<Li> Eddie Murphy as James `` Thunder '' Early ( Jimmy ) ; inspired by R&B / soul singers such as James Brown , Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye , is a raucous performer on the Rainbow label engaged in an adulterous affair with Dreams member Lorrell . Curtis attempts to repackage Early as a pop - friendly balladeer . Jimmy 's stardom fades as the Dreams ' stardom rises , and as a result - he falls into depression ( which he copes with through drug abuse ) . Murphy won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the film . </Li>
<Li> Eddie Murphy as James `` Thunder '' Early ( Jimmy ) ; inspired by R&B / soul singers such as James Brown , Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye , is a raucous performer on the Rainbow label engaged in an adulterous affair with Dreams member Lorrell . Curtis attempts to repackage Early as a pop - friendly balladeer . Jimmy 's stardom fades as the Dreams ' stardom rises , and as a result - he falls into depression ( which he copes with through drug abuse ) . Murphy won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the film . </Li>
who is the character jimmy early based on
who is the character jimmy early based on
R&B / soul singers such as James Brown , Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye
R&B / soul singers such as James Brown , Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye