"Don't Be a Dropout" is a song written by Burt Jones and recorded by
James Brown
James Joseph Brown (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006) was an American singer, dancer, musician, record producer and bandleader. The central progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th century music, he is often referred to by the honor ...
. It was Brown's first attempt at a socially conscious song, encouraging teenagers to stay in school. Released as a
single
Single may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media
* Single (music), a song release
Songs
* "Single" (Natasha Bedingfield song), 2004
* "Single" (New Kids on the Block and Ne-Yo song), 2008
* "Single" (William Wei song), 2016
* "Single", by ...
in 1966, it charted #4
R&B and #50
Pop
Pop or POP may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media Music
* Pop music, a musical genre Artists
* POP, a Japanese idol group now known as Gang Parade
* Pop!, a UK pop group
* Pop! featuring Angie Hart, an Australian band
Albums
* ''Pop'' (G ...
. It also appeared on the album ''Sings Raw Soul''.
Bobby Byrd,
Vicki Anderson, and The Jewels contribute backing vocals. The song led to Brown meeting with Vice President
Hubert Humphrey
Hubert Horatio Humphrey Jr. (May 27, 1911 – January 13, 1978) was an American pharmacist and politician who served as the 38th vice president of the United States from 1965 to 1969. He twice served in the United States Senate, representing Mi ...
, who had been working on a stay-in-school program of his own.
[Smith, R.J. (2012). ''The One: The Life and Music of James Brown'', 180. New York: Gotham Books.]
An unedited version of the original recording of "Don't Be a Dropout" is included on the 1991
box set
A box set or (its original name) boxed set is a set of items (for example, a compilation of books, musical recordings, films or television programs) traditionally packaged in a box and offered for sale as a single unit.
Music
Artists and bands ...
''
Star Time''.
References
James Brown songs
1966 singles
1966 songs
Songs about school
King Records (United States) singles
{{1960s-R&B-song-stub