Bobby Byrd, James Brown collaborator, dead at 73

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Bobby Byrd, James Brown collaborator, dead at 73

Bobby Byrd, whose gospel band evolved into James Brown's famous flames and who collaborated on many of Brown's songs, died Wednesday in Loganville, Ga., at the age of 73.

Bobby Byrd plays the piano as he sings with his wife Vicki at their home in Snellville. Byrd, a longtime collaborator with the late soul legend James Brown, died of cancer Wednesday in Loganville at the age of 73.

Bobby Byrd stands behind James Brown as he sings a few of his hits on stage at the unveiling of his statue in Augusta in May of 2005.

James Brown and Bobby Byrd's gospel group eventually morphed into the Flames, which became James Brown and the Famous Flames. Byrd met Brown in Toccoa, where Brown was serving time in a juvenile facility for burglary.

Byrd contributed vocals, keyboard work and guidance to many of Brown's hits, and the two worked together for decades. Byrd sang at Brown's 2006 funeral along with his wife, who was also a member of Brown's touring band for many years.

Bobby Byrd's voice can be heard on James Brown's hit "Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine," and on "Licking Stick."

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Bobby Byrd plays the piano as he sings with his wife Vicki at their home in Snellville. Byrd, a longtime collaborator with the late soul legend James Brown, died of cancer Wednesday in Loganville at the age of 73.