Godfather of all auctions

On 17 July, more than 320 items from soul legend James Brown's South Carolina home will be auctioned at Christie's in New York. The auction includes his iconic stage jumpsuits and capes.

Brown, who died on Christmas Day 2006, is remembered in his self-bestowed titles such as "the godfather of soul", "king of funk", and "the hardest working man in showbusiness".

He is recognised as one of the most influential figures in 20th century pop music and was renowned for his shouting vocals, feverish dancing and unique rhythmic style.

Brown began his professional music career in 1953, and rose to fame during the late 1950s and early 1960s on the strength of his thrilling live performances and string of smash hits.

Born to a poor family in South Carolina in 1933, Brown had a troubled life. After growing up in the brothel of his aunt, his first brush with the law was at the age of 16 when he took part in an armed robbery.

Never free from controversy, in the mid-1970s Brown was forced to repay $4m in tax. In the following years he was involved in a bribery scandal, his marriage broke up and his son Teddy died in a car crash.

In addition to his music, Brown was involved in American political affairs during the 1960s and 1970s, noted especially for his activism on behalf of fellow African Americans and the poor.

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