Simplify the following text for a Grade 8 native English-speaking person.
Original: James Ambrose Johnson , Jr. ( February 1 , 1948-August 6 , 2004 ) , better known by his stage name Rick James , was an American singer , songwriter , musician and record producer .
Simplified: James Ambrose Johnson Jr. , also known as Rick James , was an American singer , songwriter , recording artist and producer .