| Don't Be a Dropout | |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | James Brown |
| Album: | Sings Raw Soul |
| B-Side: | Tell Me That You Love Me |
| Recorded: | August 16, 1966, Arthur Smith Studios, Charlotte, NC |
| Genre: | Soul |
| Label: | King 6056 |
| Producer: | James Brown |
| Chronology: | James Brown charting |
| Prev Title: | Money Won't Change You Part 1 |
| Prev Year: | 1966 |
| Next Title: | Sweet Little Baby Boy (Part 1) |
| Next Year: | 1967 |
"Don't Be a Dropout" is a song written by Burt Jones and recorded by James Brown. It was Brown's first attempt at a socially conscious song, encouraging teenagers to stay in school. Released as a single in 1966, it charted No. 4 R&B and No. 50 Pop.[1] It also appeared on the album Sings Raw Soul. Bobby Byrd, Vicki Anderson, and The Jewels contribute backing vocals.[2] The song led to Brown meeting with Vice President Hubert Humphrey, who had been working on a stay-in-school program of his own.[3]
An unedited version of the original recording of "Don't Be a Dropout" is included on the 1991 box set Star Time.