Brown has been recording since the early 1960s

Brown, 70, had served a two-and-a-half-year prison term after an arrest on drug and assault charges in 1988, and was convicted of a drug-related offence in 1998.

He was granted a pardon by the State Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services.

I hope my pardon shows the youth that America is a beautiful country James Brown

It means he is fully forgiven by the state, and no longer has to deal with the legal consequences of his crimes and his conviction.

Brown, who appeared before the board, sang God Bless America after the decision.

In a statement, he said: "God bless America on this beautiful day.

Brown is known as the Godfather of Soul

"I hope my pardon shows the youth that America is a beautiful country. I feel good!"

Brown had unsuccessfully tried to gain a pardon for his crimes in 2001.

State legal official Ken Kennedy, who spoke on his behalf, said the pardon would allow him to share his experiences and help others.

He said: "I think this is something that he deserves.

"He has been one of our great entertainers in this country. He's done so much for the country and for me as a young person growing up here."

Brown, known as the Godfather of Soul, is into his fifth decade as a recording artist.

He is widely credited with pioneering the use of rhythm to create the funk sound that would later lead to the birth of hip-hop.