Rick James was AWOL from the naval reserves and had to flee

[democrat in Tallahassee]

flee.
Not making this up--from the CNN report:


At age 15 he joined the Naval Reserve, but he began missing weekend training when it interfered with his musical career.

James was reported AWOL, and he fled to Canada, where he continued his musical career. The charges came back to haunt him when his success brought him back to the United States, and eventually he served time.

After his release, James went to work with Motown Records, first as a songwriter, then as a singer and producer.

[Wickerman]

1. His mistake was going to Canada

AND not having a rich rather who was a Senator, CIA director, what have you.

[underpants]

2. He was in a band with Neil Young too

Before Neil left for the US.

[Beware the Beast Man]

3. The Myna Birds

They inked a deal with Motown, which fell through after James got busted.

[asthmaticeog]

4. Oh yeah! The Mynah Birds, or something like that, right?

On edit: Could have just waited two seconds and BTBM's post would have been there.

[guitar man]

5. Wow

Black guy misses time from Naval Reserves, does time.

White guy misses time from Air National Guard, becomes president.

Bizarro world!

[fob]

6. Bizarro world! - The problem is that is the state of Real America,

and ISN'T Bizarro World.