“Living in America” – Single by James Brown from the album Rocky IV and Gravity
B-side “Farewell” by Vince DiCola
Released December 1985
Label Scotti Bros. 5682
Songwriters Dan Hartman and Charlie Midnight
Producer Dan Hartman
Charted No.4 in US, No.5 in UK
The song entered the Billboard top 40 on January 11, 1986, and remained on the chart for 11 weeks. It also became a top five hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart; it was his only top 10 single in the UK.
The song was prominently featured in the film Rocky IV. In the film, Brown sings the song during Apollo Creed’s ring entrance, in reference to the character’s patriotic image. It appeared on the Rocky IV soundtrack album.
The song won the 1986 Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance.
James Brown – lead vocals and backing vocals
Stevie Ray Vaughan – lead guitar
Dan Hartman – rhythm guitar, synthesizers and backing vocals
T. M. Stevens – bass and backing vocals
Ray Marchica – drums and drum machine
The Uptown Horns (Arno Hecht, Bob Funk, Crispin Cioe, “Hollywood” Paul Litteral) – trumpets, saxophones and trombones.
