Rick James

Also known as James Ambrose Johnson Jr., James Johnson, James Ambrose Johnson

American singer, songwriter and record producer (1948-2004)

Person · Open Library

Born: 1947
Works: 24

Top works

Rising to the Challenges
Realities of Change
Partic. Self-Assess of NGO Capacity
Role of Southern NGOs in Dev. [OPS2]
Churches and Organisation Dev/ Africa

via Open Library + Wikidata

Film & TV

Acting · Buffalo, New York, USA

James Ambrose Johnson Jr. (February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004), better known by his stage name Rick James, was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Rick James began his musical career in his teenage years. He was in various bands before entering the U.S. Naval Reserve to avoid being drafted into the Army. In 1964, James moved to Toronto,…

Known for

Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James — Self (archive footage)2021
I'm Rick James: The Definitive DVD2009
101 Most Shocking Moments in Entertainment — Self (archive footage)2003
Chappelle's Show — Self2003
Life — Spanky Johnson1999
Where Are They Now? — Self1999

Article

James Ambrose Johnson Jr. (February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004), better known by his stage name Rick James, was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer.

Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Rick James began his musical career in his teenage years. He was in various bands before entering the U.S. Naval Reserve to avoid being drafted into the Army. In 1964, James moved to Toronto, Canada, where he formed the rock band The Mynah Birds, who eventually signed a recording deal with Motown Records in 1966. James's career with the group halted after military authorities discovered his whereabouts and eventually convicted him of desertion related charges. He served several months in jail.