The J.B.'s were James Brown's band during the first half of the 1970s. On record the J.B.'s were sometimes billed under various alternate names such as The James Brown Soul Train, Maceo and the Macks and The Last Word. In addition to backing Brown the J.B.'s played behind Bobby Byrd, Lyn Collins and other singers associated with the James Brown Revue, as well as performing as a self-contained group.

The J.B.’s were the most renowned of James Brown’s many backing bands (previously, the Famous Flames and the James Brown Band). The band provided musical support for the legendary singer and bandleader for the first half of the 1970s. The band stepped in to fill the shoes of Brown’s previous band, who had walked out on him due to his arduous demands. The band’s rhythmic foundation was initially provided by teenage bass prodigy William “Bootsy” Collins and his guitarist brother Phelps