No. 13 Rick James
His legacy as one of the music’s greatest party animals sometimes overshadows the genius of the funk guru from Buffalo. James was a composing/production wizard, penning his own hits like “Mary Jane” and “Superfreak,” as well mentoring acts like Teena Marie & the Mary Jane Girls.
Notable songs: “Deja Vu (I’ve Been Here Before)” (Teena Marie), “Standing At the Top” (The Temptations), “All Nite Long” (Mary Jane Girls)
