NEW YORK - MAY 03: James Brown visits Harlem in New York to meet fans on May 03 1979. James Brown's ... [+]
James Brown’s legacy may be complicated, but his track record on the Billboard charts is unimpeachable. The R&B pioneer scored dozens of hits throughout his lifetime, and millions still love the music he created and pushed to the masses. Nearly two decades after his death, the legend is back on the weekly rankings with one of his biggest smashes.
“Living in America” reappears on this week’s R&B Digital Song Sales chart. The single breaks back onto the list of the bestselling R&B-only cuts in the U.S. at No. 8, immediately becoming a top 10 hit once again.
Brown’s single recently surged in popularity around the July Fourth holiday. Americans purchased the tune on platforms like iTunes and Amazon, and it’s likely that many more heard the cut via the radio or streaming sites such as Spotify, Apple Music, and others. The single only performed well enough regarding purchases to appear on the R&B Digital Song Sales, though fans were surely listening every way they could.
“Living in America” has now spent just six weeks on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart. It’s previously climbed as high as No. 6 on the list, which was introduced long after Brown’s heyday, which helps explain why he’s not one of the most successful artists in the tally’s history.
The track still ranks as one of Brown’s highest-rising hits on the Hot 100. It originally peaked at No. 4, coming in one space behind "I Got You (I Feel Good)," which rose to No. 3. The smash is one of Brown’s seven top 10s on the ranking, and it’s remembered as a classic in his repertoire.
Brown is one of several musicians who return to the Billboard charts this week with patriotic songs...or at least those that mention the U.S. or even just the word “America.” He’s joined by names like Bruce Springsteen, Toby Keith, and Lee Greenwood, who all appear on at least one ranking with annual bestsellers.
“Living in America” is one of two tracks that mount comebacks on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart this frame. A few slots higher, Ray Charles also reappears, as his “America, the Beautiful” finds a home at No. 3, nearly returning to its No. 2 peak. Two new tunes–Maeta’s “Endless Night” (No. 6) and Jeremih, Bryson Tiller, and Chris Brown’s “Wait on It” (No. 7)—debut this frame.
