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James Brown's Performance Style

  • Inspiration Through Performance
    • The lyrics of James Brown's music contained inspiring messages.
    • His performance style amplified these messages.
  • Gospel Roots
    • Similar to Aretha Franklin, James Brown grew up in the church.
    • He was well-versed in various music genres:
    • Gospel
    • Rhythm and Blues
    • Soul
    • Rock and Roll
  • Rhetorical Gestures
    • During performances, Brown employed various vocal techniques:
    • Grunts
    • Shouts
    • Screams
    • Wails
    • These gestures were reminiscent of gospel music and preaching styles.
  • Climactic Performances
    • Brown would build intensity during his shows, culminating in a fever pitch.
    • He often collapsed on stage, pretending to be exhausted.
    • A cape would cover him, and he would be led off stage.
    • To the audience's delight, he would throw off the cape and return to complete the performance.

Role in the Civil Rights Movement

  • Significant Impact
    • James Brown's contribution to the civil rights movement is critical.
    • He was often referred to as "soul brother number one," symbolizing his musical quality and representation of the African American community.
  • Boston and Martin Luther King Jr.'s Assassination
    • Brown was credited with preventing riots and violence in Boston following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
    • Date of Assassination: 04/04/1968.
    • Brown was scheduled to perform at Boston Garden the night after King's assassination.
  • Mayor's Dilemma
    • After King's murder, riot activity surged in major cities:
    • Chicago
    • Detroit
    • Washington D.C.
    • Boston's mayor, Kevin White, considered canceling Brown's concert out of fear of inciting riots.
  • Concert Decision
    • Instead of canceling, the concert was allowed to proceed.
    • Last-minute arrangements were made to televise the event.
    • The goal was to encourage citizens to stay home, watch, and listen rather than protesting in the streets.
  • Performance of a Lifetime
    • Critics agree that Brown delivered an extraordinary performance that night.
    • He is praised for his role in maintaining peace in Boston during a tumultuous period in American history.

Messages in James Brown's Music

  • Complex Messaging
    • Although Brown was an important voice for the black power movement, not all his music focused solely on empowerment.
  • Diverse Themes in Songs
    • "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" (1965):
    • Themes of mastering various dance crazes:
      • Mashed Potato
      • Jerk
      • Fly
    • "Cold Sweat" (1967):
    • An ode to the physical reaction (cold sweat) brought on by attraction to a woman.
  • Balance in Messaging
    • Brown was able to balance between messages of personal empowerment and enjoyment:
    • "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine)" (1970):
      • Call to action to get up and be involved.
    • "Get In It!" (1970):
      • Additional reinforcement to be active and engaged in life.