A&E is set to premiere the two-night documentary event “James Brown: Say It Loud,” exploring the life and impact of entertainment icon James Brown. Directed by Deborah Riley Draper (known for “The Legacy of Black Wall Street”) and executive produced by music legend sMick Jagger, Academy Award(R) winner Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter, and other industry luminaries, delves into the extraordinary life and cultural impact of the iconic entertainment figure, James Brown.
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Scheduled to premiere on Monday, February 19, and Tuesday, February 20, at 8PM ET/PT on A&E, the documentary spans four hours, tracing the remarkable trajectory of Brown’s life from a 7th-grade drop-out facing legal troubles in the Jim Crow-era South to becoming a cultural force and a groundbreaking artist whose influence shaped perceptions of Black Pride and masculinity.
“James Brown: Say It Loud” explores Brown’s enduring legacy through exclusive interviews, previously unreleased archival footage, and his iconic music catalog. The documentary sheds light on Brown’s journey of perseverance through personal challenges, racial injustices, and career setbacks, ultimately emerging as one of the most celebrated and influential artists of the 20th century.
Featuring never-before-seen interviews and performances by James Brown himself, as well as insights from friends, family, musicians, and proteges such as Mick Jagger, Questlove, Bootsy Collins, LL Cool J, and more, the documentary provides a definitive and nuanced look at the complexity of Brown’s life and his lasting impact on music and culture.
Produced for A&E by Inaudible Films in collaboration with Polygram Entertainment and GroupM Motion Entertainment, the documentary is a collaboration with the owner/custodian of the James Brown Estate, Primary Wave.
Check out the trailer below.