Bobby Byrd was an influential American R&B/soul musician, songwriter, and record producer, known for his collaborations with the legendary James Brown. His music was characterized by a fusion of R&B, gospel, and funk, and he played a significant role in the development of the funk genre. Byrd's most notable work was perhaps "I Know You Got Soul," a hit that has been widely sampled in hip-hop music. His contributions to music greatly influenced the trajectory of soul, funk, and hip-hop, showcasing his enduring impact on popular music.