The unique ways James Brown inspired Prince to meticulous greatness
As a music journalist, I’ve often asked multiple artists, “If you could see one gig from any artist in history, who would it be?” Of all the musicians to be named, James Brown tops the list convincingly. He was the ultimate performer—talented, charismatic and downright chaotic.
Without delving too far into the finer details of his private life, Brown epitomised an era of unbridled hedonism. He had a fierce reputation for consuming most of the pharmaceutical delicacies on offer in the 1970s and even a fiercer one for demanding razor-sharp performance quality on stage. Because, even though it looked as though his performances could spiral into chaos at any second, he had his finger firmly on the pulse of excellence and deeply understood the art of losing yourself.
In fact, while our domestic press heralds Mick Jagger as the king of performative charisma, his style was merely a tepid imitation of the great soul legend. When a young Rolling Stones were booked to close the TAMI Show, one slot after Brown, the enigmatic frontman took it upon himself to establish his rightful place on the throne of live music.
Brown delivered an electrifying show that left The Rolling Stones a proverbial Everest to climb in terms of pleasing the crowd. Despite the embarrassment, the experience left an indelible mark on Jagger, as Richards explained, “It was a fantastic show. Mick’s looking at his foot move. Mick took more notice than I did that day—lead singer dancing, he calls the shots.”
Richards continued to explain that it was more than just his charismatic leadership; it was his acute understanding of everyone’s role in serving the wider purpose of the song. There was a deep level of craftsmanship that extended beyond his eccentricity. It’s the very combination of those two facets that inspired one of music’s most elusive artists, Prince.
Recalling Brown’s music, Prince said he “inspired me”, before explaining it was, “because of the control he had over his band, and because of the beautiful dancing girls that he had. I wanted both.”
Prince and Brown shared a higher understanding of music that we mere mortals can only attempt to grasp. In fact, even the musicians talented enough to join Brown’s band couldn’t comprehend the levels of his talent, for it was rumoured that upon the striking of an off-key note or out-of-time chord, Brown would impose fines.
It is one thing to have a positive influence on your band, while blowing the air of intimidation is another. Apparently, Prince shared the same ear for detail, for, following his death in 2016, rumours swirled of similar rulings under Prince’s touring stewardship.
According to publicist Chris Poole, who worked closely with Prince, “Everyone who played a bum note was reprimanded.” While Prince’s on-call recording engineer, Susan Rogers, elaborated, “Prince liked James Brown, and he thought if James Brown did it, he would do it too. He’d point to his band onstage, and if they made a mistake, he’d fine them $50.”
It was a hefty price for keeping up with a genius whose ways simply wouldn’t fly in the professional world of today. But there’s no denying that the pair blazed a trail of innovative perfection through the course of modern music. Despite the antics that inspired them, they have left recordings that will remain timeless as long as music is played.
