James Brown: Dynamite Soul – a Celebration Of His Life & Music

About this event

2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of Mr. Jaaaaammmesss Brrooooowwwnnnn… The Godfather Of Soul, Mr Please Please Himself, Soul Brother #1, Mr. Dynamite …

James Brown revolutionized the post-War musical map, becoming one of the most famous, influential artists of the 20th century. This evening, we celebrate James Brown’s exceptional musical legacy, through conversation, music & film.

Join award-winning filmmaker & journalist, James Maycock, for an illuminating discussion about James Brown – chaired by Vince Wilson – with James sharing his personal experiences and thoughts about the Godfather Of Soul.

Although best known as filmmaker & journalist, back in 2001 James Maycock DJ’d for James Brown in London. Two years later, he spent over a week filming with James Brown in Augusta, Georgia, for a Channel 4/PBS feature-length documentary film. Crucially, it caught James Brown at a fascinating point in his life:  the brief window between his recent sobriety – after major substance abuse issues in the 1990’s, which triggered wildly erratic behaviour heavily reported in the press – and then his death just 3 years later.  Very few, if any, film crews had such access to James Brown during this time.

MOJO MAGAZINE FEATURE ABOUT JAMES BROWN’S 1968 TOUR OF VIETNAM: “Maycock’s Mojo feature about James Brown in Vietnam is possibly the most thrilling single article ever written.  I urge you to seek it out.”  – Hardeep Phull (Times Journalist & Author)

Not surprisingly, James Maycock has numerous, unique insights into the motivations of the Godfather Of Soul. James has also written major feature articles about James Brown for Mojo; The Observer; The Independent; The Daily Telegraph. He was also the co-producer of STARTIME, a 2-part BBC Radio 2 series about James Brown’s Live At The Apollo albums.

Over James’s career  in television, print & radio, he’s interviewed & met a number of crucial James Brown’s alumni – exceptional musicians like Fred Wesley, Bobby Byrd, Tim Drummond & Marva Whitney – all an essential part of the James Brown band at its creative peak in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He’s also interviewed Public Enemy’s Chuck D about the cultural relevance of James Brown as well as an American GI who witnessed James Brown perform live in Vietnam in 1968.

As part of the talk and Q&A hosted by Vince Wilson, James will be showing clips, unseen photographs, plus DJing a vinyl set of James Brown-related tracks in the 30-minute break. James and Vince will explore this hugely influential 20th century artist, who lived through as well as helped shape an era of explosive cultural and political change: James Brown championed the 1960’s civil rights struggle, recorded countless social message songs, dined with Presidents, cooled down urban riots, and performed for US troops across Vietnam.

This will be James’ second visit to Peggy’s Skylight.  He joined us for a Q&A session, following the showing of three of his BBC music documentaries: Gershwin’s Summertime: The Song That Conquered The World / The Motown Invasion / Northern Soul: Living For The Weekend.  This was part of Nottingham University’s 2019 programme for Black History Month.

Tonight, James will provide another insightful evening of soul & funk, reflecting on the music and life of The Godfather Of Soul.

PRAISE FOR SOME OF JAMES MAYCOCK’S DOCUMENTARIES…

BBC FILM ABOUT BOBBY WOMACK:
Chuck D (Public Enemy): “James, fantastic doc as expected. Glad you made me a part of it.” 

BBC FILM ABOUT TOM WAITS:
The Observer: “James Maycock’s film is an intelligently crafted portrait” (Pick Of The Day)

BBC FILM ABOUT GERSHWIN’S SONG, SUMMERTIME:
Sunday Times: “Maycock’s gem of a profile is an unalloyed pleasure.” (Critics Choice)

BBC FILM ABOUT THE BLUES/ROCK & ROLL LABEL, CHESS RECORDS:
The Guardian: “Superb documentary and a terrific only-in-America story of assimilation & enterprise.” (Pick Of The Day)

Line up:
JAMES MAYCOCK – award-winning film-maker, journalist, DJ.
VINCE WILSON – chair / host