Rick James

Funk singer Rick James was best known for his hits of the 1970s and the 1980s. His career had flagged in the 1990s, but he was gaining popularity just before he died at his California home Aug. 6, 2004. In one of his last public appearances, James reacts after performing during the 4th annual BET Awards, June 29, 2004, in Los Angeles.

Rick James, left, posed with his daughter, Tie, at the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers Awards in Los Angeles, June 28, 2004.

James accepted the Rhythm and Soul Heritage Award at the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers Awards in Los Angeles, June 28, 2004.

Rick James and Bootsy Collins posed for photographers at the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publisher Awards in Los Angeles, June 28, 2004.

James was interviewed before the premiere of the movie version of "I Spy," Oct. 23, 2002, in Hollywood.

James held an award presented to him Jan. 26, 1982, at the ninth annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles. James' "Street Songs" was chosen the favorite album in the soul category.

James and then-girlfriend Tanya Ann Hijazi listened to charges of torture, aggravated mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon, and forcible oral copulation stemming from charges brought against them in a San Fernando, Calif., court Aug. 6, 1991.

James is shown in his onstage persona in this undated handout photo. He was convicted in 1993 of assaulting two women. The first attack occurred in 1991 when he restrained and burned a young woman with a hot pipe during a cocaine binge at his house in West Hollywood. He was free on bail when the second assault occurred in 1992, in James' hotel room. James was sentenced to more than two years in state prison.

James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, performed with singers Rick James, left, and Bootsy Collins at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, June 11, 1991.

Singer Rick James is shown lounging on his couch in Los Angeles this 1979 photo.