1. Subject question: Unquestionably one of the most influential musical pioneers of the last half century, James Brown, often nicknamed "the godfather of soul", laid the musical foundations that have influenced numerous artists. Ranging from Mick Jagger to Afrika Bambaataa to Jay Z, Brown's musical characteristics can be found in various artists. How has Michael Jackson's music demonstrated the influence of James Brown?2. Introduction: "The Godfather of Soul", better known as James Brown, became one of the most influential artists in Michael Jackson's life. As a child, Michael Jackson was intrigued by Brown's flamboyant stage performances and would soon begin implementing them into his own stage numbers. At the age of five, Michael Jackson was already locked into the world of show business thanks to his father, Joseph Jackson. Deprived of a childhood at a young age, Michael and his siblings founded a family musical group called "The Jackson 5." They began playing the soul hits they were listening to on the radio all over the country. The group toured the Midwest extensively from 1966 to 1968, frequently performing in clubs and bars. In 1966, they won a major local talent contest with renditions of Motown hits and a cover of James Brown's "I Feel Good (I Got You)." It wasn't until July 23, 1968 that they received major recognition from Motown owner Berry Gordy. Gordy was reluctant to sign the "Jackson 5", but after their hearing of the song "I Got the Feelin", by James Brown, he changed his mind. In March 1969, "The Jackson 5" were officially signed to Motown Records. This marked a historic moment in Michael Jackson's life where his musical influences from James Brown would be noticed. A Michael Jackson song that s...... middle of paper ......Matt Forger: the secrets of Bad 25 (EN). Accessed December 8, 2013. http://mjdatabank.com/mjjnews/wordpress/2012/10/09/chicago-1945-was-done-prior-to-al-capone-matt-forger-the-secrets-of- bad-25-fr/• 100 greatest guitar songs of all time. Rollingstone.com. Accessed December 8, 2013 http://web.archive.org/web/20080530224757/www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/20947527/page/33• James Brown saves Boston after the assassination, appeals or peace of MLK Across America (1968). Openculture.com. November 4, 2013. http://www.openculture.com/2013/11/james-brown-saves-boston-after-mlks-assassination.html• Beat It (4:18) last.fm. Accessed December 8, 2013. http://www.last.fm/music/Michael+Jackson/_/Beat+It• Analysis of the song Michael Jackson-Beat It. StudyMode.com Retrieved December 8, 2013. http://www.studymode.com/essays/Song-Analysis-Micheal-Jackson-Beat-It-994580.html