Savannah, Georgia – James Brown, the iconic Godfather of Soul, saw his recording career decline in the mid-70s due to the disco craze. However, he found a way to revitalize his career by incorporating his funk into the film industry.
In the new A&E documentary “James Brown: Say It Loud,” Rolling Stone’s Mick Jagger and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson discuss the impact of disco on Brown’s career, noting that it marked a significant change in the music scene. Part 3 of the documentary, premiering alongside Part 4, reveals Brown’s frustration with how much disco borrowed from his musical style.
Despite financial and tax struggles in the early 80s, Brown made a career comeback by lending his funk sound to film. His appearance in 1980’s “The Blues Brothers” and the recording of a song for 1985’s “Rocky IV” brought him back to the forefront of the music industry. The song, “Living in America,” not only reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 but also earned Brown his second Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1987.
Ironically, “Living in America” helped Brown reclaim the 70s dance sound, a significant payback for an artist whose influence had been widely borrowed by numerous bands. This resurgence marked a significant turning point in Brown’s career, bringing him back to popularity and financial success.
Brown’s ability to reinvent himself through cinematic contributions and dance music reaffirmed his status as a legendary music icon. With his Grammy-winning hit, Brown demonstrated the resilience and adaptability that made him a true pioneer of funk and soul music.