Posted on 04/04/2008 9:57:20 AM PDT by CrosscutSaw
April 5, 1968 - the morning after one of the most catastrophic moments in American history: the assassination of Martin Luther King. The night before, America's inner cities began going up in flames. The night before, there was trouble in Roxbury, Boston's ghetto. Word on the street is that it's about to get worse. A lot worse.
Up until this moment, James Brown has been an unsung civil rights hero. Being black in the music business, especially in the mid-1950s when James first hit his stride, made him a pioneering artist in a still-segregated business. "Crossing-over" wasn't easy, and he knew all too well what it meant to be "colored.". But James Brown doesn't just "feel the pain" of being black in America. Despite all of his success, he's still living it. And in songs like 1967's "Don't Be A Dropout," he's begun to speak out, saying what he believes down to his bones is true. In 1968, he will sing about America as his home, and he's also on the verge of his seminal social statement, "Say It Loud-I'm black and I'm proud."
But on April 5, 1968, James Brown the patriot is also James Brown the businessman, so he definitely isn't in the mood to hear what Boston Mayor Kevin White is asking. Mayor White wants to know if JB will encourage his fans to stay home and watch the concert on television. the mayor is saying, "If you'll allow this concert to be on TV tonight, your fans in Boston (code for ghetto class African-Americans) will stay home and the night will be peaceful." Meaning that unlike what might is happening in so many other cities around the country, Boston won't erupt in flames. There won't be rioting. If James will give his blessing. And he does.
(Excerpt) Read more at vh1.com ...
Listen to Mr. Brown's speech right after he sings "If I Ruled The World" near the beginning of the concert and contrast his views to those of the so-called black leaders of today.
The documentary airs Saturday, April 5, at 9:00pm ET.
Why does WGBH Boston supress this video?
James Brown also sang “I don’t want nobody to give me nothing, open up the door, I’ll get it myself” (and that is the title).
Rock and Roll PING!
My favorite song, and the theme song of the Conservative viewpoint!
The full concert is to be released on DVD along with this documentary this August.
The full concert is to be released on DVD along with this documentary this August.
I just purchased Hip-O-Select's compilation of James Brown's singles from 1967 -1969, and it features the Prime Minister Of The New Super Heavy Heavy Funk's patriotic paean to the USA "America Is My Home (Pts. 1 & 2)."
Despite his faults, James Brown's heart was in the right place and he was an incredible artist.
Jump back wanna kiss myself!
James Brown is one of my heroes.
James Brown, “Living in America.” Nice video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHqUipinDyw&feature=related
Bump for the funk.
He had one song that really drove me nuts.
Say it loud... I’M BLACK AND I’M PROUD.
That song was heard all over Ft. Polk in 69. I heard that song so much that it ran in my brain like a permanent loop.
I bet I was then only white guy who would be ditty popping over to the PX singing that crazy song. It just wouldn’t go away.
Gotta go take some meds. It’s doing it again.
Is he still in his bed in a cold room in his mansion or did they finally bury him?
Very Funky Town in the room, I’m sure.
I saw him perform in Maryland around 1969. Besides the amazing show, I remember him giving a heartfelt plea to the kids to stay in school.
So true.
Even when I saw him around 2002, he was urging kids to stay in school (and I think he even mentioned a cause that he supported).
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