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!

[@EnlightenedRogue24]

Amen, brother. 🙏☝️🥴👍

[@Αντουαν264]

Damn right brother 63 years old Yes G.F.O.S.The one and only JAMES BROWN Pay attencion boys and girls a true legend R.I.P Mr J.B. Greetings from greece.

[@danoweston6185]

So true!!

[@imbees2]

James Brown the king of soul. Period. Period.

[@cahmann.2449]

"R.I.P. 👑KING JAME$ BROWN👑THI$ $HIT RIGHT 🤗👍🙂 HERE I$ $TRICTLY DOPE!."

[@chillende]

That audience was straight up BLESSED with that performance.

[@nan-sea3814]

they're all losin their minds!!!!!

[@WSS_the_OG]

Performance was ridiculous. Can you imagine walking out of that performance? You can tell the audience knew what was going on. Historical moment. Kudos to Dave's team for just letting it happen, and handing the reigns over to James. This kind of thing has never happened since, and I don't think it ever happened before.

[@imaginetheview8818]

so was the band. I think thats dave's house band having the time of their life!

[@Wally-H]

@@imaginetheview8818 Yes, there is a video on here of Paul Schafer talking about it. The sax and trumpet players are from James band but the rest are the house band. Paul says this was his favourite moment from working on Letterman.

[@beachcomber4141]

Your not kidding!! I saw a grandfather in that audience jump to his feet!!! Unbelievable.

[@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.

[@brianmcawesome]

He has to! Otherwise James is gonna charge $50 for each missed note! You'd be amazed you accurate you can play when your paycheck is on the line.

[@Wally-H]

@@brianmcawesome Not in this case, because he is singing with Paul Schafer's house band on the Letterman Show. James wasn't employing them.

[@ApricotRse]

The bass player is the incomparable Will Lee. Will played in Dave's house band with Paul for all 33 years on Dave's shows on both NBC and CBS. But that's only half the story of his amazing career. He is a high demand session player who played on dozens of hit records (including #1s like Barry Manilow's "Mandy", to name just one) with many major artists. Will is still going strong today!

[@bluecrueful]

@@ApricotRse Indeed , Willie Lee is the GOAT

[@michaelalexander670]

Dr. Will Lee, one of the best

[@js1642]

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

[@basswars7060]

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

[@tylercaskey1931]

You gotta admit, Jerry Lee Lewis at least comes close.

[@Clyde177]

I agree......... I always say, Michael Jackson is better because of the latest dances he did(he is the Pop music king) and JAMES BROWN is the Greatest. He had so much influence on Michael Jackson and others....dancing and Music. Majority of Rap/Hip-Hop Music comes from James Brown. Sampling.

[@shorty5244]

@@tylercaskey1931 Love Jerry Lee Lewis. Hell of a showman but no one came remotely close to James Brown. No one.

[@michaelgonzalez2182]

You got that right

[@isaiahclayton8178]

James Brown is amazing. However, I would say Bruno Mars could give the man a run for his money. Both are incredible

[@garykoepke4406]

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

[@Dee010s]

Why i loved James Brown growing up..cuz Letterman did. Paul Shaffer as well im sure.

[@jtracy0283]

It was the James Brown show that night 😀

[@isthme8103]

I respect him for that

[@patrickmcnally9302]

@@Dee010sDuring the bridge Shaffer just stopped playing and watched.

[@galetinm]

​​@@patrickmcnally9302Keys can be obviously heard during the bridge. One chord, but still.

[@jasperjenkins7729]

Mr. Steve Jordan KILLIN IT on the Drums

[@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..

[@beachcomber4141]

This is anything BUT normal!! This is exceptional to the maximum!!

[@greggbrowder3453]

Greatest showman of all time.

[@NavarinoDC]

James looked like he was really enjoying himself!

[@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!

[@MidiPunk]

Steve Jordan (the drummer) said this was the highlight of his career.

[@bvlad5215]

Lol! That's Amazing!

[@cassandrawimbs8224]

The high point was Senegal. And Say it Loud at the Apollo during segregation. Rip in soul heaven.

[@arsaytoma]

So true, Hiram was something else...true artist, rest in peace.

[@fatbottombiker3038]

Shit I don’t blame these guys. It would have been a dream just to be in the audience!

[@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!

[@jonnybardo4083]

The unsurpassed musical genius of the 20th century.

[@kreamowheat]

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

[@danoweston6185]

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

[@jazzpsychic]

It's always amazed me how quick he gets the audience in the palm of his hand.

[@rileyyyyh]

and the band!!!! it’s like they all had his energy

[@woodch]

Came here on Paul Shaffer's personal recommendation in a Sammy Hagar interview. I am not disappointed!

[@jobiazgarza9571]

same. and I agree - this is amazing.

[@jazzi24881]

This is a master at work ladies and gents!

[@dfh1950]

Just f*cking Incredible!!!!! James even had some Old Timers in the Audience Clapping and Laughing!! Fantastic Video, Art ..... thanks!! JB was the MAN!!!!!!!!

[@JoshuaRoss2]

the crowd's lack of rhythm at 8:20 is the whitest anything ever

[@massivebeatzz]

blah blah.... Lets see you dance along with James Brown...nobody can...and there is no such a thing as white when it comes to dancing... Tons of superstar white bassists, drummer, dancers, dance coaches., DJ's.....and from all cultures

[@MarianneColorBee]

I used to watch David Letterman every night back then and I will never forget this performance!

[@floydmasonii5668]

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

[@michaelkearns8499]

Just beyond words the talent, the funk, the showmanship. Hiram is just loving every second and it shows. He made this very placid, calm talk show audience lose their f-ing minds. Absolutely outstanding.

[@Topjunkie-r4s]

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

[@WSS_the_OG]

Unbelievable performance. This guy was unbelievable. And to think, he was well past his prime here, but managed to own the audience, Dave, Dave's band, and even the network. Kudos to the David Letterman for recognising what was happening here, and they let it roll ... gave him so much of the show, and so much air time. Amazing moment, one that will never happen again, for so many reasons.

[@seansherrod8725]

The BEAUTIFUL woman @ 8:58 is the kind of beautiful woman that I've ALWAYS dreamed about!!!

[@coleeandro6110]

NO ONE grooved like James Brown. May he Rest In Peace.

[@jameshallet6053]

I always have a big smile on my face every time I watch this. Amazing! It’s just so awesome that someone like James Brown was on this planet. Lightning in a bottle. We’ll never see the likes of him again. The band was fantastic as well.

[@MikeAdams-dc9ib]

Prince .. Michael Jackson.. David Bowie mick jagger.. Keith Richards .. they knew they all owed a lot to king or soul j. B. It is sad we dy have j. B. Any more.. there will never be another like him.. someone should put a James brown DVD and CD set of all his proformences of David letterman show with interviews.. with songs ..like there was a time.. I feel good sex machine and a4dvd set and a3cd set live set from the Dave letterman show with a60 lp size book with james and David letterman that would be so cool

[@MikeAdams-dc9ib]

60 page book of James brown on David letterman show with the DVDs& CDs of David letterman show someone should put this out in an lp size book

[@hotdusty3000]

You can still feel the power and electricity, JB was a powerhouse.

[@isaacguzman6882]

I love how Paul Shaffer peeks over to see how JB plays the piano riff on Get Up.

[@brich2929]

YUP!!!

[@WhiskerWhippers]

And he gets the double slap

[@Wally-H]

Probably checking what chords he is playing so he can maybe vamp one on top using the organ.

[@furself114]

3:53-4:19 (haha the whole damn performance) The essence of who he was and I'm shedding tears because I'm in awe: he went back( he's wailing "can I go back"?). He let the music take him to another place ( look at his hand) and we got a chance to witness it. I'm 55 and this fulfills my entire soul

[@furself114]

still shedding tears of joy be 59 soon

[@rubymartin5058]

James brown was the best and always will be the best . Love his music big time RHM

[@MA_808]

I grew up listening to this man...when Prince came on the scene the kids would say, 'you seen Prince, JD? he's so bad" I would say..I seen that act many times many years earlier...

[@topg4400]

I've never seen a performer like JB electrifying performance as always even when he was beyond his prime. Also, he always have the best musicians behind him we will never see live performance like this ever again no musician!

[@lieven1202]

I am having hard times now. But listening to Mr James Brown,... Hey, hey, I feel allright, huh!

[@lieven1202]

I never stop listening to Mr James Brown.

[@SpeegBJ]

Well, Get On UP! (smiles)

[@zabee123]

without this guy there will be no dance that we see in MJ or Prince or MC Hammer,also there is no hip-hop like today,he is Godfather of Soul

[@ncorva]

My lord that band. So tight.

[@EnlightenedRogue24]

They had to be . . . or else. ☝️🥴

[@blowe3401]

@@EnlightenedRogue24 HELLO! 👋🏼

[@jayclarke5466]

All those guys are monsters …this was a highlight for them, they cooked and a james loved it! James, what n artist…no one like him in originality

[@Wally-H]

@@EnlightenedRogue24 As per my reply to your similar comment above, James wasn't employing this band.

[@Steambull1]

St. Clair Pinckney (saxophone) and Hollie Farris (trumpet) are from James' band, the Shaffer band didn't have horns. Pinckney was with Brown from 1962 to his death (1999), which is probably the longest single stretch anyone had in the band. He played on the legendary "Live At The Apollo" album, and all the greatness that followed.

[@antoniowyckoff2]

So much soul! Goosebumps, Even if I've watched it over a hundred times already!

[@bobsaturday4273]

James Brown the Godfather of Soul May 3, 1933 - December 25, 2006

[@flashlight5695]

I miss this great entertainer but his music plays and makes dance.

[@greaterustreettheatregroup396]

2:50 Paul Shaffer looking over JBs shoulder “...let me see what else I can cop offa James”

[@stillphil]

SCHOOL !

[@Wally-H]

He was checking the chords so he could vamp one on the organ over the top, which he then does.

[@michaelslater1261]

The best in studio performance I ever seen. But Brother James did say “One more again!” Now that’s country and funky

[@aarontiessen927]

I just saw an old interview on Letterman with Paul and he was still in awe regarding this performance. It effected him and it showed in an interview many years later.

[@michaelslater1261]

James was 49 years old. I think he was at his prime best

[@jtracy0283]

Whoa!!!!! Did not know that!

[@69Mucci]

I would argue that he wasn't even in his prime by this point, and he was still absolutely amazing.

[@jhardycarroll]

James said this was as good a performance as the T.A.M.I. show in 1964. The band was thrilled to hear that. Steve Jordan still talks about it, 35 years after the fact.

[@derekforeal39]

This was awesome, but NOTHING can touch his T.A.M.I. show performance. That's the greatest performance of all time, hands down.

[@Clyde177]

@@derekforeal39 True, he and The Famous Flames(the singing group, not the band) were awesome.

[@barroningram7286]

jeez 18 years ago

[@modernretroradio993]

I agree. It's neck n' neck with the T.A.M.I. Granted, JB was always great in his tv performances but this one is epic.

[@Clyde177]

@@derekforeal39 James got even better after 1964. my Nephew said and this was after his prime."how does he do his feet like that"'

[@davidlarson5991]

I'm gonna have a heart attack! I'm going to the bridge instead ! James Brown James! Brown James! Brown!. Caught him in Tampa and I never recovered! Thank you James I can now get uppa to get down!

[@rain73ful]

Wonderful performance. Thanks for improving the audio. It sounds much better.

[@mikeschmelzer9733]

The one and only! Nobody comes close as a frontman. You just smile and "GET ON UP!"

[@rayburton4867]

Butane James was and will always be the KING! Damyam!

[@jensjrgensen5369]

I love everything about this performance. James, The band, The crowd. Especially those cats at front row in 9:00. I Wanna join their party! JB forever!

[@SpeegBJ]

I see them too, at 9:00, getting it down....join that party!

[@blackflagsnroses6013]

12:05 the funkiest and smoothest exit in the history of mankind. This needs to be preserved for posterity and also sent into outer space. James Brown would make extraterrestrials feel the FUNK!

[@thomasemerson7257]

Holy Smokes... that was incredible. That has to be the best performance by a solo artist using a talk show band ever... certainly the best I've ever seen...

[@trekkiejunk]

Well, to be fair, a couple of Brown's band were added, and the "talk show band" in question is arguably the greatest talk show band ever, The World's Most Dangerous Band. All have some great credits behind their names, too.

[@Steambull1]

@@trekkiejunk Ah, right - St. Clair Pinckney on the sax and someone else on the trumpet, Hollie Farris? The Paul Shaffer band didn't have horns before 1993, if I'm correct. edit: James actually introduces Pinckney and Farris at 09:32, for some reason I never caught that before.

[@JJpoint34]

00:10 The band missed a cue at the 10-second mark and never missed another one. Not bad for no rehearsal.

[@robertaunblack4887]

James Brown and Al Green the best of all time for me on Letterman, those were the days.

[@gratefuldead2379]

They just don’t make em like that anymore

[@valentinepayne6464]

Listening to this February 2023. You can't copy this. One of a kind. His music uplifts me when i am down. The God father of funk and soul. The hardest working man in show buisness.

[@CharlesBrown-pv1lc]

GOOD GOD MY B Y ❤🎉🎉😅😮😊

[@hypotheticalpineapple]

band's tight as a roll of duct tape. they're flying on that second track. absolutely insane performance from the man himself

[@jackwezesa1081]

Gorilla duct tape.

[@BBT609]

The band is Paul Shaffer on piano/organ 🎹 Steve Jordan on drums 🥁 Will Lee on bass 🎸 Hiram Bullock on guitar 🎸

[@jayclarke5466]

Rip brother Hiram

[@jlilly7913]

St. Clair Pinckney on sax!

[@bluesmiller7081]

Likely Hollie Ferris - trumpet.

[@tripjet999]

James Brown on piano

[@BBT609]

@@tripjet999 a bit 😆

[@northshorecowboy222]

What sane person could possibly hit the Dislike button on this performance. I'll just have to assume it was a very bad day for those 4 people.

[@josmclove4426]

True that!

[@oldbrokensqueezebox]

Every move he makes is mesmerizing

[@joycesolomon9894]

I like the interaction between Mr. Brown and Paul Schaefer..awesome!

[@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.

[@sherryhunter4765]

My favorite all time artist. I saw Mr. Brown in 1968 in Flint Michigan at Whitting Auditorium and I can remember that concert like it was yesterday.

[@bluebassett2]

The very definition of Shit Hot!

[@atomcraft4067]

An iconic T.V performance. Everyone is on point. Not many people know about this one. Makes me glad to be alive.

[@joeg5507]

It don't get better then this, Godfather of sooooul !!!!

[@callmemonkh9020]

Omg! I thought he might've hurt His knees...BUT THE GUY WAS LEAVING, AND THEN HE CAME BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JoeNocella]

Steve Jordan was perfect here. 12:15 the greatest exit of all time.

[@Revolution1117]

Jordan said after the show he went to ask for Brown's autograph and Brown said to Steve, "You high". Jordan looking confused said "I'm not high", thinking he meant drugs. Brown said, "No man, I mean you HOT! That's the hottest playing since the T.A.M.I. Show" Steve said it was the greatest complement of his life.

[@iancroft7863]

Steve Jordan is perfect every time!

[@WhiskerWhippers]

Princes exit on While My Guitar Gently Weeps was epic. He tosses his guitar to the heavens for safe keeping until got there.

[@easy_english86]

The best of all time, He is magic.

[@Rubin4749]

Just UTTER *magic* You just witnessed *MAGIC*

[@kurtadams3021]

The architect of soul Funk and Hip hop

[@hearpalhere]

Man that is tight! Superb performance by everyone, thanks for sharing this!

[@poplock1963]

SOUL BROTHA # 1

[@bbobrm]

That was fucking awesome !

[@georgiethumbs2438]

That black guitarist I remember died of cancer pretty young. I cant remember his full name, it was Hiram something. Hiram BULLOCK......en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiram_Bullock

[@primothegreat9022]

This guy has a million confidence

[@deborahhardaway8919]

James was his own Hype man,he moved the crowd,an bought people ❤ together

[@khurramakhteronline]

No one can perform like James Brown wow wow wow

[@rickfence2796]

I've heard so many performers interviewed .. say James Brown is/was the ultimate performer .. No one gets me up and dancing faster than this emotional juggernaut. Unbeatable force !!

[@Areostyl]

He was absolutely incredible, no one came close to this.

[@brodocbetty4856]

MJ is the closest thing I've seen, MJ was Jackie Wilson, James Brown, And Joe Tex on stage wrapped up in one body.

[@valritz3100]

NEVER AGAIN !!!!!!! ONCE IN A LIFETIME AND WE GOT TO SEE HIM !!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSS !!!!!!!!!!

[@michaeltidd771]

The thing is he really really enjoyed his craft, and for that he will NEVER be surpassed by ANYONE when it comes to soul music. Every time I listen to his music I want to get up and dance. Just the VERY BEST.

[@alanmorris7669]

James Brown was the only performer who would smooth out the wrinkles in his pants. Watch 4:30

[@anthonyswift4046]

Unmatched on stage could only be imitated never duplicated the God father of soul rest easy job well done.

[@SpeegBJ]

Thanks Art Howard for improved sound. I'm surprised the studio didn't catch on fire! Paul Shafer, watching him love the funk-joy coming down in this performance is super. The LN band following James like the choir being led to the preacher of funk.

[@jtracy0283]

Worth mentioning that they did an INCREDIBLE job!

[@rayburton4867]

A master at work!

[@pellek.9052]

"Carmine Peloso will be rescheduled for another night"...

[@blowe3401]

HYSTERICAL! 🤣

[@imbees2]

I saw the T.A.M.I. show in the movie theater in 1964. I thought I had died and gone to heaven watching that show!!! He set the stage for R&B, Pop, Rap, Country (today's version). Yes indeedy!!!!!

[@SpeegBJ]

Nice, real nice.....seeing the TAMI show. I missed that, but met JB years later. A supreme thrill.

[@wickedpickett8464]

Think of the energy ,stamina, heart,talent and work ethic,that it took to perform like this night after night for over 50 years.This guy makes Cal Ripken look like a slacker ha ha!...just kidding.....

[@lieven1202]

Mr James Brown is the greatest

[@JoeyScrima]

So ridiculously good! Incredible!!

[@TBConl]

I miss this man. I feel every word and move. In my mind, I'm James.

[@brianrothenberger5946]

find me a funkier 30 seconds than @11:30 !

[@elquebi]

Guitarist Hiram was picking that guitar on There Was a Time with elite funkyness. The whole band was tight too. Drummer, Bass, Eldee on sax, not sure of trumpetist name

[@lieven1202]

I love Mr James Brown so much

[@shugajp]

Love this for 2 reasons. First its James Brown and second this was on my birthday. His music will forever move you.

[@JLSTKD12]

This is pure 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@isthme8103]

Thank you for making this moment possible Mr Letterman

[@Bandeira_Dev]

Oh my Lord! James and the band on fire!!!!

[@franckrodi5716]

I saw James Brown on stage 10 times, from 85 to 2005, incredible, an impeccable orchestra, a relentless groove. I must have all those albums, old vinyl records so intrusive. James Brown, the Féssé for over 50 years! And forever.

[@decisioneternal]

That time James Brown completely and UTTERLY HIJACKED The Late Night Show!!!!!! Haha they had to reschedule the other guests! Epic. The GODFATHER of Soul James Brown; Who SEIZES my Soul yet MOVES my Soul

[@mikemayco7888]

It don't get no better than that