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![Watch Ebony Eyes (feat. Smokey Robinson) [Stereo] music video by Rick James](/mkimage/image/thumb/Video115/v4/39/ea/0c/39ea0ca1-2bec-337d-5e41-cff155dd11e7/dj.jpidyojv.jpg/575x575mv.webp "Watch Ebony Eyes (feat. Smokey Robinson) [Stereo] music video by Rick James")
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About Rick James
Hometown
Buffalo, NY, United States
Born
February 1, 1948
Genre
R&B/Soul
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Rick James made bold, risk-taking funk and R&B music that—combined with an electric personality—made him an icon.
• Born in Buffalo, James joined the Naval Reserve as a teenaer to avoid being drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War. He later deserted and fled to Toronto.
• In 1964, he joined the Toronto R&B-rock fusion band The Mynah Birds, which included future rock superstar Neil Young.
• James’ 1978 debut album, Come Get It! featured the R&B smashes "You and I" and "Mary Jane.”
• His fifth album, 1981’s Street Songs, spawned two of his signature hits: “Give It To Me Baby” and the raunchy, Grammy-nominated “Super Freak.”
• In 1990, MC Hammer sampled “Super Freak” for his hit single “U Can’t Touch This,” which earned both artists a Grammy for Best R&B Song.
• Prior to his death in 2004, James re-entered the pop-culture sphere with an appearance on Comedy Central’s Chappelle's Show. The sketch introduced the iconic catchphrase, "I'm Rick James, bitch!"
Rick James has also released music as a member of The Mynah Birds and Stone City Band.
Musical InfluencesRick James's musical influences include James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Barry White and more.
Influenced by Rick JamesRick James has influenced the music of MC Hammer, Macy Gray, Dr. Dre and more.
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