James, Rick

Rick James first signed with Motown Records with a band called the Mynah Birds where he played alongside Neil Young. Years later, he signed with Motown as a solo artist and released his debut album, "Come Get It!," in 1978. As a producer and writer, he lent his talents to established acts like the Temptations, up-and-comers like Teena Marie and the Mary Jane Girls, and amateurs like comedian Eddie Murphy. He died in 2004.