RJ
Rick James
Actor, Additional Credits
Died August 6, 2004 (56 years)
James Ambrose Johnson Jr., better known by his stage name Rick James, was an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, James began his musical career in his teen years. He was in various bands before entering the U.S. Navy and to avoid being drafted 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. James' career with the group halted after military authorities discovered his whereabouts and eventually convicted James to a one-year prison term related to the draft charges. After being released, James moved to California where he started a variety of rock and funk groups in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Filmography
| 1999 | Life · as Spanky Johnson |
| 1997 | South Park (TV Series) · as Rick James (voice) |
| 1996 | E! True Hollywood Story (TV Series) |
| 1964 | Die Drehscheibe (TV Series) · as Singer |