The Famous Flames were an R&B vocal group founded by Bobby Byrd in 1953. Internationally renowned singer James Brown began his career as a member of The Famous Flames before becoming a solo artist. [1]On hit recordings such as "Please, Please, Please", "Try Me", "Think"," I Don't Mind ","Shout and Shimmy", "Bewildered", "Oh Baby, Don't You Weep", and "I'll Go Crazy" the group's smooth backing harmonies contrasted strikingly with Brown's own rough, impassioned delivery, and their synchronized dance steps were a prominent visual feature of his live shows. The Famous Flames performed with Brown on many of his live and studio albums, including his breakthrough Live at the Apollo, and appeared with him in the films The T.A.M.I. Show and Ski Party. They also made appearances on television programs including American Bandstand and Where the Action Is (both hosted by Dick Clark) and two episodes of The Ed Sullivan Show.

The Famous Flames served as James Brown's backup singers from their formation in 1953 until they disbanded in 1968. One of the Famous Flames, Bobby Byrd, remained with Brown through 1973, essentially serving as Brown's right-hand man for 20 years. Brown's years with the Famous Flames represent his greatest period of impact as a driving force in soul music and as a live performer. The Famous Flames not only sang but also were part of the stage choreography that made Brown's shows so spectacular. Although James Brown was the undisputed leader, the Famous Flames ... played a significant role in his success. In fact, Brown himself was initially just one of the Flames before he busted out to become the Godfather of Soul."

The Famous Flames were a singing group, not a backing band.

The longest-lasting Famous Flames lineup consisted of Brown, original member / founder Bobby Byrd,Bobby Bennett, and "Baby Lloyd" Stallworth. This lineup lasted a full 10 years, from 1958 to 1968, with original member Johnny Terry coming in and out of the group during this period as a substitute and occasional 4th member. When James Brown became one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's first inductees in 1986, The Famous Flames were not inducted.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction in 2012

On February 9, 2012, Rolling Stone Magazine announced that The Famous Flames would finally be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame alongside lead singer James Brown. The inducted members will be the longest serving members : Group Founder/original member Bobby Byrd , original member Johnny Terry, Bobby Bennett and Lloyd Stallworth.[2]A special sub-committee, appointed by the Rock Hall, finally decided to address the issue of deserving pioneering groups that were not inducted in the Hall's early years , when their front men were inducted. As a result of this committee's decision, The Famous Flames were one of 6 groups that were automatically and retroactively inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame alongside James Brown,without the need for nomination and voting, under the premise that they should have been inducted with him back in 1986.

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