Adrienne Rodriguez: Shot by the “Godfather of Soul” Ex-Husband and Abused with a Lead Pipe — Her Mysterious Death 10 Years Later
James Brown, dubbed “The Godfather of Soul,” was one of the very first musicians inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His influence on the funk and R&B genre, paired with his versatility on stage, made him an iconic figure that inspired millions.
But like many industry icons, despite his resounding success, Brown had a rather complicated romantic history. The prolific singer-songwriter had been married not only once or twice, but four times.
Adrienne Rodriguez was one of the women Brown married. Let’s explore her early life, professional career, brief marriage to Mr. Dynamite, and the reason for her sudden passing in 1996.
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Who Was Adrienne Rodriguez?
Adrienne Lois Rodriguez was born on the 9th of March, 1950. She was the daughter of Modell and Rita Miller.
Despite her marriage to an influential musical figure, information about Rodriguez’s childhood or family members remain scarce. We do know that Rodriguez grew up in Mexico, before her family moved to the US before her teenage years.
Rodriguez was a talented hairstylist. She worked as a regular hairdresser for TV shows like “Days of Our Lives” and “Solid Gold,” where she met the “I Got You (I Feel Good)” crooner.
Controversial Marriage to John Brown
Their meeting set in motion a chain of events that completely changed both of their lives. Brown, who had recently divorced Deirdre Jenkins, fell in love with Rodriguez, and the two started dating.
The couple met on a TV set in 1981, and after three years of romance, Brown, 51, decided to seal the deal and marry Rodriguez, 34. Wedding the music legend, however, didn’t turn out the way she expected it to.
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Their union was nothing short of messy, marred by violence and emotional turmoil.
Brown, then notorious for his aggressive tendencies, subjected Rodriguez to intense domestic abuse. He once violently attacked Rodriguez with a lead pipe, even shooting at her with a gun, which led to her hospitalization.
Throughout their marriage, Rodriguez had Brown arrested four times for assault, before finally deciding to call it quits in 1988, merely four years after marrying.
Around the same time, the soul singer was also accused of raping Jacques Hollander, who was a member of Brown’s entourage.
However, Rodriguez couldn’t follow through with her decision, and they reconciled. Their tumultuous relationship continued for over a decade until her death.
The former couple didn’t have any children, and Brown later moved on to his fourth and last wife, Tomi Rae Hynie, who suffered similar circumstances to Rodriguez.
How Did Adrienne Rodriguez Die?
Despite years of a rocky relationship, Adrienne Rodriguez became a beloved figure for many of Brown’s fans. Thus, her premature death in 1996 came as a massive shock to many.
Rodriguez, 47, died on a Saturday, two days after undergoing a liposuction procedure, a cosmetic surgery to remove fat from the body. She suddenly collapsed at a Beverly Hills Health Facility, where she was recovering from the surgery.
Paramedics rushed Rodriguez to a nearby hospital, but she was pronounced dead at Century City Hospital.
The cause of death was never revealed. However, her doctors claimed that the surgery didn’t contribute in any way to her passing. Signs of foul play were also ruled out.
Final Thoughts
John Brown has been linked to several women throughout his career. But no one came close to tolerating his violent nature as Adrienne Rodriguez.
While she walked a sorrowful path, married to “The Godfather of Soul,” Rodriguez exhibited inspiring resilience and commitment to the vows she made in their union.
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