James Brown’s 1968 inspirational anthem “Say It Loud—I’m Black and I’m Proud” exemplifies self-love and respect for one’s race. The Godfather of Soul was known for his love of hair, whether done in a natural Afro or straightened conk. He was also proud of his racial heritage.
According to the New York Post, Brown maintained his emphasis on his renowned hair while undergoing prostate cancer treatment in 2004.
“He said, ‘I can’t do chemo because I don’t want to lose all my hair.'” “I mean, this was a real thing,” his daughter, Dr. Yamma Brown, explains in the four-part A&E series. “James Brown: Say It Loud,” a documentary, opened Monday.
“Thank goodness it was early enough that all he really needed was radiation.” It was difficult to witness his struggles, but it was also humbling.
Despite battling health issues such as prostate cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure, the famous R&B legend dubbed as the Hardest Working Man in Show Business refused to stop.
In a documentary made by Mick Jagger and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Brown revealed his wish to continue working rather than being handled tenderly.
Even as his health deteriorated before to his death in 2006, he maintained his holiday traditions of delivering turkeys for Thanksgiving and toys for Christmas to people in need.
In 2006, the famous R&B legend died at the age of 73 on Christmas Day, after being hospitalized with pneumonia.
“I said, ‘Yo, that is the most epic exit of all time.'” Like, James Brown is such a celebrity, ‘I want to take the one most iconic universal day and take it over,'” Questlove says. “Like, ‘Even Christmas don’t have nothing on me.
Brown’s obsession with his hair was fundamental to his renowned identity, demonstrating his fastidious attention to both look and performance. Unlike some Motown performers of the 1960s who strove to appeal to the “white gaze,” Brown embodied black pride.
Dr. Sinead Young, a professor and psychologist, observes in the documentary “Say It Loud” that Brown personified perfectionism and flawless presentation.
“And he was curated in his own particular way. It wasn’t a firm telling him, ‘You need to dress like this and do this.’ “He was doing it himself.”
Brown’s outstanding display included not only his beautiful clothes, but also spectacular funk performances. He upheld a high standard of excellence, sometimes fining his band members for any missed notes during his performances.
“He believed in perfection and that the audience should get what they paid for,” his son Larry Brown explains.
“He was determined to do whatever it took to ensure that excellence was achieved. “He demanded it—and he got it.”
Brown’s outstanding display included not only his beautiful clothes, but also spectacular funk performances. He upheld a high standard of excellence, sometimes fining his band members for any missed notes during his performances.
“He believed in perfection and that the audience should get what they paid for,” his son Larry Brown explains.
“He was determined to do whatever it took to ensure that excellence was achieved. “He demanded it—and he got it.”