Brown's classic singles include "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, " "(Get Up I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine, " "I Got You (I Feel Good)" and "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud, " a landmark 1968 statement of racial pride.

NPR: Music Industry Felt Influence of 'Godfather of Soul'

In soul music, artists such as James Brown with "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud" and Marvin Gaye with his album "What's Going On" became spokespersons for the civil rights movement of the late 1960s.

CNN: The Spirit of Music: Is the protest over?