How James Brown Invented Funk

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James Brown invented funk music, but what is it about James Brown's music that makes it sound so funky?
James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, created the DNA for funk. Hosts LA Buckner and Nahre Sol explore how he created funk music, as well as how Brown's music influenced hip hop. They break down the sound of the genre, and create their own funky original song in the process.
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[@TeagueChrystie]

THIS IS THE BEST SHOW ON KZbin. THAT WAS FAST.

[@Thessalin]

Say it again now!

[@Threeisme3]

I need more!!!!

[@AudioPervert1]

Full of incorrect and prosaic info. This is the state of hipster slap-dash education.

[@garyjungmann]

@@AudioPervert1 Care to elucidate?

[@AudioPervert1]

@@garyjungmann Well you can read my comment below the pinned-one. James Brown did not invent funk. The genre is a result of many confluences and over time. Thanks

[@danstiver9135]

I think it's fair to say that without James Brown, there would have never been hip hop, at least not the way we know it.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

I Agree 100% -LA

[@johnmoore8721]

⭐BROWN'S INFULENCE..IS THROUGHOUT.....AMERICA....POP....MUSIC......LONG LIVE THE....... 👑

[@brendankennelty]

Without Clyde Stubblefield, there would not be hip hop how we know it.

[@unc1589]

That’s an understatement! The man literally created a musical genre that did not exist till he made it. Even before hip hop his sound was the sound of the streets. I witnessed the whole evolution of urban life with JB. He owned us musically. Repetitive phrasing is a truly hypnotic phenomenon and that’s what’s really happening in hip hop.

[@johnmoore8721]

@@unc1589♦⚡ I BELIVE HE CREATED 2......GENRES....FUNK..N..HIP HOP "KING HERION"....4....1.....AND CHANGED....SOUL N POP MUSIC....4 EVER......GREATEST MUSICIAN THIS NATION EVER PRODUCED.....OUTSIDE....LOUIS ♦⚡ARMSTRONG......IN MY OPINION🇺🇸

[@vitocorleone1462]

I love when the impersonator goes "huh" sounds just like him

[@pbsvoices]

Welcome to the PBSDS Family, Sound Field! It's time to get funky. ..too much?

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks PBSDS! First we get funky, then we get SAD...

[@Dorian_sapiens]

This is why PBS continues to be an American cultural icon. Thank you both.

[@freeman042210]

No, absolutely everything!

[@jaypanchal7606]

BRING IT

[@scaper8]

@@Dorian_sapiens 100% agree! National public broadcasting, whether it be on the radio with NPR, on television with a PBS affiliate, or online on any of its myriad ways it a absolute cultural national treasure!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Really great first episode!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

All the love!

[@DanteYewToob]

Dang. PBS is killing it. Whoever is running the show at PBS Digital deserves a raise because all of these shows are amazing! How the hell do they keep the quality up on all of these amazing channels, without a single dud or crappy channel.

[@transgenderbasketballplayer]

Insane that the american Public Broadcasting Service is so high quality

[@gstorhof1]

My favorite funk song = Bootsy Collins -I'd rather be with you

[@rigsby86]

Mine has to be funkaldelic - knee deep

[@user-cr2bt3zp1f]

My favorite would have to be Cosmic Slop- Funkadelic

[@powrpak2]

Jo Zen One of the baddest bass players!

[@dimitreze]

get on the good foot by james brown, but outside james' song, it's your thing by isley brothers

[@ricardorodriguez6456]

@@user-cr2bt3zp1f Too much sweet acid in that song

[@Livingeidolon]

PBS, yet again, finding and boosting the best educational content on KZbin

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Wow this means a lot to us!

[@ZappaBlues]

I started listening to JB around 1965. It WAS the RYTHM. The local band I was in threw in I Got You and Papa's Got a Brand New Bag with rock and blues tunes and few other B&B numbers. I still listen to his music on a regular basis. Thanks for the video.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching! What are your favorite James Brown songs?

[@ZappaBlues]

@@SoundFieldPBS Right of the top of my head, Cold Sweat, Make it Funky, Sex Machine - all the extended versions up to 12 minutes or so. Likely others too. Not too good at remembering titles.

[@dominiquejones3805]

The Temptations even threw n some JB Flava i can't stand it n a performance of Losing You with Dennis leading

[@Ngasii]

Horns would definately set it off. Right now I feel the clavinet gives it a very Stevie Wonder feel

[@gfbm13]

That groove is tight as hell! The Godfather would be proud.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Wow we feel so honored!

[@alejandro.rondon]

Batman & Robin, watch out! there's a better dynamic duo in town! Love the complementarity of both hosts, and can't wait to see the growth in this show, and specially both hosts as musicians. As for the song, yes, i agree with "James Brown" i needs some horn.. but... but... BASS!!!! you cannot have a funk song with a good bass! (and of course i don't say this at all because of i'm a bassist myself). Cheers and the bests of success to both of you and the show!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Alejandro! Thanks so much for watching. Quick thought: would you be interested in adding your own bass to our song?

[@alejandro.rondon]

@@SoundFieldPBS Hey guys! I was planning on jamming to it afterwork tonight, but i guess now i have to put my bass where my mouth is ;) I'll record the jam and if it's good, i'll find a way to send it to you (it'll be just an audio file). Cheers !

[@SoundFieldPBS]

@@alejandro.rondon That sounds awesome! You can download the track from our soundcloud here: soundcloud.com/soundfieldpbs/baby-popcorn

[@SoundFieldPBS]

@@alejandro.rondon P.S. you can upload it to soundcloud or share the link with us on twitter! twitter.com/SoundFieldPBS

[@alejandro.rondon]

@@SoundFieldPBS Hey Guys! well, here's my take on that song, i tried not to clash with Nahre's Original Bass line, while still adding some funky groove :) Hope you like it! soundcloud.com/aleron1601/baby-popcorn-with-bass Disclaimer: I'm not at all a session or professional musician, just a weekend player ;) but i guess you could tell, so any feedback will be more than welcomed ;)

[@StephenHsiang]

The generalization of the Funk music's rhythmic characteristics is so great and easy to understand. Thanks

[@SepulvedaBoulevard]

Dig the way you stack the kick and hat - that's funky drumming!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thank you Vera!

[@jaypatton217]

I feel like this series is gonna be dope. I’m really looking forward to when y’all do a blues episode. I love me some BB King, Albert King, and Stevie Ray Vaughn (among many others).

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks Jay. We want to know what y'all are listening to. Keep sending us favs as you think of them.

[@StefanHayden]

I'm so excited for this channel.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Can't wait til you see the episode we launch on Valentine's day!

[@cocok.291]

I love hiphop ad-libs they add so much personality. The most legendary is Kendrick saying "mommy" on win by jay rock

[@hitplaytpt]

Terrific first episode. I can't wait someday to hear these tracks they're composing performed live at a venue. The season 1 wrap party produces itself - look forward to being there. Great work, all.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for your support David! Can't wait to party with you

[@snigdhadebroychowdhury2134]

I am from India and this is the first time I heard James Brown. You guys are now responsible for all the James Brown songs in my Spotify account 😁 BTW great channel, loving it 👍

[@robfromvan]

Why is it your first time? Didn’t you watch Rocky 4!!!???😳🤪

[@charlesfrempong-longdonjr.5045]

Yoooo!!! Such a fantastic way to start off a series! I love the dynamic between the two hosts and I'm excited to see that develop overtime! They both have such interesting approach when it comes to engage with music & people. I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for the next episode 👀

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Charles thanks for your support! We've got a tasty episode brewing for Valentine's Day. LOOKOUT

[@Multi1628]

~ James Brown, The Godfather of Soul ~ This is a fascinating discussion on one of the greatest foundations of the music we all love worldwide - would not exist without him - great breakdown of my many beloved albums, and hundreds of 7" singles by Brown, Byrd, Lyn Collins, the J.B.s, Maceo & the Macks and others!! R.I.P. James, Curtis, Aretha, Isaac, Michael, Donna, and all the greats whose music is eternal. Cheers, DAVEDJ ~

[@gmdille]

I'm honestly astonished this is the first episode! There's such a nice chemistry between Nahre and LA, and the editing was really well done/seemed very honed in. Basically what I'm trying to say is congrats all around! As an aside, I think LA was 100% right about the bar of rest in the melody, that would have been soooooooooo good. I might be biased as a drummer, but man, I was feeling that so hard.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

So glad that you liked it!

[@artisinventable]

PBS back at it again with the great hosts & series

[@SoundFieldPBS]

LETS GET IT!

[@Gkuljian]

The drumming in your tune might be more Tower of Power than James. I am so lucky to have seen James live. Incredible. My friend changed his name to James the next day.

[@agrippa.the.cosmonaut-wiz]

Damn, I'm loving this PBS on KZbin stuff. Keep it up!

[@piijay14]

JB...invented Funk. So everything Funky is got some JB in it. This includes KC and the Sunshine, Ohio Players, Parliment/Funkadelic, Rick James and Prince!

[@daveanderson718]

Yes, and even Prince said so!

[@SuperQatarGirl]

That’s what Bootsy said about funk, too, right? It’s that first beat that makes it funk and then you can just go nuts from there if you want. You just gotta keep that strong first beat.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

You're right that's THE FUNK! He demonstrates it in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3moZ5uQipxld5Y

[@SuperQatarGirl]

Sound Field Considering Bootsy used to play with James Brown it only makes sense.

[@puipuiapachuau7229]

It was James who taught Bootsy "the one"

[@hansvandermeulen5515]

Parliament-Funkadelic went totally nuts with the One.

[@damonedwards6724]

Man just was surfing on U-Tube and came across this short video about JB and I was amazed at how much I learned from these young host about JB .... and have been listening and a true fan of Mr. Brown since 64.... Outta Sight...when the first funk album of his came out!!!! Thx for sharing guys!!😊🤘🏾🎸🥁🎤🎹🎼🎺🎷

[@LesbianCinemaCircuit]

Funky drummer is one of the best songs, James Brown is in complete control of the band, guiding them and the beat

[@rnelson1415]

James Brown calling for Bobby Byrd blew my mind. Two references immediately came up in my mind when I heard "Take 'em to the bridge!" The Donkey Kong 64 rap! Come on Cranky, take it to the fridge!

[@jaredpatterson1701]

Never thought about that DK rap like that but that's so true! JB's influence is legendary

[@hickorymccay2994]

I get that, and Robert Plant in The Crunge. "WHERE'S THAT CONFOUNDED BRIDGE", lol.

[@umiloyayi]

Came here because I'm subscribed to Nahre and just finished the videos. I also enjoyed Eons, another PBS KZbin channel. And for sure this one will be as educative and fun. Subscribed!

[@adamsmith7058]

One can't discount the massive influence Fela Kuti had on James Brown's band. Of a 1970 tour of Nigera, 'Bootsy' Collins recalls, '[Fela] had a club in Lagos, and we came to the club and they were treating us like kings. We were telling them they're the funkiest cats we ever heard in our life. I mean, this is the James Brown band, but we were totally wiped out! That was one trip I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.'" "Tony Allen, Fela's drummer and a key architect of Afrobeat, claims that Brown sent his arranger, David Matthews, to check him out. 'He watches the movement of my legs and the movement of my hands, and he starts writing down ... They picked a lot from Fela when they came to Nigeria. It's like both of them sort of influenced each other. Fela got influenced in America, James Brown got the influence in Africa.’ Saying that James Brown invented Funk is a great man theory of history , that ignores the reality that a great many people were working on these ideas at that time. James' footprint was massive, but claims like this are silly, equivalent to saying Newton invented physics. It's not as simple as that.

[@daveanderson718]

Well at least they didn't ramble on how he was the godfather of soul, bla, bla, bla. Thank goodness.

[@koolstup]

Agreed, also "I Got You" was 'stolen' from Orlando Julius

[@mario_actually]

Awesome! PBSdigital is producing THE best content out there. Such great shows and this is off to an awesome start too.

[@FishiestFillet]

Best informational content on youtube.

[@rockingthemike]

great start to what i hope will be a long running series!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Let's get this bread Mike!

[@sparkymcplumpthepolydactyl2079]

Us *CULLEN*’s love the FUNK!

[@MoveMakerTV]

I just stumbled on this somehow looking for something else but I couldn't stop watching. This is the kind of conversations I have with people!

[@RodTejada502]

Usually all things PBS Digital Studios I subscribe but for some reason I just stumbled upon this and Im at awe! WHAT A GREAT CHANNEL!

[@akoppmusic]

What a great program! I’m looking forward to hearing more and will be sharing this with my students!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Our next episode comes out tomorrow!

[@Bati_]

Wow!!!!!! This series is going to be a hit (it will definitely be a classic that's for sure; sometimes being a hit does not correlate with the quality of the content that your videos have at tremendous levels, let's say "Quality Over Quantity"!) I can just say that from the first impression of the very first video in the series! The editing is too stylistic and smooth. References are from solid resources and documentary-like filming is totally great! Your knowledge level is awe-inspiring and your musicianship skills are stunning! You're the most suitable people for this series I think! Most of the time, people stay away from music theory because of the myths like it can limit their creativity etc. However, what you’re doing here is a real practice of music theory, which music moves us for what reasons is the essential question in music theory I think and you really have this question in your philosophy as well! I am pretty sure that from now on, lots of people will approach music theory from a different perspective with the help of your incredible series! THANK YOU! I’d love to have discussions with you, I hope one day it can happen! Thank you for bringing this top-notch quality series and greetings from Turkey and big love and respect to you! (I am a huge real Hip Hop fan and I think you should review legendary "Incredible Bongo Band" in one of your next videos (they have been the first true Hip Hop artists, godfathers of Hip Hop IMO and they're my heroes, I feel the sublime power of "Bongo Rock" everytime I listen to it and you should also review Motherlode's underrated underground classic "When I Die", I really like the vocals in Motherlode, their song "Soft Shell" is astonishing, almost like a funky ballad for me and they were Canada based as well, a tribute to them would be great!) Thank you again and again. RIP to James Brown and his legendary friends! I really liked it!! Btw, the song is great and very reminiscent of the J.B.'s, too, I will try to sample it 😃! "People! Get up! and drive your funky souls!" and watch this series! 💛💛💛😊🙏 - Batı Yılmaz

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Batı thanks for being the first comment! Can't wait to explore more musical theory with you. Maybe we should do an episode on the Apache break? 👀

[@Bati_]

@@SoundFieldPBS You're welcome! Thanks for writing this comment, you literally made my day! It's a real honor for me to being the first comment in this amazing series! I'll definitely support every work of yours and reflect my ideas on the comments and make suggestions throughout this influential journey! It would be incredible to make a video on the Apache break!! I sincerely thank you for considering my suggestions and I am looking forward to watching your next videos! Can't wait to see them! Thanks a million times! Peace!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

@@Bati_ that sounds like fun and I think you should do it. I can't wait to hear what you come up with.

[@Bati_]

@@SoundFieldPBS Btw. I want to add some arrangements to this great song! If you don't mind is it possible to change the key or tempo when in need, I want to be a part of this collective, global jam. I downloaded the song via Soundcloud and working on it now, however, I am just an amateur and feel the vibe and create something, please don't expect something perfect 😃 Thanks in advance!

[@Bati_]

@@SoundFieldPBS I'll do it as soon as I finish my studies (deadlines are coming :/), it seems your next video will be released on Valentine's Day so I will try to finish the arrangement before that day! Thanks!

[@jennitro]

Followed the link from a PBS Eons video. I was not disappointed. Looks like this will be a great series. I'm very much looking forward to future episodes.

[@thomascarroll39]

I'm 56 and I enjoyed that. I love talented folks. I'm so elated 😃

[@davidshi451]

I loved seeing the process of you guys creating a song together!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Hey David! So glad you were able to be here for our premiere.

[@totalunconcern]

Not sure if I missed this, but what Bruckner absolutely nailed, is how simple and LIGHT the drums are, less is more, only adding where it fully serves the rythmic feel that complements James voice so well. A lot of new funk bands, throw heavy funking drums everywhere in between, where the virtuosity is only harming the funk feel imho. Stevie wonder does this greatly on his 70s albums where he plays the drums himself! This show is an absolute delight

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching!

[@ravisanyal7099]

Absolutely loved the definition and groove

[@blusef1]

Love this so much!! Been watching ur channel for a while. Can’t believe this was the first?!? Keep doing ur thing y’all !

[@erictalkington5674]

One of my favorite dudes ever! He changed all genres of music while creating his own genre. I hear funky drummer everywhere even in country music and rock music. Also, if it wasn't for James, Fela Kuti would've never likely created Afro-Beat as he was heavily influenced by American funk. James has to be the most sampled artist ever, even though some try to say it's the Isley Brothers, I think it's James.

[@JaeyoungChong]

Love every single aspect of this. As a classically trained musician and a lover of jazz, funk, pop and everything in between, I am so excited for this series.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@ShaudaySmith]

Looking forward to this channel's growth. Already, SOOO STRONG! love it!

[@jamesorourke3435]

Man you two are amazing. I stumbled upon this channel by accident and can't stop watching. You're so talented. Very impressive. Thanks for creating this awesome experience!

[@peter8488]

Only someone without a soul cannot love James Brown music.

[@twinturbohenry]

I was just blown away by this brilliant presentation. Thank you so, so, so much!!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Wow we are so happy you liked it!

[@massimilianoc2436]

Looking at this video, when Arthur and Nahre put together their idea, as a former bassist who studied funk and blues at 15, and now trying to learn piano at 40, I realize that the funk imprinting is still living in my mind: I feel naturally comfortable to follow arthur rythm and play the bass line in my mind when he plays his drums loop. Great job guys.

[@jailynneville2023]

This was so amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed getting the education AND seeing you guys put it in action. Thanks for making this fr

[@kathleenoneill9218]

Watching and listening to you all was such a treat (I subscribed). I want to hear the song with the horns! My favorite CD of all time is James Brown's Love, Power and Peace recorded live at The Olympia in Paris in 1971. Listen to the transition between Brother Rapp and Ain't It Funky. The JB's stop on a dime and pick it right back up. As a musician son of a friend of mine said, "Even the screams are perfect".

[@TheMasabaa]

The brother gotta rap! The brother gotta rap! The brother gotta rap!

[@mcsequoia5107]

As a drummer, there was and is no greater inspiring combo than JB & Clyde Stubblefield. Pure musical magic. And you both did a scholarly job of deconstructing the JB sound and coming up with your version of it that was truly spot on. Well done! I wish you had fleshed that musical idea out a lil' more. I loved it and wanted more of it!

[@blackfriarsffc5232]

fabulous! well researched and presented. Thank you

[@javennabellinger2556]

Thanks for sharing! I recently started listening to all of James Brown music and now my kids know and sing his music. It is imperative to remember our musical historical roots. With The GodFather, it wasn’t about being black, it was about being the BEST no matter who goes before you or after you! He was about being remembered and you can tell that by how consistent he is with every song and performance. His work ethic is uncanny! A lot of Artists can not match his work ethics! Let’s Always remember the “GodFather” , Respect, and Keep his music ALIVE!❤️👏🎼

[@_Olorin]

I want at least an EP of LA doing funk grooves without instruments.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Someone told us that we need to have LA beatbox in every video. What do you think?

[@_Olorin]

@@SoundFieldPBS Hell yeah! What better trademark for this series? LA explaining the grooves by beatboxing.

[@SareBear2000]

Y'all are so musically talented, I really liked your song

[@hereforvids1514]

I love when she asked how to make it sound funky. some people got it naturally, some people got to learn but at least they funkin' !!

[@bmsuters]

This is such a beautiful series. Way to go PBS! Need more content like soundfield 👍🏾

[@SoundFieldPBS]

And we need more people like you!

[@TheScottttttt]

I love this style, taking apart a genre analytically and then creating something with that inspiration. Maybe some collaborations in the future? I love that the first episode was funk!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thank you so much!! A lot of fun stuff in store for the future :) -Nahre

[@erictalkington5674]

Whatchu gonna play now Bobby, I don't know, but whatsinever I play its got to be funky. Yeah... 1, 2, 3 MAKE IT FUNKY!

[@erikarado503]

Love this! James Brown LIVES. That peek into creative exploration is great to witness. Looking forward to what's coming, groovin' down. Would love to see a longer episode. Great job folks!

[@RyanMayer]

LOVE this. Please keep collabin' it was beautiful annnnnnd funky!

[@1_glucose_biscuit_lifetime564]

Well this channel has started FUNKY ! seriously, you guys are doing amazing job.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thank you so much!

[@shessomickey]

I'm so stoked for this!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

It's gonna get crazy!

[@dr.bernardshort3250]

Nice I will be showing this is my class after spring break!!! Keep up the good work

[@Clara-qy4vn]

I love you guys! This is super interested and I adore the mix of interesting facts and research and you try to create your own! It just adds another dimension to it. Also both of your voices are so nice to listen to!

[@robertkielty5094]

When JAMES BROWN said, "THIS is SOUND FIELD!" ha! This is great work. Subscribed, liked and I jiggled that bell.

[@topherhenness3810]

Man, I NEVER comment, but this is an amazing start to a new channel, and I'm excited to see the next episode.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

I'm so glad that you DID comment! I hope you'll watch our next episode, premiering on Valentine's Day.

[@merrymonarch]

Really nice groove song at the end. Damm, the best of James Brown is yet to come

[@tkarichey3]

What a great episode! Right out of the gate you all nailed it! Bravo!

[@kurtadams3021]

Soul brother #1

[@bigbootyhoochy]

composition sounds like stevie wonder actually. 7:42 but i think its probably nord timbre. definitely needs that james brown horn section though! flava!

[@musxidntty]

Engaging and educational! Now that is a pilot episode! Can't wait to see more from you guys!

[@ADM_Kyoto]

Dig it! Got here via PBS Eons - subscribed immediately. Keep it coming.

[@netuno60]

Great stuff! I've learned a lot in an easy way. Thanx.

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Pedro thanks for learning with us!

[@hyvelocity]

Wow. This is a good music history on Funk. I love James Brown music. ( Would Sly & The Family Stone be in this category of funk?)

[@mysticmagicsmurfdarklord6844]

Yes they would. Funk is a very broad genre.

[@jenniefelix6462]

I'm so glad I found you. What a great channel!!

[@paulkennedy4920]

I really enjoyed this, you guys! Some of my favorite funk tunes are "Hook & Sling" by Eddie Bo, "Cleanup Man" by Eddie Finley & the Cincinnati Show Band, and "Can We Rap" by Carleen & The Groovers.

[@456subway]

Nice piece ! When I think of funk that i've enjoyed, I first think of being completely taken by James Brown after seeing him at the Apollo Theater in I believe 1967 as a kid. THE song for me was Cold Sweat. After that, funk was also Sly and The Family Stone, and later on George Duke.

[@qsmooth7805]

Make one on 2Pac

[@psychochizzi4218]

Dope stuff y'all be doing fr 💯💯

[@nickhughes4800]

Great show! Night People by Lee Dorsey is currently my Funk jam! So good!

[@Tomciu1985]

Loved it. Really interesting about the half beats. 😊

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching! What kind of music do you like to listen to?

[@Tomciu1985]

it usually depends on my mood but lately I been listening to a lot of techno (it's great for studying 👍)

[@Cyrath89]

Good episode! And good song!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching!

[@nateedmondsmusic]

Well done. Easy to follow and fun

[@xmox2950]

Thank you. Hands down one of the best shows around. The hosts are incredible too.

[@orioncoats]

My man knows how to improve some syncopation.

[@Madyetmellow]

Without his band there would be no James Brown. His backing band brought the funk James Brown gave it the voice

[@ThePanther97]

James Brown's career was already a decade old before the Funk movement, and his band members changed many times, so Funk didn't make James Brown because he was the one leading the movement. His bands would come up with a sound that he approved of and James worked diligently in putting out revolutionary music, he worked his band very hard because of this. So one can also say that if it weren't for James Brown's insatiable need to make new revolutionary music, his band wouldn't have put out such sounds in the first place, they probably would've put out conventional music instead. Thanks to him certain band members went off to make lucrative careers of their own, so whether you like it or not they didn't just carry him, he also carried them. He wasn't just the voice as you tried to diminish him to, his role was far more important than that behind the scenes.

[@anissiaart6167]

Guys it's such a great analysis, please keep posting, I'm in love with your channel!

[@djb903]

Nahre's reaction to LA's rephrasing on the fly is what I'm looking forward to now in every episode. Love that chemistry!

[@4stringedninja]

Good video, one of my favourite funksong is If You Want me to Stay by Sly and the Family Stone, has a completely different vibe to James, but that sort of versatility is what I love with funk

[@brendanotoole5871]

Get down PBS!

[@SoundFieldPBS]

Thanks for watching Brendan!

James Brown had a beautiful voice. Early in his career he was know for his ballads. His tour of Africa shifted his focus more towards rhythm. Supposedly he observed some of the great drum majors there. Can you image an entire village drumming? This is what influenced him to shift from the back beat to ON THE ONE! Call and response, emphasis on the one are all from The African continent. Brown may have spent time in church, but his inspiration for funk came straight from the source... Africa.

[@christophersummey9134]

Enjoying this! Look forward to more.

[@ScottcurtsMusic]

Hell Yeah!! I think we have all been influenced by James Brown. I've performed many of his hits throughout my career. His music is the staple of funk through all decades of music. I still can't hold still when I hear his music. Love what you two created. Well Done!!

[@sepulpedro]

Loved the video but I couldn't help thinking about Eddie Murphy's impersonation of JB.

[@lewisthurston9785]

I’m so glad this show exists and I’m so glad I’ve not been missing out either. Amazing stuff can’t wait for more

[@ndrm_chooky]

your research is gold man! thanks!