James was convicted in 1993 of assaulting two women. With long hair elaborately styled in braids or Jheri curls, James had hit songs and albums from the 1970s into the '80s, but by the following decade his fame began to fade as he became embroiled in drugs as well as legal problems and health troubles. 'His creative abilities, his instincts about music and production were just awesome,' Gordy said Friday, calling James 'a pioneer who took Motown in a whole new direction.' James was honored in June by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers with the Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award. The 'Super Freak' of funk will be missed.' 'Grammy winner Rick James was a singer, songwriter and producer whose performances were always as dynamic as his personality. 'Today the world mourns a musician and performer of the funkiest kind,' said Neil Portnow, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. The song earned James and Hammer the Grammy for best R&B song in 1990. 'He made a lot of people happy, he made a lot of friends and a lot of people got famous through his music,' he said, referring to sampling by hip-hop artists such as MC Hammer, who used the 'Super Freak' bass line in his hit 'U Can't Touch This.' 'I think he was really fantastic, he was a creator,' singer Little Richard told MSNBC. 'He passed away peacefully in his sleep,' O'Connor said. Publicist Maureen O'Connor, speaking on behalf of James' three children, said they believed he died of heart failure. 'There'll be an autopsy and we'll find that out shortly,' Murthy said. The exact cause was not immediately released.

Police and Murthy believe James died of natural causes. James lived alone and was found dead by his personal assistant, who notified police, she said. James died in his sleep at his residence near Universal City, said publicist Sujata Murthy. LOS ANGELES (AP) - Funk legend Rick James, best known for the 1981 hit 'Super Freak' before his career disintegrated amid drug use and violence that sent him to prison, died Friday.

Rick james greatest hits full album