Product Details

• Actors: Jack Perkins, Peter Graves, Harry Smith, Dave Hoffman, Bill Mumy
• Writers: Agnes Nixon
• Format: Black & White, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: A&E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: November 11, 1998
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304180624
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #312,697 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

James Brown, the venerable "Godfather of Soul," has the mountainous highs and cavernous lows of his life examined in this lively installment from the A&E Biography series. From the poorest of beginnings in South Carolina, Brown went on to be the first black entertainer to fly to gigs in his own jet, although it was never easy for the singer who became known as "the hardest working man in show business." Archival photographs illustrate Brown's ascent in the nightclub circuits, where he first gained fame before hitting his peak in the 1960s, when he sold out Harlem's famed Apollo Theatre, had chart-topping hits, and appeared on the covers of major magazines. A particular highpoint of the video is film clips from Brown's stunningly energetic performances in the 1960s. Interviews with fellow musicians Stevie Wonder and B.B. King place Brown's profound musical influence in context, and provide a contrast to interviews with family members that illuminate the troubled life that led to two years in prison for drug-related crimes when Brown was a grandfather. This is a fascinating and lively look at a man whose life was as different as his music. --Robert J. McNamara

Product Description

Known to music lovers everywhere as "The Godfather of Soul," his explosive energy and innovative sound revolutionized popular music. James Brown's life has been as outrageous and unpredictable as one of his full-throttle, funk-gospel anthems a wild ride from the dangerous streets of Augusta, Georgia to sold-out performances at the famed Apollo theatre to a stint in a federal prison. This, the first authorized biography of the legendary singer, includes rare photos and film, exclusive interviews with friends like B.B. King, Stevie Wonder and Jesse Jackson. And, of course, you'll see James perform his signature hits, including "Papa's got a Brand New Bag" and "I got You (I Feel Good)."It is an in-depth look at one of the most popular and influential singers in musical history.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC FROM THE GODFATHER SUPERBAD, June 2, 2000

By 

A customer "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Biography - James Brown: The Godfather of Soul [VHS] (VHS Tape)

JAMES BROWN IS THE MAN.this is a Solid Video Tape.Great Footage&Interviews.You Hear The Grand History of The Hardest Working Man in Show Business.His Impact on Music Around The World is TImeless.It's Great Having This Video Reflecting on a Man Who Wasn't Afraid Too Say I'M Black&I'M Proud.FOr Me He is Way Underrated.Because He is The Mozart Of His Time.SO Many FOlks Have Rocked His Style it Ain't Even Funny.&Sampled Him Too Death in Music&in Style.He is a True One Man Show&Still SUPER BAD!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Career Retrospective, August 5, 2000

By 

plsilverman (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biography - James Brown: The Godfather of Soul [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Unlike so many biographical documentaries, this videocassette covers the artist's entire career to date. The typical presentation concentrates on "the hits". "James Brown - The Godfather Of Soul" provides insight into the development of his music in general, thanks in part to comments from Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, and biographer Bruce Tucker. For the already initiated the very rare stills which permeate the production, plus the c. 1969 live clips of "Please, Please, Please" and "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" should make it more than worthwhile. (Looka here - How about a future expanded edition with long excerpts from the 1968 TV Specials? Just kidding...).