James Brown

Godfather of Soul

Modern influential 155 sayings

Sayings by James Brown

The one thing that can solve most of our problems is dancing.

1990s — Interview
Humorous Confirmed

I don't know what you're talking about. I'm James Brown. I'm the man.

1990s — Responding to a question about his past legal troubles
Humorous Unverifiable

I stay in a hotel, and I never pay for room service. I don't eat in the hotel. I go out and buy my own food. I'm a country boy.

2002 — Interview with Larry King
Humorous Unverifiable

I taught Michael Jackson everything he knows, and he knows everything.

1980s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I don't think I'm a star. I'm a human being. I'm a man. I got a wife, I got children, I got a life. I'm just a man.

1970s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I got to have my cape. I can't be without my cape. That's my trademark.

1970s — Backstage before a performance
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not a politician. I'm an entertainer. I'm a musician. I'm a black man. I'm a human being. I'm all of those things.

1970s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I ain't never told a lie. I ain't never stole nothing. I ain't never killed nobody. I'm a good man.

1988 — Court testimony
Humorous Unverifiable

I don't need no sleep. I got to work. I got to make the people happy.

1960s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

Music is my life. It's my everything. It's my religion.

1970s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I don't sing. I testify.

1960s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I got soul. I got a lot of soul.

1960s — Live performance
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm a workaholic. I love to work. I love to make money.

1980s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not going to die. I'm going to live forever.

2000s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I don't need no doctor. I got my own medicine. It's called music.

1970s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm a good Samaritan. I help people. I give back to the community.

1990s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I don't care what nobody say. I'm the best. I'm the greatest.

1970s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I got to be me. I can't be nobody else.

1960s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I don't believe in no limits. I believe in unlimited.

1980s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm a self-made man. I started from nothing.

1970s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable