Columnist Bernie Hayes
Much has been written recently about James Brown, the legendary entertainer who passed away on Christmas Day. A life he held precious. He was a man that rose from the conditions of obscurity to occupy center stage in the lives and struggles of our people and the nation. His legacy is enormous.
He is remembered for his humility and his warm, genuine grin, which originated deep within his heart. Mr. Brown, as he preferred to be called, was always true to his roots. It won him the love of friends and the respect of other entertainers.
His composition “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” exposed his motivation to do the right thing and showed him as a man of brilliance, of action, of grace, of style, of wit and of playfulness. He was a man of extraordinary courage. A complex man, whose love of his music and of his people was pure and simple.
But what was the motivation for this groundbreaking and soul-stirring work of art? What is the song’s legacy and what impact did it have on the social consciousness of the masses?
James Brown was a complex individual. He was unwavering in his quest of concerns based upon standards. He deservedly earned a reputation for being a conscientious and dedicated individual as well, as a man of opinion and confidence who devoted his energies to the service of others. Was “Say It Loud” composed to explain the psychological and emotional dilemmas and the self-hatred among black people? Did he write it to examine black problems and the psychological trauma of slavery? Was it composed to demonstrate brotherhood, loyalty, love and honor among African-American people?
Charles Bobbitt, the longtime friend and manager of Mr. Brown, shared memories of his mentor and idol. At his funeral, Bobbitt explained the frustration that James Brown experienced when he observed the circumstances of African Americans and people of color around the world. Bobbitt said James Brown composed the tune within hours of their discussion. Did it have an impact?
Following this composition, others followed, such as “The Payback,” “Living in America” and perhaps the most riveting, “I Don’t Want Nobody to Give Me Nothing – Open up the Door, I’ll Get It Myself.” The dynamic lyrics of this song are: “Don’t give me denigration, give me true communication; don’t give me sorrow, I want equal opportunity, to live tomorrow; give me schools and give me better books, so I can read about myself and gain my truly looks.”
It is evident that Mr. Brown produced some of the most influential work in musical history. Possessing one of the most original voices in the world of soul music, the man embarked on a career fusing soul, pop and other genres. His music had always complemented his image, which was showy, extravagant and flamboyant. His songs broke the silence surrounding issues of sexual identity and addressed a number of disturbing trends in the world of rap music. Say It Loud: I’m Black and I’m Proud is a national collaboration among nine Black GLBT Pride organizations, a team of black researchers, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. The organization challenges the discrimination, harassment, and violence that result from homophobia.
Another part of James Brown’s songwriting legacy is that he helped spearhead the effort challenging rap music artists to take responsibility for glamorizing destructive stereotypes of manhood. We should applaud Mr. Brown because the real standard of manhood is someone who will stand for the truth at all costs. Say it loud – he was Brown and he was proud.
I can be reached by e-mail at: berhay@swbell.net. Happy New Year.