Rick James

James Ambrose Johnson Jr., better known by his stage name Rick James, was an American singer, musician, producer, and songwriter. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, James began his musical career in his teenage years. He was in various bands before entering the U.S. Navy Reserve to avoid being drafted into the army. In 1964, James moved to Toronto, Canada, where he formed the rock band the Mynah Birds, who eventually signed a recording deal with Motown Records in 1966. James's career with the group halted after military authorities discovered his whereabouts and eventually convicted him of desertion related charges. He served several months in jail. After being released, James moved to California, where he started a variety of rock and funk groups in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

1 February 1948

Born on the same birth day (1 February): Charles Nordhoff • Christiaan Hendrik Persoon • Eberhard II, Duke of Württemberg • Gabriel Batistuta • Jimmy Carl Black • Joshua Redman • Martijn Reuser • Ronda Rousey • Serge Joyal • Stuart Whitman

Born in the same month (February 1948): Bernadette Peters • Dennis Awtrey • Dennis Waterman • Errol Morris • Ina Garten • J. Jayalalithaa • Mark Andes • Mienoumi Tsuyoshi • Nicholas Soames • Pat O'Brien (radio and television personality) • Pim Fortuyn • Sharyn McCrumb • Sven-Göran Eriksson • Teller (magician) • Trevor Cherry • Wally Tax