A&E Network announces new four-part documentary series about James Brown
Mick Jagger will act as executive producer of the eponymous series "James Brown: Say It Loud". The film was directed by Deborah Riley Draper. Questlove and Black Thought, among others, also serve as executive producers.
The series will feature previously unknown materials from the archives, interviews with friends, family and collaborators to paint a picture of Brown's enduring influence as a spokesman for the soul, funk, R&B and dance music genres. Fans of The Godfather of Soul will remember that in 2014, Jagger also produced the feature-length biopic Get On Up, starring Chadwick Boseman and directed by Tate Taylor. In the same year, The Rolling Stones frontman was producer HBO documentary "Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown. Jagger stated:
Brown was a brilliant performer who inspired me from the very beginning and was deeply committed to the civil rights movement. I have always admired James and learned a lot from him.
The A&E statement noted:
Constantly facing obstacles, the documentary details how Brown persevered through personal demons, racial injustice and career setbacks to find redemption and become one of the most famous and influential artists of the 20th century.
"Questlove" and "Black Thought" added:
The life of James Brown is important not only for understanding his enormous musical influence, which inspires us and other artists to this day, but also for the deep and lasting impression he made on American culture. Brown's life is an important and timely story of struggle, redemption, and identity, and we are honored to be able to share it.
