Henry Earl (October 24, 1949 – May 2024) was an American man known for being arrested approximately 1,500 times, mostly for charges involving the misuse of alcohol. He became a folk hero, and was known for his friendly demeanor and love of dancing.
Earl began drinking to cope with the death of his adoptive mother when he was 18 years old. By 1969, he was homeless and unemployed. While on the streets he would perform dance moves for money, earning him the moniker "James Brown", referencing the popular soul singer.
Earl was arrested over 1,500 times, which is the record for most number of times being arrested in Lexington, Kentucky; he spent over 6,000 days behind bars. Although initially given lighter sentences, allowing him to be arrested dozens of times a year, later sentences would be for months at a time.
In a 2005 piece for the Victoria Advocate he is described as being a local icon. Lexington residents have written songs about him, created artwork featuring him, and sold autographed merchandise. He soon became the focus of multiple websites and online discussion forums reporting on his arrests and exchanging stories of interactions. Bloggers described him as a "real American hero" and footage of him appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
Earl died in May 2024.
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