News — Rick James

Rick James, born James Ambrose Johnson in 1948 in Buffalo, NY, fled to Toronto to avoid the draft and formed the R&B band The Mynah Birds, where Neil Young briefly joined. After being jailed for draft evasion, James returned to music, developing a signature funk style with bands like The Great White Cane. In 1978, he signed with Motown's Gordy Records and released his hit debut Come And Get It!. He followed with successful albums like Bustin’ Out Of L Seven and Fire It Up. His 1981 album Street Songs marked his international breakthrough, featuring hits like “Give It To...