Rick James

He had four children, Rick Jr., Trey Hardesty, Tazman, and Ty. He was romantically involved with Teena Marie.

In 1996, he married Tanya Hijazi. The couple divorced in 2002.

He was a victim of drug abuse, a habit that he took to from his early teenage years. He was addicted to Cocaine.

He was born as James Ambrose Johnson, Jr., on February 1, 1948, to Mabel and James Ambrose Johnson, Sr., an autoworker, in Buffalo, New York. His father abandoned his family when Rick was around ten years old.

During his growing up years, he would sing on streets and in and around the neighbourhood and also performed in school. He attended the Orchard Park High School and Bennett High School, but dropped out when he was 15.

In 1965, after failing to report for the U.S Naval Reserve services, he escaped to Toronto. Here, he later became a part of his first band, ‘Sailor Boyz’.

In 1978, he came up with his debut album titled, ‘Come Get It!’ which played a major role in launching his solo career in the music industry. The album also featured the hit disco number, ‘You and I’.

In 1979, he released his second album, ‘Bustin' Out of L Seven’, which was released under the Gordy Records label. The album included the hit R&B track, ‘Bustin' Out’.

On October 16, 1979, he came out with his third album, ‘Fire It Up’, which was a moderate success. The album featured the tracks, ‘Fire It Up’, ‘Love Gun’ and ‘Lovin You Is a Pleasure’.

Released in the year 1980, his fourth album, ‘Garden of Love’ featured the tracks, ‘Big Time’, ‘Don't Give Up On Love’ and ‘Island Lady’. The album was a success.

In 1981, he came out with the concept album, ‘Street Songs’, which was one of his most successful albums. The album featured the hit tracks, ‘Give It to Me Baby’ and ‘Super Freak’.

His single ‘Give It to Me Baby’ was immensely successful and peaked at the No.1 position on the R&B charts for a period of five weeks. The song featured in the film, ‘She's All That’.

His album, ‘Street Songs’ was an immediate success and peaked at the 3rd position on the U.S Pop chart and reached the No.1 position on the US R&B chart. The album sold four million copies across the world.