Rick James

Guide Note

Rick James was a popular Funk and R&B; singer in the late 1970s and early 80s who had a string of hits, including his signature song "Super Freak." While it was James' music that helped make him a star, his reputation as a hard partying Rock star quickly overshadowed his musical success. After his career started to wane in the 1990s, James was convicted on multiple drug and assault charges - including one that earned him two years in state prison. While James attempted a comeback in later life, he never achieved the success of his early stardom.

Fast Facts

1. Name: James Ambrose Johnson, Jr.
2. Born: February 1, 1948
3. Died: August 6, 2004
4. Briefly in a band with Neil Young

While James never recaptured the musical success of his early career, he did enjoy a brief period of cultural notoriety after comedian Dave Chappelle parodied him in a sketch on his television show. The sketch became a viral hit and spawned the now infamous catch phrase "I'm Rick James B*tch."