The Mick Jagger-produced documentary, “Mr. Dynamite: The Rise Of James Brown”, will premiere on HBO on Monday, October 27 at 9:00 PM.
Directed by Alex Gibney, the film was made with the unique cooperation of the Brown Estate, which opened its archives for the first time. The documentary features rare and never-before-seen footage, interviews and photographs, chronicling the musical ascension of the “hardest working man in show business,” from his first hit, “Please, Please, Please,” in 1956, to his iconic performances at the Apollo Theater, the T.A.M.I. Show, the Paris Olympia and more.
“We had full access to amazing never-before-seen photos and video from James Brown’s estate, which Alex Gibney used brilliantly to tell the story of James’ career from its inception through its pinnacle,” says Jagger. “We spoke with the extraordinary people who knew James well and worked alongside him throughout his career. By hearing their fascinating stories and memories, we were able to paint the full picture of James as both a musical artist and social activist, whose legacy and impact on the music industry is ever-present.”
“When Mick Jagger reached out to me to direct the documentary, we had a common goal in mind, to take the music of James Brown and put it into a larger historical context,” added Gibney. “As a musician, ‘Mr. Dynamite’ was the essential funk pioneer, a hugely influential figure and one of the greatest live performers – ever. Beyond his music, Brown’s cultural impact extends to the present day.”
Abandoned by his parents at an early age, James Brown was a self-made man who became one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, not just through his music, but also as a social activist.
In addition to extensive historical footage, including archival interviews with Brown himself, the film includes modern-day interviews with Jagger, Rev. Al Sharpton, Maceo Parker, Clyde Stubblefield, Questlove, Melvin Parker, Chuck D, Alfred “Pee Wee” Ellis, Martha High, Bootsy Collins and Fred Wesley, among others.
“Mr. Dynamite: The Rise Of James Brown” comes on the heels of the theatrical release of the James Brown biopic, “Get On Up”, also produced by Jagger. That film stars Chadwick Boseman as Brown and also features Viola Davis, Dan Aykroyd, Nick Eversman and Craig Robinson among the cast.
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