Personnel includes: James Brown (vocals, piano, organ); Bobby Byrd (vocals. organ); Phelps "Catfish" Collins (guitar); Maceo Parker (tenor & baritone saxophones); St. Clair Pickney, Pee Wee Ellis, Clifford "Ace King" MacMillian (tenor saxophone); Al "Brisco" Clark (baritone saxophone); Lewis Hamlin (trumpet); William "Bootsy" Collins, Bernard Odum (bass); John "Jabo" Starks, Nat Kendrick (drums).

Producers include: Ralph Bass, Syd Nathan, James Brown, Hal Neely, Afrika Bambaataa.

Compilation producer: Harry Weinger.

There are few box sets that can match the greatness of James Brown's STARTIME. Backed by such brilliant musicians as Melvin and Maceo Parker, Bootsy Collins and Bobby Byrd, Brown created some of the most intense, soulful music ever recorded. Collecting seventy two tracks that let you hear why Brown is hailed as "the hardest working man in show business," STARTIME is packed with the best R&B and funk that money can buy.

From early-'60s R&B hits like "Please, Please, Please" and late-'60s funk essentials like "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" and "Sex Machine" to the massively influential '70s funk grooves "Funky Drummer" and "The Payback," STARTIME gives you all the James Brown basics. This set is a monument to the life and music of one of the most colorful and inspired performers in popular music. STARTIME also comes with a 64-page booklet that features rare and wonderful photos and essays by Nelson George and several other noted critics. Essential.