View for person of id: 7172
James Brown
Born: 3rd May 1933 Barnwell, South Carolina, USA - Died 25th Dec 2006
Dept: Acting
James Brown (May 3, 1933 - December 25, 2006) was an American singer and songwriter, eventually referred to as "The Godfather of Soul"(GFOS). Brown started singing in gospel groups and worked his way on up. He has been recognized as one of the most iconic figures in the 20th century popular music and was renowned for his vocals and feverish dancing. He was also called "the hardest-working man in show business".
Brown began his professional music career in 1956 and rose to fame during the late 1950s and early 1960s on the strength of his thrilling live performances and string of smash hits. In spite of various personal problems and setbacks he continued to score hits in every decade through the 1980s. In addition to his acclaim in music, Brown was also a presence in American political affairs during the 1960s and 1970s.
[ToDo] Show list of extra photos here.
Film and Tv Credits
Total number of credits listed: 101
Film: 72 (71%)
Television: 29 (29%)
Remaining genres not in graph: Science Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, Thriller, Action & Adventure, Reality
Filmography
(No release date supplied. Possibly still in production.)
A feature documentary about Paul Shaffer, best known David Letterman’s longtime sidekick and Late Show bandleader. ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2025
Untold stories behind the culture-defining and newsmaking musical performances, sketches and cameos of the past 50 years. ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
Feb 2024 (first aired)
Traces the incredible trajectory of Brown’s life and career from a 7th grade drop-out arrested and jailed at the age of 16 for breaking into a car i ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage) (4 ep.)
2023
Ed Sullivan broke barriers by booking Black artists on his Sunday night variety show. This documentary spotlights the TV pioneer's legacy of equality. ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
Jan 2023 (first aired)
Death by Fame goes behind the scenes to uncover the sinister side of fame and reveal the shocking true stories behind the rise, fall and murder of som ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage) (1 ep.)
2022
Never-before-heard personal recordings and archival footage tell the story of Louis Armstrong's life from his perspective. From musical phenom to civi ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
Original title: Nueva York : une histoire musicale du New York latino
2021
When the film West Side Story was released in 1961, New York's reviled Puerto Rican community gained some visibility and, over time, both in Spanish H ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2021
Explore Woodstock 99, a three-day music festival promoted to echo unity and counterculture idealism of the original 1969 concert but instead devolved ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2021
Best of the 60s is a documentary and a compilation from across the years of the iconic music series. More More. Best of the 60s is a compilation from ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
May 2021 (first aired)
In a tumultuous era, 1971 was a year of musical innovation and rebirth fueled by the political and cultural upheaval of the time. Stars reached new he ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage) (1 ep.)
Nov 2020 (first aired)
A look back at the social movements, revolts and youth subcultures from the post-war period to the present day: after the World War II, the left-bank ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage) (1 ep.)
2020
THE AGFA MYSTERY MIXTAPE VAULT is a 2-disc, 500-minute odyssey that collects eight feature-length VHS mixtapes from the crackpots at AGFA—including ... view
Character:
(archive footage)
2019
How African artists have spread African culture all over the world, especially music, since the harsh years of decolonization, trying to offer a nicer ... view
Character:
Self - Musician (archive footage)
2019
The history of New York City's Apollo Theater in Harlem is given the full treatment. ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2019
In the late 1990s, iconic photographer Bruce Weber barely managed to convince legendary actor Robert Mitchum (1917-97) to let himself be filmed simply ... view
Character:
Self - Singer (archive footage)
2018
The Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, the May events in France, the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert F. ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2016
Comedian/filmmaker Camille Solari spends the last year interviewing the legendary musical icon James Brown before his untimely death on Christmas 2006 ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2014
A documentary on funk and P-funk and the bands and artists that made it all happen: James Brown, Sly Stone, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Maurice Wh ... view
Character:
2014
The Godfather of Soul tells his life story and features his greatest live performances. ... view
Character:
Self
Sep 2014 (first aired)
After years away from the CIA, Elizabeth McCord is pulled back into the political arena. The newly appointed Secretary of State is tough, fair, and sm ... view
Character:
James Brown (1 ep.)
2014
James Brown changed the face of American music forever. Abandoned by his parents at an early age, James Brown was a self-made man who became one of t ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2014
Finding the Funk is a road trip in search of the past, present and future of Funk music. Starting with Funk's roots in Jazz and the James Brown bands ... view
Character:
Self
Oct 2013 (first aired)
A divorced reporter, looking forward to the single life, finds his parents' marital problems derail his plans. ... view
Character:
James Brown (1 ep.)
2013
Fatherhood has proved a great subject for a variety of artists - some celebratory, some conflicted, but all inspired by what dad does and doesn't do. ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2012
A provocative look into the seven-year history of the series that gave hip hop a voice and broke color barriers, integrating MTV with rap. "Yo! MTV Ra ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2011
Chuck Wepner is a liquor salesman from Bayonne, N.J., who drives a Cadillac with “Champ” vanity plates. A former New Jersey State Heavyweight Box ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2009
Soul Power is a 2008 documentary film about the Zaire 74 music festival in Kinshasa which accompanied the Rumble in the Jungle heavyweight boxing cham ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2009
Documentary on the sexual revolution in America. ... view
Character:
Self
2008
Live at the Boston Garden: April 5, 1968 is a concert film starring James Brown. Recorded at the Boston Garden by WGBH-TV the night after the assassin ... view
Character:
Self
2008
This was one of a series of concerts James Brown gave at the Apollo in Harlem in March 1968. This performance was broadcast on television as James Bro ... view
Character:
Self
2008
LUCIANO PAVAROTTI was the rare artist who could easily bridge the divide between classical and popular music. Together with an impressive roster of th ... view
Character:
Self
2008
On April 5, 1968, soul legend James Brown performed a concert in Boston that many say shielded that city from the kinds of devastating riots that ripp ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2007
Compilation of clips from various James Brown shows. ... view
Character:
2007
These are live performances from a television music show that aired late night on the NBC-TV network the U.S., from 1973-1981. ... view
Character:
2006
Don Letts's hilarious and colourful profile of the godfather of funk, whose 50-year career has defined the genre. From his 1950s days running a doo-wo ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2006
Go behind the scenes as the Beckhams throw a star-studded World Cup send-off party. This 2002 ITV documentary showcases the preparations, including a ... view
Character:
Self
2006
"Frankie Laine: An American Dreamer" is a feature-length documentary. In this entertaining look at the legendary singer's life, hosted by two-time Gra ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
Jan 2006 (first aired)
Web Junk 20 is an American television program in which Vh1 and iFilm collaborate to highlight the twenty funniest and most interesting clips collected ... view
Character:
Unknown/various (1 ep.)
2005
On 2 July 2005 an estimated 3 billion people came together in the fight against extreme poverty. LIVE 8 - 10 concerts featuring over 1000 musicians fr ... view
Character:
Self
May 2005 (first aired)
Soul music has conquered the world in the last 50 years - growing from the raw, electric rhythms of the black underclass, it is now a billion dollar i ... view
Character:
Self (6 ep.)
2005
Rodney Copperbottom is a young robot inventor who dreams of making the world a better place, until the evil Ratchet takes over Bigweld Industries. Now ... view
Character:
Diesel (archive footage) (uncredited)
2005
15 complete performances that were filmed when these bands played live on The Ed Sullivan Show. Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and Papas narrates betw ... view
Character:
Self (archive)
2004
For one special night back in the mid '80s, the air in Atlanta, Georgia heated up a few degrees. With over 100 hits under his belt by the time this st ... view
Character:
Self
2004
In 1969 at a concert in Monterey James Brown announced his intention to retire from touring but it wasn't until 1975 that he finally stopped. Then in ... view
Character:
Self
Original title: Casey Kasem's Rock n' Roll Goldmine: The Soul Years
2004
Radio disc jockey legend Casey Kasem presents this collection featuring momentous occasions in music history. This installment delves into the mid-196 ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2004
Discover how television has reflected the African American experience in this retrospective of the medium's first half-century. Actors, writers and hi ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2003
James Brown's legacy has influenced rap, soul, funk and R&B. But along with his huge talent, there's a dark side to Brown's success that includes stin ... view
Character:
Self
2003
Experience the explosive energy of the “Godfather of Soul” in this unforgettable 1980 performance at Atlanta’s Chastain Park. Backed by his powe ... view
Character:
2003
Paper Chasers is a feature length documentary about the impact of hip hop entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses in music, film, fashion, ... view
Character:
Original title: Los gigantes da Black Music
2003
Mother Popcorn - James Brown What's The Use Of Breaking Up - Jerry Butler MacArthur Park - Della Reese Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday - Stevie Wo ... view
Character:
Self
2002
The Driver drag-races the Devil, in order to earn James Brown his soul. ... view
Character:
Mr. James Brown
2002
Cabbie-turned-chauffeur Jimmy Tong learns there is really only one rule when you work for playboy millionaire Clark Devlin : Never touch Devlin's priz ... view
Character:
James Brown
2002
An Afro-American organization, the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D., is in permanent fight against a white organization "The Man" defending the values of the bl ... view
Character:
Self
2002
A star-studded tribute (from the creators of That's Entertainment) to the contributions of Afro-Americans in film over the last century. Vanessa Willi ... view
Character:
Self (archive footage)
2001
This show brings together legendary artists of the 1960s and 1970s for a once-in-a-lifetime event: Ben E. King and The Drifters, Jerry Butler reunitin ... view
Character:
Self
Apr 2001 (first aired)
BMW Films presents "The Hire", a series of nine short films produced for the Internet in 2001 and 2002, with a ninth short film following in 2016. A f ... view
Character:
Self (1 ep.)
Jun 1999 (first aired)
Where Are They Now? was a television series on VH1 that featured past celebrities and updated on their current professional and personal status. Each ... view
Character:
Self (1 ep.)
1999
The hardest working man in show business brings down the House of Blues with a live concert event in Las Vegas. Recorded with high definition equipmen ... view
Character:
Self
1998
In a world governed by commerce, Ricky and Kate, dedicated employees, find their lives forever changed when they encounter the enigmatic stranger G. A ... view
Character:
James Brown
1998
Finally released from prison, Elwood Blues is once again enlisted by Sister Mary Stigmata in her latest crusade to raise funds for a children's hospit ... view
Character:
Cleophus James
Aug 1997 (first aired)
ABC Daytime's morning chatfest, currently featuring Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro discu ... view
Character:
Self (1 ep.)
1996
It's 1974. Muhammad Ali is 32 and thought by many to be past his prime. George Foreman is ten years younger and the heavyweight champion of the world. ... view
Character:
Self
Feb 1996 (first aired)
TFI Friday was an entertainment show broadcast on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom from 1996 to 2000. The show was produced by Ginger Productions, writ ... view
Character:
Self (1 ep.)
1995
An excellent comprehensive look at all the music that came out of Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati "Rock Legends" "James Brown" "King Records" "Pure Prai ... view
Character:
Self
Sep 1994 (first aired)
New York Undercover is an American police drama The series stars Detective J.C. Williams and Detective Eddie Torres, two undercover detectives in New ... view
Character:
Self (1 ep.)
Mar 1994 (first aired)
Together with Cornfed, his portly, porcine partner in crime solving, this defective detective amazingly manages to solve crimes and be a single parent ... view
Character:
Hostage Negotiator (voice) (1 ep.)
1993
Between 1990 and 1993, at a time when rap was not yet on the radio in France, Olivier Cachin hosted a musical TV show on M6 called "RapLine". The show ... view
Character:
Self
1991
The great James Brown and his band in concert, with a young Maceo Parker on saxophone. A live recording in Berlin, Germany 1988 features performances ... view
Character:
1991
In 1979, James Brown flew to Santa Cruz, California to make a comeback performance. The filmed tapes of that show were locked away for 12 years, until ... view
Character:
Vocals
Dec 1989 (first aired)
Set in Springfield, the average American town, the show focuses on the antics and everyday adventures of the Simpson family; Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa ... view
Character:
James Brown (voice) (1 ep.)
1989
Are you ready for some old-time rock and roll?! Then you are ready for the masters, the originators, the men who made the music, the "Legends of Rock ... view
Character:
James Brown
Sep 1988 (first aired)
Popular rap music videos showcased along with live performances and interviews with notable rap artists. ... view
Character:
Self (1 ep.)
1987
Godfather of soul James Brown performs with Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Billy Vera, Joe Cocker and Robert Palmer in this live concert. Lively int ... view
Character:
Self
Sep 1986 (first aired)
Amen is an American television sitcom produced by Carson Productions that ran from September 27, 1986 to May 11, 1991 on NBC. Set in Sherman Hemsley's ... view
Character:
Unknown/various (1 ep.)
Sep 1986 (first aired)
Throb is an American television sitcom broadcast in syndication from 1986 to 1988, created by Fredi Towbin. It revolved around thirty-something divorc ... view
Character:
Unknown/various (1 ep.)
1985
Rocky Balboa holds the world heavyweight championship, but a new challenger has stepped forward: Drago, a six-foot-four, 261-pound fighter who has the ... view
Character:
The Godfather of Soul
Original title: James Brown - Live at Chastain Park
1985
The hardest working man in show business is back--and some say better than ever--in this live concert filmed in 1985 at Georgia's famed Chastain Park. ... view
Character:
Himself
Sep 1984 (first aired)
The story of the Miami Police Department's vice squad and its efforts to end drug trafficking and prostitution, centered on the unlikely partnership o ... view
Character:
Lou De Long (1 ep.)
1983
Rare clips of performance and interviews by a multiple of stars, all prematurely lost. ... view
Character:
Self
1983
A shy but gentle man named Clifford Skridlow is a professor of comparative literature at the financially-strapped fictional Monroe College in Chicago. ... view
Character:
Bandleader
1981
"Soul Brother No.1", "The Godfather Of Soul", "Mr Dynamite" are all titles that have been applied to James Brown over the years. A hugely influential ... view
Character:
Self
1980
Jake Blues, just released from prison, puts his old band back together to save the Catholic home where he and his brother Elwood were raised. ... view
Character:
Cleophus James
Dec 1978 (first aired)
The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture. ... view
Character:
Self (1 ep.)
1974
The Midnight Special is an American late-night musical variety series that aired on NBC during the 1970s and early 1980s, created and produced by Burt ... view
Character:
Self
1974
All of James Brown's performances on Soul Train from 1973 to 1974. ... view
Character:
Self
1971
Live at the Olympia, Paris, 1971 is the only recording that documents one of his live performances with the original J.B.'s lineup featuring Bootsy an ... view
Character:
Self
Sep 1970 (first aired)
The Flip Wilson Show is an hour long variety show that aired in the U.S. on NBC from September 17, 1970 to June 27, 1974. The show starred American co ... view
Character:
Self (1 ep.)
1970
A rock band is invented by the government as a cover to find hostages in a remote castle in Albania held by communist enemies of the USA. ... view
Character:
James Brown
Sep 1969 (first aired)
The Music Scene is a television series aired by ABC as part of its Fall 1969 lineup, in the Monday, 7:30 to 8:15 timeslot, primarily featuring rock an ... view
Character:
Unknown/various (1 ep.)
Jan 1969 (first aired)
Playboy After Dark is an American television show hosted by Hugh Hefner. It aired in syndication through Screen Gems from 1969 to 1970 and was taped a ... view
Character:
Unknown/various (2 ep.)
1965
Two college boys from SoCal attend a spring break vacation at a ski lodge in Idaho to get insider tips on how the president of the ski club manages to ... view
Character:
Self
1964
Hailed by one music reviewer as "the grooviest, wildest, slickest hit ever to pound the screen," "The T.A.M.I. Show" is an unrelenting rock spectacula ... view
Character:
Self
Sep 1964 (first aired)
Shindig! is an American musical variety series which aired on ABC from September 16, 1964 to January 8, 1966. The show was hosted by Jimmy O'Neill, a ... view
Character:
Self (1 ep.)
Jan 1964 (first aired)
The Hollywood Palace is an hour-long American television variety show that was broadcast weekly on ABC from January 4, 1964 to February 7, 1970. Origi ... view
Character:
Self (2 ep.)
Oct 1962 (first aired)
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a talk show hosted by Johnny Carson under The Tonight Show franchise from 1962 to 1992. It originally aired ... view
Character:
Self (4 ep.)
Dec 1961 (first aired)
The Mike Douglas Show is an American daytime television talk show hosted by Mike Douglas that originally aired only in the Cleveland area during much ... view
Character:
Self - Co-Host (1 ep.)
Self (2 ep.)
Jun 1948 (first aired)
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New ... view
Character:
Self (2 ep.)