When people think of James Brown, they think of his unforgettable charisma behind the mic and on the stage. This weekend, the Film Society will highlight yet another area within his legacy: film. Whether he’s playing Reverend James in The Blues Brothers or belting out “Living in America” in Rocky IV, Brown’s talent as singer, actor, composer, and overall performer is on display through his iconic work on the big screen.
In anticipation of an exhilarating Labor Day weekend, here are six of the best James Brown moments from the selections included in James Brown: The Hardest Working Man in Show Business. Sit back and groove as Brown gets you feelin’ good in this visual and auditory feast of music in film:
[Related: 'James Brown: The Hardest Working Man in Show Business,' August 29 – September 1]
1. The furious theme song of Blaxploitation classic Black Caesar
2. The bongo-driven funk set in Soul Power
3. The epic 18-minute performance in The T.A.M.I. Show, one of his crowning achievements.
4. The moment when Brown and Co. ski into the party performing “I Got You (I Feel Good)” in those Christmas sweaters in the aptly named ’60s youth movie Ski Party
5. James Brown in The Blues Brothers heading up a gospel choir. Need we say more?
As Brown once said: “The best of James Brown is yet to come.” See you in the theater.
