James Brown on Letterman `82 (IMPROVED AUDIO)

The Godfather of Soul makes an appearance on the old "Late Night with David Letterman" on July 12, 1982. This is the best musical TV performance I've ever seen. This night Paul Shaffer and the fellas proved they really were The World's Most Dangerous Band!
This was the first piece of video I ever digitized. On the original upload I took the audio straight off the old VHS tape. On this one I've boosted the volume and added a light "stereo" effect to (hopefully) make it sound better across all devices.
This is the property of NBC, of course. I make no ownership claims to this fine video at all.
Master of Funk: James Brown
Talk Master: David Letterman
Band: World's Most Dangerous Band

[@garrettc8490]

People, let's just stop the nonsense. No more Is MJ better than Prince? Who's a genius and so on. This man right here started it all. The Godfather of Soul, Soul Brother #1, Minister of the Funk, The King Of Soul, The Hardest Working Man In Show Business is th GOAT. End of story period! RIP my brother. You are the true architect of the funk. We'll never see another like you again!

[@bugsycline3798]

I love this performance. My favorite story about this performance was The late Night band's guitarist left the Late night band that night as the new guitarist in James Brown's band. James came, he jammed. the remainder of the show's of guests were canceled and James stole the guitar player! Hiram Bullock was one of the greats!

[@mc2121]

The bass player has an AMAZING stamina. One can just admire how he delivers such a fast solid groove while remaining precise for super long. Respect.

[@chillende]

That audience was straight up BLESSED with that performance.

[@basswars7060]

There is not one performer alive who can match James Brown. He will always be the best.

[@sonwil4487]

Mercy, first 30seconds just destroyed most musicians/singers ever !!! Wow this is not normal..This band is smokin and JB killin it..Pay attention children pay attention..

[@garykoepke4406]

the most amazing raw honest live performance to be celebrated. Letterman just kept bringing him back; that was genius as well.

[@gratefuldead2379]

They just don’t make em like that anymore

[@kreamowheat]

James Brown was so smooth and energetic he could get the paralyzed to dance again.

[@js1642]

He was almost 50. Still better than 95% of performers half his age. Incredible talent. Makes you wanna dance and shout. JBE

[@greggbrowder3453]

Greatest showman of all time.

[@jasperjenkins7729]

Mr. Steve Jordan KILLIN IT on the Drums

[@NavarinoDC]

James looked like he was really enjoying himself!

[@user-nv2gw1tt5o]

Steve Jordan is the freaking man! Laying down that groove like his life depended on it

[@als125poundweightlossjourney]

I remember his quote, "he had so much soul, he could loan some!". It's no accident he is most sampled man in music.

[@danoweston6185]

He could get the crowd into the show quicker than anyone else, ever!!

[@Steambull1]

When James Brown isn't happy, he sure looks mean, but when he is, it comes across as childlike excitement, very genuine. He definitely loved the audience and the show band here.

[@floydmasonii5668]

Who Can Come up To A Mike like Mr James Brown 👈🏿 ???

[@jonnybardo4083]

The unsurpassed musical genius of the 20th century.

[@nondumisokunene9279]

Call me crazy, don't mind. Been listening to James Brown today. Found myself working more efficiently than normal. Certain types types of music have that effect on brain waves. Inspired too. Music is a healer folks!