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

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in-depth research and vivid storytelling, her work has gained critical acclaim and established her as a robust voice in historical documents.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.

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.”

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.