"Living in America" by James Brown

By Mark Nobes, chief editor

Featuring on the movie soundtrack to the 80s movie Rocky IV (which also included the legendary Eye of the Tiger by Survivor), "Living In America" made No.5 in the UK singles charts and #4 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for the Godfather of soul. Composed by Dan Hartman and Charlie Midnight, the song was also included on James Brown's 53rd studio album Gravity.

The single features the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan on lead guitar, who was a big influence in the 1980s blues revival scene.

The B-side featured the track "Farewell" by Vince DiCola, who also composed the Rocky IV musical score.

James Brown - Living in America (1986) vinyl single

 

 

 

Much more than just a singer, James Brown made a huge contribution to the music industry as a musician, songwriter, dancer, bandleader and record producer. Brown could also play harmonica, bass, keyboards, drums and various percussion instruments.

Brown had numerous hit singles and albums during the late 50's, 60's and 70's, but "Living In America" was to be the soul legend's final major chart hit in the U.S. In the UK, he carried on having minor hits until 1998, although The Payback Mix Pt.1 reached #12 in 1988. Brown's last UK Top 40 single was Funk On A Roll in 1998, which peaked at #40.

James Brown passed away on Christmas Day in 2006, aged 73.

 

 

Rocky IV Soundtrack CD

 

"I Feel Good"

This clip is from the Legends Of Rock 'N' Roll convert which took place in Italy in 1989. It also featured big name acts such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and Bo Diddley, to name but a few. Now that looked like one hell of an evening!