James Brown

Object Details

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

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")

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

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/sm42f36fbee-3f1f-4e1a-aade-16d3dce655e4