James Brown ran a narrow boat in terms of his band, backing singers, and staff. He believed that the audience deserved to get the best show they could give and he always delivered.

Disciplinary: One of the things he was known for in terms of his staff is that his salary would be cut if they broke his rules for things like being late or his appearance was not exemplary. For example, in terms of appearance, one story concerned the stage clothing of its backing singers. If a singer’s dress was not properly pressed for the performance, he would point to the singer and show her a finger or two. The number of fingers represented the amount that would be deducted from the girl’s salary. Obviously, one singer learned pretty quickly that her paycheck could be reduced quite a bit after a week of performances if she made too many mistakes. So in that sense, he was a strict disciplinarian, but he always did it with his belief that the audience deserved the best performance and appearance from him and his group.

Song composition: When it came to songwriting, he was better than good. It was outstanding. Even while performing, if he had an idea for a song, it wouldn’t be weird for him to tell the group that after the show or the next day they would go to a recording studio and drop off some tracts of their idea.

James had a philosophy about music writing. A musician once said that James would sometimes put a measure that defied the logic of music writing, as it was something that was simply not done. But James had always said that I didn’t care if music should be written that way or not. If it sounds good, we will record it as is.

The night James Brown saved Boston: This dates back to April 5, 1968. He was scheduled to appear in concert on that date at Boston Garden. It so happened that it was the day after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Boston Mayor Kevin White and the City Council were about to cancel the concert as there had been several incidents of rioting in cities across the United States as a result of the assassination of Martin Luther King. Politicians felt that a concert could have sparked a riot and with thousands of people in one area, the results could be devastating. Others felt that the concert would be a kind of healing and that it should continue, as canceling it could also incite unrest. In conversations with James Brown and his people, officials made the decision to allow the concert to take place.

On the night of the concert, James Brown not only sang but spoke to the audience. Most of the concert went well until, towards the end, part of the crowd closest to the front tried to storm the stage. Officials feared a riot would break out as a result of a shove. Some of the people in the audience who were on stage just wanted to be near him. James took charge of the situation and spoke to people. He shook hands with them and encouraged them to come back and sit down as it wasn’t fair to the rest of the audience that they couldn’t see or hear the rest of the show. He told everyone over the microphone that he understood them and their struggles throughout life. He said that he had grown up in hardship and poverty when he was young. More importantly, he emphasized the importance of respect and the desire for them to respect him and others and to be proud that they are black.

The crowd returned to their seats and the rest of the concert continued without incident. After the concert ended, people left in peace and there were no events outside the venue, as most of the concert goers continued on their way peacefully. What James Brown did for race relations that night deserves the most thanks that can be given.

The next day, the newspapers reported that with the thousands of people in the gathering and not a single riot incident occurring, the people of Boston could be very proud of the way they conducted themselves.

As if we haven’t learned enough about James Brown, listen to this. He was a man Man. Although he did not approve of the Vietnam War, he did several shows for veterans abroad because he felt we should support the troops. And this was during a time when the American public was fed up with war and staunchly against it.

In conclusion, I can only say that I am proud to write this article about a man who gave much more than his music to society. There are many lessons to be learned here for music students about this brilliant composer and activist who made it possible for an audience to peacefully enjoy a great show.

Copyright © Paul Romaine 2011