1971: JAMES BROWN Interview | Late Night Line-Up | Classic Celebrity Interviews | BBC Archive

"It's the word 'can't' that makes you a soul singer." - James Brown
The Godfather of Soul, James Brown discusses music, poverty and fighting, with Michael Dean on Late Night Line-Up.
Originally broadcast 12 March, 1971.
00:00 What was the first music you ever heard?
00:30 When did you start playing?
01:26 Childhood poverty
04:04 Giving something back
04:48 His boxing career
06:04 Soul music
06:44 Singing influences
07:42 How do you define soul music?
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[@JosephusAurelius]

I love James Brown’s music, so easy to dance to

[@roaarylion5214]

Never heard of the guy but is he a rapper like tion Wayne

[@JayDeeChannel]

Such a dignified, intelligent man. I have such respect for him.

[@xUzi786]

i was surprised this interview is from 1971, the quality is very good

[@A-RAW20s]

Most of the footage from this era of JB has been kept in good condition over the years just imagine what else is out there in greedy collector’s Hands 👀

[@PaulDA2000]

Yeah, bunch of us huge James Brown fans we know what year it is by his hairstyle. He stopped his perm in 1968 and got a short Afro and it started to grow out by 1971 and in early 1972 he went back to his perm for the rest of his life.

[@Clyde177]

Hey Paul @@PaulDA2000

[@karmasutra4774]

Love these archives on this channel. I was born in 73 and looking back on these things is like opening a time capsule for real. Things are so different now the way we talk and all. Just interesting 🤔

[@alexthomson7465]

Such deep, truthful answers. Amazing piece of footage!

[@kennywilkinson913]

I've seen alot of interviews with alot of people, can't avoid them these days but this is without doubt the most insightful, deep and genuine ones you'll ever see.

[@anotheruser1275]

Amen to the fact that I'm not the only one who can't run far enough from interviews, with everyone trying to be a podcaster

[@followtheboat]

Fascinating stuff. This is a real gem.

[@dutchsoulman]

Great interview , Historic

[@Muzikman127]

I had no idea James Brown player harmonica, I want to see that!

[@Muzikman127]

One of the most talented and intensely charismatic individuals to walk this earth. Great to find this old interview with him that is an actual conversation.

[@DavidRichardson95]

Happy 89th birthday to the godfather. Rest in heaven. 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊👑👑👑👑👑

[@aussieausbourne1]

James Brown doesn't have to worry about paying any of his fans for their support his awesome music is enough!

[@jazz_sport_news]

Very good!!!

[@jasonmeehan1269]

An absolute legend.

[@homiehero6064]

Footage of a very young James Brown. He was about 29 or 30 yrs old right here.

[@josephellis6697]

No. He was either 37 or 38

[@toneyisaiah3556]

1933-06.

[@toneyisaiah3556]

4:57 4:58 5:01 5:03 5:04

[@toneyisaiah3556]

1971, correct?

[@MrJohnQCitizen]

We most of us come from a kind of poverty.. not least students. Indebted from the start of their studies. Can't be right

[@kennywilkinson913]

It's a shame your bought education didn't teach you nothing.
Nice punchline tho

[@toneyisaiah3556]

James Brown with an afro.

[@PaulDA2000]

Those of us that are huge James Brown fans know that he got his Afro in 1968 to help with the black movement and he kept it until early 1972 and then he went back to his perm and kept the rest of his life.

[@jameslemmons9737]

Sorry to tell you this soul brother number one, The guitar was invented in 1779! and The Harmonica wasn’t invited until 🎉! The guitar was invented first. But please Mr. Brown no harmonica in the funk! Haha haha hahahaha