James was also known for his soulful ballads such as 'Fire & Desire' and ' Ebony Eyes'. In 1981, James released his most successful album, Street Songs, which included career-defining hits such as ' Give It to Me Baby' and ' Super Freak', the latter song becoming his biggest crossover single, mixing elements of funk, disco, rock and new wave. After being released, James moved to California, where he started a variety of rock and funk groups in the late 1960s and early 1970s.Īfter forming the locally popular Stone City Band in his hometown of Buffalo in 1977, James finally found success as a recording artist after signing with Motown's Gordy Records, releasing the album Come Get It! in 1978 which produced the hits ' You & I' and ' Mary Jane'. James' career with the group halted after military authorities discovered his whereabouts and eventually convicted and sentenced James to a one-year prison term related to the desertion charges. In 1964, James deserted to Toronto, Canada, where he formed the rock band the Mynah Birds, who eventually signed a recording deal with Motown Records in 1966. Navy Reserve to avoid being drafted into the army. He was in various bands before entering the U.S.
Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, James began his musical career in his teen years. (Febru– August 6, 2004), better known by his stage name Rick James, was an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer.
