James Brown
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Object Details
- Artist
- Milton Williams, born 20 May 1940
- Sitter
- James Brown, 5 Mar 1933 - 25 Dec 2006
- Exhibition Label
- Born Barnwell, South Carolina
- Called “the Godfather of Soul,” James Brown developed a trademark stage show featuring a twenty-piece band and backup singers. His signature sound showcased staccato horns, big bass, and as one critic wrote, “an ability to ‘scream’ on key.”
- His high-energy performances became the touchstone for other performers of his generation: Brown would grab the microphone stand, slide into a split, pop back up, pirouette, and then alternate pulsating knee landings with flashing footwork until he collapsed in a heap. His singers would drape a cape over him and begin to carry him offstage when—presto! He would throw off the cape and take his performance into an even higher gear.
- Brown’s biggest hits included “Night Train,” “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” and “Living in America.” He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
- Credit Line
- National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of the photographer, Milton Williams
- 1980
- Object number
- NPG.96.187
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Copyright
- © Milton Williams
- Type
- Photograph
- Medium
- Gelatin silver print
- Dimensions
- Image: 35.2 x 23.5 cm (13 7/8 x 9 1/4")
- Sheet: 35.2 x 28 cm (13 7/8 x 11")
- Mat (Verified): 55.9 x 40.6 cm (22 x 16")
- See more items in
- National Portrait Gallery Collection
- National Portrait Gallery
- Topic
- Equipment\Sound Devices\Microphone
- Interior\Performing Arts\Theatrical\Stage
- Music\Musical instrument\Drum
- James Brown: Male
- James Brown: Performing Arts\Performer\Musician\Songwriter
- James Brown: Performing Arts\Performer\Musician\Singer\Popular
- James Brown: Performing Arts\Performer\Dancer
- James Brown: Performing Arts\Performer\Musician\Singer\Rhythm and Blues
- James Brown: Performing Arts\Performer\Musician\Bandmaster
- Portrait
- Record ID
- npg_NPG.96.187
- Usage of Metadata (Object Detail Text)
- Usage conditions apply
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/sm42f36fbee-3f1f-4e1a-aade-16d3dce655e4
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