Singer James Brown pleaded guilty to a domestic violence charge stemming from an argument with his wife and was let off with a $US1,087 fine.

The 71-year-old 'Godfather of Soul' was arrested in January and accused of pushing his wife, Tomi Rae Brown, to the floor and threatening to kill her.

Prosecutor Anthony Odom said Brown chose to forfeit his $1,087 bond, which will cover a fine for the offence.

Brown's lawyer, Jim Huff, did not immediately return calls.

Brown's plea will not affect a pardon he received from the state of South Carolina last year for seven convictions over a 10-year period. Most of the offences involved guns or drugs.