Musicians & Composers · 21st Century
James Brown’s Last Words
“I'm going away tonight.”— James Brown, December 25, 2006
Who Was James Brown?
James Brown was the 'Godfather of Soul' whose style directly influenced funk, hip-hop, and modern popular music.
The Final Moments
Brown was admitted to hospital for pneumonia. His final words were spoken to his manager Charles Bobbit.
Are These Words Verified?
James Brown's longtime manager Charles Bobbit was present and directly reported Brown's last words to media immediately after his death on December 25, 2006, providing firsthand testimony.
Sources
- firsthand Charles Bobbit firsthand account to press
- newspaper CNN obituary (Dec 25, 2006)
- biography RJ Smith, The One
Legacy
James Brown's influence on popular music is immeasurable; virtually every modern genre owes a debt to his innovations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were James Brown’s last words?
“I'm going away tonight.”
How did James Brown die?
James Brown died on December 25, 2006 at the age of 73. Cause of death: Congestive heart failure.
Were James Brown’s last words documented?
James Brown's longtime manager Charles Bobbit was present and directly reported Brown's last words to media immediately after his death on December 25, 2006, providing firsthand testimony.