*The death of Rick James 16 years ago today sent shock waves throughout the music industry.
The “King of Punk Funk,” who had pushed the envelope with such rawness as “Super Freak,” “Mary Jane” and “Give It To Me Baby,” had a drug habit that was pretty well known. He’d even poked fun at it on “Chappelle’s Show,” warning viewers that “cocaine is a hell of a drug,” months before being found unresponsive in his Los Angeles apartment on August 6, 2004.
An autopsy found the drug alprazolam, diazepam, bupropion, citalopram, hydrocodone, digoxin, chlorpheniramine, methamphetamine and cocaine in James’ system. But the coroner stated that “none of the drugs or drug combinations were found to be at levels that were life-threatening in and of themselves.” It was his heart that gave out, stressed with the additional burden of diabetes, a past stroke and a pace maker.
While no one can beat Charlie Murphy’s tales about the dynamic funk legend, here are some fun facts about his early days that might surprise the casual fan.
Before James Ambrose Johnson, Jr. became punk-funk originator Rick James with the 1978 release of first single “You & I,” he was known under the pseudonym Ricky James Matthews, lead singer of the Toronto-based rock band The Mynah Birds. The group, also featuring future folk legend Neil Young on guitar and future members of the rock bands Buffalo Springfield and Steppenwolf, was signed to Motown’s V.I.P. Label and set to release their lone recording “It’s My Time.” But the single was shelved and the band’s contract was nullified.
Motown owner Berry Gordy found out that military authorities were after Ricky James Matthews. He had adopted the fake name after going AWOL from the Navy and fleeing to Toronto in an attempt to avoid going to Vietnam. Not wanting any bad publicity at his clean-cut label, Gordy canceled the band’s contract and “It’s My Time” never came out. It wouldn’t see the light of day until 40 years later, when it was part of a “Motown Special” compilation released in 2006. Listen below, with lead vocals by Rick James.
It’s My Time – The Mynah Birds
After serving a year for desertion, Ricky James Matthews moved to California and rejoined Motown in 1968, but strictly as a staff songwriter. Under the pseudonym Ricky Matthews, he wrote material for The Miracles, Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers, and the song “Sunshine Train” for The Spinners. Listen below:
Sunshine Train – The Spinners
While writing songs for Motown, Ricky Matthews was also recording singles with various rock bands under one-off deals. He put out records as part of groups he either joined or formed, including Salt and Pepper, Great White Cane and Hot Lips.
In 1973, he signed with A&M Records and released “My Mama,” his first single under the name Rick James. (During his time at Motown with The Mynah Birds, his idol Stevie Wonder suggested he shorten the name to “Rick James,” believing “Ricky James Matthews” was too long.)
My Mama – Rick James
In 1976, James returned to his hometown of Buffalo, formed the Stone City Band and recorded his second release, “Get Up and Dance!“
Get Up And Dance – Rick James
James came full circle In 1977, signing with Motown imprint Gordy Records – this time as a recording artist. His debut album, “Come Get It!” dropped on April 20, 1978, with the funk-drenched “You & I” and “Mary Jane” cementing the groundwork for what would be his signature groove for years to come.
You & I and Mary Jane – Rick James and the Stone City Band (“Midnight Special,” Dec 1, 1978)
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
