Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud – James Brown
Released August 1968
Format 7″ (stereo)
Recorded August 7, 1968, Vox Studios, Los Angeles
James Brown was Prince, Michael Jackson, and a young Bobby Brown or I should say THEY were him. He had stiff competition in his younger years when they tried to convince him to put on make-up and act like the next Little Richard to attain success. He also had to contend with another black man who was simular by the name of Jackie Wilson. Brown quickly descended from being a copy cat and developed his own undeniable signature style.
He was another one who went from singing ballads in the 60s to becoming the funkmaster in the 70s. Say it loud was recorded in the late 60s and Brown was determined to reach the black kids that were crazy about him. He was also a very astute businessman. Say it Loud, was a huge hit, and Brown had black kids all over the nation repeating the words “I’m Black and I’m Proud.” There is no telling what he was up against in those days recording positive black music to inspire kids and he’s one of the few celebrities I never met.
