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Deborah Riley Draper on the Making of Say It Loud: A Deep Dive into the Legacy of James Brown

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Deborah Riley Draper directed “James Brown: Say It Loud,” a four-part documentary series produced by QuestLove and Mick Jagger. Courtesy

Deborah Riley Draper is a pioneering filmmaker with a talent for unearthing compelling narratives that bring cultural history to life. With roots in promoting and a passion for storytelling, Draper has carved out a distinct segment for herself in the documentary world, highlighting the wealthy and sometimes ignored features of African American heritage. Characterized by in-depth research and vivid storytelling, her work has gained critical acclaim and established her as a robust voice in historical documents.

In her recognized documental series Draper dives into the electrifying life of the legendary James Brown. The film takes viewers on an exciting journey through the ups and downs of Brown’s storied profession, from his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise as the “Godfather of Soul.” Draper combines archival footage, insightful interviews and expert commentary to create a narrative that not only celebrates Brown’s spirit and musical genius, but in addition highlights his pivotal role in Civil Rights Movement. Through her lens, Brown emerges not only as an entertainment icon, but in addition as a life force for social change, as his music and activism intertwine into the tapestry of American history.

Draper’s portrayal of Brown is each intimate and expansive, offering a multi-layered exploration of the man behind the music. The documentary highlights Brown’s dynamic performances, his constant motivation and his lasting impact on music and culture. By placing Brown’s story in the broader sociopolitical context of his time, Draper presents a nuanced and comprehensive portrait that goes beyond his stage persona to disclose the complexity of his legacy.

Ahead of the Emmy Awards, Draper shared with Essence details of the meticulous research and inventive decisions behind the craft, offering a behind-the-scenes have a look at the making of the documentary. She shared anecdotes from interviews with those that knew Brown best, discussed the challenges of portraying such a various figure, and explained how she managed to reconcile the musical and sociopolitical features of his life. This conversation shed light on Draper’s commitment to preserving and honoring African American history through her insightful storytelling, and her insights undoubtedly deepen our appreciation of each her work and the legacy of James Brown.

Director Deborah Riley Draper explores James Brown's legacy in a docuseries
Atlanta – CIRCA 2005: James Brown “The Godfather of Soul” performs at the Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, Georgia 2005 (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

ESSENCE: What inspired you to delve into the life and legacy of James Brown for this docuseries?

Riley-Draper: James Brown played a pivotal role for the Black community on and off stage during critical moments of the Civil Rights Movement and in conveying the message of the Black Power Movement and hip-hop. When I believe of James Brown, I believe of my father, who was born in rural South Carolina and raised in Georgia. I believe of my uncles and cousins ​​who held James Brown in high esteem not only as a singer but in addition as a black man who, despite seemingly insurmountable odds, was capable of achieve global fame. He is an incredible example of the lived experience of Black America; is a masterclass in work ethic and self-determination, and that alone is value exploring.

How did you come to work with executive producers QuestLove and Mick Jagger and what unique perspectives did they create to the project?

Questlove and Mick Jagger were already executive producers after I joined the project as director. They each have a deep knowledge of music history, especially James Brown. So it was my responsibility to seek out recent features of James Brown’s life and present them in recent and exciting ways. I loved reaching back to Questlove and Mick Jagger’s early exposure to James Brown’s music and the way it impacted their trajectory and position as artists and entrepreneurs as an instance its generational and global impact.

What challenges did you face in attempting to capture the essence of James Brown’s story in a four-part series?

James Brown definitely has enough life to fill an eight-part series. The challenge was to decide on which storylines to focus on with a view to give the audience as much as possible in 4 episodes, while maintaining energy and a coherent story and creating episodic cliffhangers. Because James Brown’s journey is so intertwined with the Black experience and a few of the most transformative moments in American history, I needed to create space for historical context in order that viewers could understand his decisions, actions, and reactions.

Can you highlight any particularly surprising or lesser-known features of James Brown’s life and profession that viewers can expect to see on Say It Loud?

I used to be surprised to learn that in the late Nineteen Sixties, James Brown created the Black and Brown trade stamps in collaboration with Oakland Raider Art Powell and Donald Warden, who were co-founders of the African American Association, the most fundamental institution of the Black Power movement. Members included Huey P. Newton, Bobby Seale and the parents of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. The front of the stamps featured James Brown’s face and encouraged support for black businesses. In its first yr, the enterprise grew to incorporate 1,000 dealers throughout California, generating over $1 million in sales.

How do you think that James Brown’s influence extends beyond the realm of music and into broader cultural and social landscapes?

From his hairstyle to his impeccable fashion sense, James Brown created a design that inspired his fans to emulate for generations. He was the first African American to own a non-public jet. He expanded what the American Dream can mean for marginalized communities. Dozens of entrepreneurs from James Brown’s restaurant owners, restaurants and record labels. Additionally, James Brown ought to be a Harvard Business School case study in marketing and branding. He understood the power of using his name and image in packaging, merchandise, and the musical performances he produced.

What archival materials or interviews were crucial in piecing together the narrative of James Brown’s life, and the way did you ensure the accuracy and authenticity of your portrayal?

I’m a researcher. I start with primary source material. I reviewed a whole lot of hours of interviews, listened to studio conversations, read a long time of newspaper accounts, and studied photos. The interviews were useful because I used to be capable of hear from James Brown and turn out to be accustomed to his body language, inflection and word alternative. It was very eloquent and informative. That’s why I selected James Brown as director to take us through each episode. James Brown brings his story to life. Our stories too often fall victim to reductive and reactive storytelling. Through archival footage, we witness James Brown say what he feels and “Say it loud.”

Director Deborah Riley Draper explores James Brown's legacy in a docuseries
NEW YORK – MAY 3: James Brown visits Harlem, New York to fulfill fans on May 3, 1979. (Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)

As a filmmaker, what do you hope audiences take away from Say It Loud in terms of understanding James Brown’s impact on music, activism and popular culture?

In November 1969, the cover of Look magazine asked the query: Is James Brown the most vital black man in America? I need viewers to know that James Brown was one of the most vital black men of the twentieth century. His music liberated our community and transformed us from Negro to Black people. This transformation was significant after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, King, when our community had to know what the future might hold. The anthem “Say it Loud” is timeless and a staple in each the late Nineteen Sixties and today. During the summer of 2020, the lyrics and meaning of the song were chanted repeatedly. Without James Brown, would Janelle Monae, Usher and Bruno Mars exist as we all know them? Would hip-hop exist without James Brown, especially considering how foundational “Funky Drummer” is? James Brown had over 15,000 samples taken – that speaks for itself.

How did you approach balancing the celebration of James Brown’s achievements with a nuanced exploration of his personal struggles and controversies?

James Brown’s life began with trauma – he was stillborn. He struggled with internal and external challenges to get his life together. Like most human beings, his life is a road map full of right turns and just a few mistaken ones. The essence is to make use of your good and bad decisions as a lifelong curriculum. His life experience teaches us about ambition, trauma, fame, anger, blackness, anti-blackness, and work ethic. We have to see and understand what went mistaken in the same way we see what went right – that is how we unpack life.

What importance do you see in telling James Brown’s story now, especially in today’s sociopolitical climate?

When “Say it Loud” was written in 1968, the African-American community was in mourning and needed something tangible to positively mobilize. The Black community feared that civil rights gains could be rolled back. Then and now. The tenets of James Brown’s activism focused on education, pride in all things black, self-empowerment, and constructing systems and institutions that serve the needs of the black community. He believed that those that experienced celebrity owed their fans and viewers examples and paths for constructing community and thriving through educational and ownership opportunities.

How do you think that James Brown’s legacy continues to resonate with audiences each old and recent, and what does it mean for future generations?

James Brown’s work ethic, commitment and commitment to community are master class. Excellence in craftsmanship and exertions never gets old. He is the original of one.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Tina Turner turned to Cher for advice years before 1976. The beating that led to Ike Turner’s breakup reveals new memories

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Pop singer Cher has never forgotten the connection advice she gave to her longtime friend Tina Turner; a conversation that could have helped save Tina’s life.

In her bomb new memoir, Cher: The Memoir Part 1, Cher recalls how Tina turned to her for advice on how to leave her abusive husband, Ike Turner. The memoir gives an insight into the “Believe” singer’s personal life and reveals shocking details of her early relationship with Sonny Bono, who she says was “abusing” her.

Cher’s new memoir reveals that Tina Turner got here to her for advice on how to escape Ike Turner’s molestation. (Photos: Christian Charisius/picture Alliance via Getty Images; Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

In the Seventies, the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” appeared twice on Cher’s variety show along with her husband Ike. Cher recently left Bono, citing infidelity and involuntary servitude, and the 2 singers became fast friends.

One day while filming, Tina broke down and asked her friend and fellow singer to apply makeup to cover up a bruise on her arm. In her memoir, the Grammy winner recalled the “Private Dancer” artist, asking how she found the courage to leave Bono, who owned all of the rights to her music.

“I looked at her and said, ‘I just left and moved on,'” Cher writes.

The “I Got You Babe” singer met Bono when she was 16 and he was 27, and the couple moved in together while waiting to get married. Bono had just divorced his first wife, Donna Rankin, which required a waiting period under California law, and Cher was too young to legally marry. It was during this time that Cher had a terrifying encounter along with her late ex-husband, during which he pushed her against a wall after pushing their dog together with his foot.

“He didn’t scream or hit me, but he held my arms and his face was tight,” Cher revealed in her memoir via “People” “I was so against the abuse because I saw my mom go through it that I was like, F— this.”

“If you touch me like that again, I will leave your ass and that will be the last time you see me,” Bono said. They married in 1969 and in the identical 12 months their child Chaz was born. The pop duo eventually divorced in 1975.

Meanwhile, Tina endured much worse horrors while living with Ike, as she wrote about in her autobiography, “I, Tina,” published in 1986, during her meteoric rise as a solo artist – and nine years after the divorce. Their story was also documented within the film “What’s Love Got to Do with It” starring Angela Bassett and Lawrence Fishburne.

Like Cher, Tina was just a teen when she met 25-year-old Ike, and three years later they’d a son, Ronnie Turner.

In a 1981 interview with People, the “Nutbush City Limits” singer recalled the terrifying night of July 1, 1976, when she finally escaped from her abusive ex while on tour and staying in a Dallas hotel. Two more years passed before they officially divorced.

“Ike got a bit irritated that day and hit me with the back of his hand. I wagged my finger at him and said, “Okay, you.” Then he beat me all the best way from the airport to the hotel,” she said. “When he fought, he used things, not only his hands. When we got to the hotel, the left side of my face was swollen like a monster. But I never cried. I laughed. I laughed because I knew I used to be leaving. No more of this.

Turner convinced a friend to buy her a plane ticket to Los Angeles, and he or she flew out that evening with 36 cents in her pocket. Ike eventually died of a cocaine overdose in 2007, and Tina later admitted that she never forgave him for abusing her.

In her memoir, Cher writes that she noticed Ike’s stoic personality during his time on her show. She stated that during rehearsals, Ike “didn’t smile once” and played the guitar “without any emotion”.

“I just knew that whatever I was feeling, it wasn’t good,” she recalled.

After leaving Ike, Tina returned to the Cher show in 1977 as a solo star, making her first television appearance without Ike, singing “Makin’ Music is My Business”. Cher and Tina would remain lifelong friends until Tina’s death in 2023.

Reactions to the reports have been mixed on social media, with some wondering why Cher, now 78, is digging into Tina’s personal life. “Cher, don’t comment on Tina, give her a break, thanks to the management,” one among them commented Instagram user as one other said: “Why are you bringing this up now, Cher!?”

However, many praised Cher for telling the reality about her dear friend. One person wrote: “I LOVE TT and Cher!!! And one thing Cher doesn’t do is lie.”

“Tina probably almost overdosed, or read her book, or watched what love has to do with it. Ike gave her hell,” said one other person.

Another added: “You can tell who really knows their friendship story and who doesn’t. Cher was one among the last people to see Tina alive and visited her. Tina and Cher have been dead for a long time. You guys are weird with this false failure.

Part 2 of The Cher Diaries is scheduled for release in 2025.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s surprise date for ‘Moana 2’ Hawaii premiere steals the show

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Professional wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, 52, stars in the latest film “Moana 2.”

He attended the animated sequel’s world premiere on November 21 in Oahu, Hawaii, along along with his 76-year-old mother, Mataniufeagaimaleata “Ata” Johnson.

Disney’s verified Instagram account posted a video of The Rock and Ata during the premiere. They danced together alongside the Polynesian dance group Nonosina.

MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 19: American actor Dwayne Johnson attends the "Black Adam" photo shoot at the NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding hotel on October 19, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo: Pablo Cuadra/WireImage)
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 19: American actor Dwayne Johnson attends the “Black Adam” photo shoot at the NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding hotel on October 19, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo: Pablo Cuadra/WireImage)

“I all the time say that if you’ve a great mother, you’ve a likelihood to turn out to be a great, caring person. This weekend, let’s all give our moms great gratitude and make them glad,” The Rock stated about Ata in a ceremonial speech Instagram post in June 2022

More Instagram users were excited to see the Hollywood entertainer lovingly interacting along with his mother during the “Moana 2” event.

One person in the Disney comment section on Instagram sent“I like it very much! “I can’t wait to take my children and my Samoan husband to see it.”

A second commenter wrote: “I absolutely love the way he loves his mom. You can see the love they’ve for one another. This bond is so strong that not only do they show you what love is, but once you see it, you may feel it.

Another mother shared her own child’s response to the clip, writing: “My daughter talks about this all the time! Can’t wait!”

As for Moana’s possible future plans, someone suggested, “They need to make a live-action movie ASAP.”

Other members of The Rock’s family joined him in Hawaii. His wife, Lauren Hashian, and their two children also saw the musical adventure film for the first time.

In addition to the former WWE champion being a part of the solid of “Moana 2,” Johnson’s daughters, 9-year-old Jasmine and 6-year-old Tiana, also participated in the film.

“It was the sweetest and funniest day! So exciting that Munchkins voiced characters in MOANA 2!! MOANA-BE!” Hassian wrote on Instagram.

Hashian added: “This film has truly always been the most important thing to them, and now they have an even more special bond.”

She also uploaded a behind-the-scenes video of Jasmine and Tiana recording dialogue for “Moana 2” at Walt Disney Animation Studios.

The Rock was born into wrestling on either side of his family. Ata Johnson (née Fitisemanu Maivia) is the adopted daughter of former Polynesian Pro Wrestling owner “High Chief” Peter Maivia.

Former WWF World Tag Team Champion Rocky Johnson is The Rock’s father. Rocky was one in every of the first black champions in WWF/WWE history.

Dwayne inducted his history-making father and legendary grandfather into the WWE Hall of Fame as a part of the 2008 class.

Due to his grandfather Maivia, The Rock has loose family ties to the famous Anoaʻi family, which incorporates WWE Superstars akin to Rikishi, Yokozuna, and Roman Reigns.

The Rock’s eldest daughter with ex-wife Dana Garcia, 23-year-old Simone “Ava” Johnson, currently works for WWE as the on-screen general manager of the NXT brand.

Ata gave birth to The Rock on May 2, 1972. The Seven Bucks Production founder’s childhood and teenage years were dramatized in the short-lived comedy series “Young Rock” on NBC, airing for three seasons from 2021 to 2023.

Three actors portrayed The Rock at different stages of his life – Adrian Groulx (10 to 14 years old), Bradley Constant (15 to 17 years old) and Uli Latukefu (18 to 26 years old).

Stacey Leilua played Ata on “Young Rock,” which ran for three seasons from 2021 to 2023. Joseph Lee Anderson played Rocky Johnson.

After conquering the pro wrestling world, The Rock turned to Hollywood to guide blockbusters akin to “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and the “Fast and Furious” franchise.

In the original “Moana,” a TKO executive voiced Maui, a shape-shifting demigod. “Moana” premiered in 2016 and grossed over $643 million worldwide.

“The character of Maui, which I was fortunate enough to bring to life, was inspired by my grandfather and he is buried here. Damn, this is… something special,” The Rock said, in keeping with ABC7NY.

“Moana 2” will hit U.S. theaters on November 27. The voice solid also includes Auli’i Cravalho, Temuera Morrison and Nicole Scherzinger.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Wendy Williams’ predictions about Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s relationship resurface after reality star reveals family drama

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Wendy Williams has at all times been unrivaled in the case of predicting celebrity drama.

She once famously shouted out Sean “Diddy” Combs, hinting that something fishy was occurring behind the scenes. So when he was arrested in September 2024, many individuals immediately noticed that this media specialist had been ahead of the curve for years.

It seems that Wendy could have also seen the tip of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s marriage long before it happened.

Wendy Williams’ marriage to Kevin Hunter is on the rocks within the wake of her previous predictions about Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s marriage. (Photos: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images; Robert Kamau/GC Images)

AND restored clip The June 13, 2013 episode of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” went viral on TikTok, with fans calling Wendy an “oracle” for predicting Kim and Kanye’s eventual split.

In the video, also available on YouTube, Wendy casually shares her thoughts on their relationship while viewers applaud her for being right.

“What do you think about Kim and Kanye?” – asked Ellen DeGeneres throughout the segment.

Wendy replied, “I mean, I’m pleased for her. She wanted a baby. “I said (please don’t laugh and don’t encourage me), but I said she would be a single mom and he would have a lot of problems.”

Fans immediately understood what gave the impression of a prophecy.

“Wendy said so,” one person wrote within the comments.

Another joked: “Wendy can tell you a joke but she’ll never lie,” while another person declared: “Wendy was an oracle.”

“Wendy tried not to say what was on her mind,” one other fan added.

On YouTube, one viewer excellent“He’s right about Kim and Kanye and this is what’s happening before our eyes.”

Wendy had an undeniable talent for reading celebrities and spilling their “tea,” and her tackle Kardashian and West was no exception.

The couple began dating in 2012, quickly becoming one in all Hollywood’s most famous couples. They welcomed their first child, North, in 2013 and tied the knot in 2014 in a lavish Italian wedding. After the marriage, they’d three more children: Saint, Chicago and Psalm.

In early 2021, Kimye’s relationship fell apart and the influential billionaire filed for divorce after months of speculation about Kanye’s mental problems and public outbursts. The divorce was finalized in late 2022, with the mother awarded primary custody of the youngsters.

Kardashian recently opened up about her experiences with single parenthood on an episode of iHeart’s “What The Winkler?” of November 12. podcast together with her best friend Zoe Winkler, daughter of actor Henry Winkler.

After the comment, it gave the impression of Wendy’s prediction had come true in an uncanny way.

The reality star’s ex-husband and father of kids has been in Asia for months together with his recent wife Bianca Censori, leaving her to lift the youngsters alone. The last public sighting of the youngsters with the “Vultures” rapper was almost two months ago.

During the podcast, Winkler called Kardashian’s situation “crazy.”

As the “Kardashian” star explained why she avoids talking about this topic publicly“These conversations tend to be judgmental,” she said, adding that “I’m basically raising four kids on my own.”

West spends many of the 12 months traveling around Asia together with his second wife, Bianca Censori. Therefore, on a regular basis child-related responsibilities fall on Kim, but she noted that she has great support in the shape of her siblings and mother.

“But sometimes in the middle of the night,” she continued, “when everyone’s sleeping in your bed and kicking you and crying and waking you up — it’s not something I talk about a lot because I feel like there’s always a lot of judgment, otherwise people always they’ll immediately say, “Oh, but you have the means to have nannies and have help.” And I think that no matter what help I get, I’m basically raising four kids on my own.”

The mom also addressed the concept that she had the “resources” to have a military of nannies.

For her, doing many things on her own gives her “bonding time” together with her children. She said. “This is really important to me. (…) Taking them to school every day is just what I have to do, no matter what.”

Kardashian even compared her morning routine to a pit stop in a race. “Brush your teeth, brush your teeth, brush your teeth, OK, get dressed, get dressed, do your hair,” she described.

Regardless of Williams’ previous predictions about what sort of mother Kim could be, several social media users wondered why she did not have the identical revelation when it got here to the turmoil that ended her 22-year marriage.

One person he said“Interesting! But she didn’t see her own marriage fall apart? while another said: “She didn’t expect her marriage to collapse like this!”

The former media activist married Kevin Hunter on November 30, 1999, and filed for divorce in 2019, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce got here after Williams discovered Hunter had welcomed a toddler together with his lover Sharina Hudson. Their divorce was not finalized until 2020.

Hunter received monthly child support checks in the quantity of $250,000 until “The Wendy Williams Show” resulted in June 2022. Due to suspicions about Wendy’s health, she was placed under guardianship. However, her ex-husband, with whom she shares 24-year-old Kevin Hunter Jr., now claims she “falsely concealed” $48 million in reference to their divorce.

During the interview, Kardashian even touched on discipline, mentioning how her son Saint once posted an anti-Kamala Harris message on Instagram and promoted his Fortnite account to hundreds of thousands of followers right after the presidential election.

“It’s like if your child said a bad word or something that made you feel humiliated…” Kim said.

She added: “When Saint took my phone and posted… my publicist texted me, ‘This is what you’re posting on Election Day?’ And I said, “It’s a baby.” He has no idea.

The reality star said that despite all of the pressure she feels about being a single mom, she loves every moment of being a mom.

While Wendy didn’t predict how the Kardashian-West kids would end up, she did nail it when it got here to their parents: Kanye’s lack of reliability and Kim’s deep desire to be a mom.

Reflecting on Wendy’s predictions, fans enjoyed her spot-on insight into Kim and Kanye’s dynamic. As one fan wrote, and many individuals said, “I miss her so much.”


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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