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Before his death, James Brown—the Godfather of Soul—left behind not a will, but something far more controversial: a secret list of ten musicians he could never forgive.These weren’t just rivals; many were legends in their own right, and each name reflected a deep personal wound, a betrayal, or a clash of egos that shaped Brown’s tumultuous career.

Before His Death, James Brown Finally Names The 10 Musicians He Hated

The most notorious feud was with Joe Tex. Their rivalry went beyond music. Joe Tex not only mirrored Brown’s style but once claimed a song Brown considered his own. The tension between them was palpable, culminating in a notorious backstage confrontation that left Brown feeling robbed not just of a song, but of his very identity.

This was more than artistic competition—it was a battle for respect and survival in a world that often pitted black artists against each other for the spotlight.

Michael Jackson also made Brown’s list, not for any personal slight, but because Jackson’s brilliance cast a long shadow over Brown’s legacy. Jackson, who often called Brown his inspiration, rose to global superstardom with a style and stage presence reminiscent of Brown. For Brown, watching Jackson’s effortless rise felt like being replaced, his own struggles forgotten by a world eager for a new king.

Bootsy Collins, the flamboyant bassist, was another source of pain. Collins’ wild genius and refusal to be tamed clashed with Brown’s demand for discipline. When Bootsy left to join Parliament-Funkadelic, Brown saw it as a betrayal—a gifted protégé choosing freedom over loyalty.

Prince, too, represented a new era that Brown found both fascinating and unsettling. Prince’s boundary-pushing creativity and refusal to play by the rules made Brown uneasy; he saw in Prince a future where his own influence was no longer central.

The Untold Truth Of James Brown

Within his own band, Brown’s relationships were often fraught. Maceo Parker, the legendary saxophonist, was both muse and rival. As Parker’s star rose, Brown’s jealousy grew, leading to icy silences and repeated departures. The pain was not just professional, but personal—a trusted “family” member who dared to shine too brightly.

Other names on Brown’s list included Jackie Wilson, whose early stardom haunted Brown’s ambitions; Fred Wesley, the trombonist and bandleader who demanded fair treatment and eventually left; and Clyde Stubblefield, the drummer behind the iconic “Funky Drummer” break, whose contributions Brown never fully acknowledged.

The list even included icons outside Brown’s immediate circle. Elvis Presley, hailed as the King of Rock & Roll, embodied the racial inequalities Brown fought against. Brown saw Elvis as a symbol of a system that celebrated white artists for black innovations, a bitter reminder of doors that remained closed to him.

Finally, Aretha Franklin—the “Queen of Soul”—was both peer and rival. Their mutual respect was laced with distance; neither would yield the spotlight, and their relationship remained a cold standoff between two titans.

Godfather of Soul James Brown's haunting final words as a premonition of his death - The Mirror

James Brown’s legacy is not just one of musical genius, but also of complicated relationships and fierce pride. His secret list reveals the pain beneath the showbiz glamour—a man who fought not only for his place in history, but for his very sense of self. In the end, the shadows behind the spotlight told as much of his story as the music itself.