The so-called "Godfather of Soul" James Brown is due to appear in court today on domestic violence charges.The 70-year-old was arrested in South Carolina after allegedly attacking his wife, Adrienne.And it isn't his first run-in with the law - he has served three years in prison.

He also received a two-year suspended sentence in 1998 and entered a drug treatment programme after admitting firearms charges.

Despite his turbulent past, Brown was among five stars honoured in Washington last month for his contributions to US culture.

He appeared at a White House reception before taking part in a gala performance at the Kennedy Centre attended by President George W. Bush.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell dubbed him the "Secretary of Soul and the Foreign Minister of Funk."

Brown's hits include "I Feel Good" and "Living In America".

James Brown is staged to perform at Glastonbury this year but maybe Prince will take to the stage instead?

[Seems really unlikely P will show up, and/or take his place. And JB ain't a Jail Bird (on this charge) yet! -Ben]