sing for the people. I sing because I love to sing.

1998 — Interview with The Associated Press
Love & Relationships Unverifiable

I'm a perfectionist. I want everything to be right. I want everything to be perfect.

2002 — Interview with The Guardian
Wisdom Unverifiable

I'm not a dancer. I'm a mover. I move with the music.

1972 — Interview on 'The Mike Douglas Show'
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

I'm a self-made man. I came from nothing. I made something out of nothing.

1993 — Interview with Entertainment Weekly
Wisdom Unverifiable

I believe in God. I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe in the Holy Ghost.

2003 — Interview with Tavis Smiley
Biblical Unverifiable

I'm like a good wine. I get better with age.

1995 — Interview with USA Today
Wisdom Unverifiable

I'm a black man. I'm proud to be a black man. I'm proud to be an American.

1968 — Speech at a civil rights rally
Wisdom Unverifiable

I got soul. I got funk. I got rhythm.

Various — Live performance ad-lib
Biblical Unverifiable

I'm not a king. I'm a godfather.

1988 — Interview with David Letterman
Wisdom Unverifiable
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