James Brown‘s documentary has a release date. Over the course of two nights on Feb. 19 and Feb. 20, A&E will premiere the Deborah Riley-Draper directed film, James Brown: Say It Loud at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Executive produced by Mick Jagger, Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter, Shawn Gee, and others, the four-part documentary will explore the innovative, influential, and complex life and legacy of the indelible crooner through exclusive interviews, never-before-seen archival footage, and the use of his revered discography.
James Brown: Say It Loud will spot how the Godfather of Soul went from being a delinquent to becoming a cultural force of nature and bonafide star through his lyrics, movements, and style that highlights Black pride and shifts how we view Black masculinity. Across the four hours, viewers will get in-depth insight on how Brown handled his personal demons and external injustices while evolving to be one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.
10th March 1971: Legendary soul-funk singer, songwriter James Brown.
Evening Standard/Getty Images.
“It’s hard for me to think about my dad as one of the most important Black men in America because he was my dad,” said one of his daughters in the sneak peek. Questlove quipped, “I love two things he brought to the table were two taboo words: funk and Black.” Rev. Al Sharpton spoke on how Brown “marched to his own drum, literally.”
Other interviews and performances in the documentary will come from Bootsy Collins, LL Cool J, Chuck D, Dallas Austin, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and more.
When the news of the documentary was first announced in February 2022, it was initially set to debut in May 2023 on what would’ve been Brown’s 90th birthday.
