Don't Be a Drop-Out

{{Short description|1966 single by James Brown}}

{{use mdy dates|date=August 2024}}

{{Infobox song

| name = Don't Be a Dropout

| cover =

| alt =

| type = single

| artist = James Brown

| album = Sings Raw Soul

| B-side = Tell Me That You Love Me

| released = {{Start date|1966|10}}

| recorded = August 16, 1966, Arthur Smith Studios, Charlotte, NC

| studio =

| venue =

| genre = Soul

| length = {{Duration|m=3|s=28}}

| label = King
6056

| writer = Burt Jones

| 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.White, Cliff (1991). "Discography". In Star Time (pp. 54–59) [CD booklet]. New York: PolyGram Records. It also appeared on the album Sings Raw Soul. Bobby Byrd, Vicki Anderson, and The Jewels contribute backing vocals.Leeds, Alan, and Harry Weinger (1991). "Star Time: Song by Song". In Star Time (pp. 46–53) [CD booklet]. New York: PolyGram Records. The song led to Brown meeting with Vice President Hubert Humphrey, who had been working on a stay-in-school program of his own.Smith, R. J. (2012). The One: The Life and Music of James Brown, 180. New York: Gotham Books.

An unedited version of the original recording of "Don't Be a Dropout" is included on the 1991 box set Star Time.