The singer who had 'greatest vocal range of the 1960s', according to science
The unrivalled singer eclipsed big names like Elvis and Mick Jagger, according to a recent study.
The world has been blessed with top vocalists over the years, but a new study has given one famous singer in particular a prestigious title. The crooner took the crown of the 1960s artist with the most impressive vocal range - and he beat several other big names.
James Brown, affectionately known as the Godfather of Soul, is the singer in question, according to Concert Hotels' research. They say the late icon exhibited a remarkable vocal stretch from E2 to F6 octaves with ease.
Analysing classic pop culture artists through a monitoring system, the study concluded that Brown's vocal prowess eclipsed that of his contemporaries, including Elvis Presley and Mick Jagger.
The same study also noted that Mariah Carey holds the record for the highest note reached by a vocalist, while Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses hits the lowest – both artists having started their careers well after the '60s period.
Brown, famed for his vigorous stage presence, had a knack for delivering piercing screeches and deep, soulful tones in chart-toppers like Super Bad and Get Up Offa That Thing.
He famously flaunted his range during a performance on The T.A.M.I. Show on October 28, 1964, reports the Mirror US.
As Jagger lingered backstage ready to perform with The Rolling Stones, he was reassured by Marvin Gaye who suggested that despite Brown's electric set, "just go out there and do your best."
Known for his acute musical ear, Brown could detect any slip-ups his band made during shows. He was notorious for issuing fines to band members who faltered musically during performances.
James spent his formative years in the care of his great-aunt in Georgia, following his parents' divorce. Growing up in the Deep South during the Great Depression of the 1930s exposed him to some of America's most trying times.
On one occasion, his poverty was so dire that he was sent home from school for wearing "insufficient clothes." His musical talents began to flourish at a tender age, thanks to his neighbours teaching him to play various instruments such as drums, piano, and guitar.
His passion for gospel music, ignited in church, would ultimately propel him to stardom. While attending Alto Reform School, James founded a gospel group called the Flames, later known as the Famous Flames.
The group caught the attention of Little Richard, a renowned rhythm-and-blues and rock-and-roll artist, who helped them gain recognition. In 1956, they released their debut single, 'Please. Please. Please', which sold three million copies and launched James into the spotlight.
Throughout the 1960s, James earned the nickname Soul Brother Number One, and by the 1970s, he was revered as the Godfather of Soul. His remarkable career comprised 100 singles, nearly 50 chart-topping albums, and unforgettable live performances, including Live at the Apollo, which remained on the charts for 22 weeks.
Despite leaving behind a lasting musical legacy, James passed away on Christmas morning in 2006 at the age of 73, due to complications from fluid in his lungs and a heart attack.
His widow, Tomi Rae, revealed that the star had battled his condition for days before his passing. Following his passing, she laid bare the reality of their life together versus his public image.
She said: "There was this public image he'd spent years creating and there was the real James Brown I lived with for nine years. I was the only person to see the real him. By the end, he was suffering terribly from arthritis in his legs. I had to massage him."
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