From $50 Fines for Missed Notes to a Failed Nixon Endorsement — The Biggest Revelations from James Brown: Say It Loud

James Brown, although the voice of his generation, had a complicated life and career.

IN James Brown: Say it louda four-part documentary series, viewers get an inside look at the legendary Godfather of Soul’s rise to fame.

Brown, who died on December 25, 2006 at the age of 73, became an international sensation with hits such as “I Got You (Feel Good),” “Get Up Offa That Thing” and “Living in America.” He also started political movements with songs like “Say It Loud — I’m Black and I’m Proud.”

Although his career proved to be long-lasting, the singer also faced turmoil. From the backlash he faced after being confirmed by President Richard Nixon to his role in healing the country after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., here are the biggest revelations from James Brown: Say it loudairing Mondays and Tuesdays at 8:00 PM ET/PT on A&E.

James Brown.

Frank Carroll/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

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He made his bass player pay $50 for missing a note during a performance

If James was one thing, it was a man who strived for perfection.

“He believed in perfection – and that the audience should get what they paid for. He was willing to do whatever it took to make that perfection,” says Larry Brown, his son, in the documentary. “He asked for it – and he got it.”

Before going on stage to perform, everything had to be just right. Otherwise, his crew would be fined.

James Brown performing in 1968.

Hulton Archive/Getty

“They fined me $50 once, for one note,” says Fred Thomas, his bassist. “He was playing ‘If I Ruled the World’ and I almost missed a note — I just slipped into it. It wasn’t a train wreck, but it was a little rough.”

He recalls what James said to him after the performance: “He said, ‘You know what you’ve done’.”

He could hear every voice, every note, and he knew who was going to make a mistake. He also took care of the wardrobe and uniform – and his team should have followed suit.

He was an integral part of the original Black Lives Matter

After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. In 1968, he rallied Boston communities with the release of his hit single, “Say It Loud—I’m Black and I’m Proud.”

The day after King was killed, riots broke out across the country fueled by anger and frustration. James, however, was scheduled to perform at the Boston Garden that night and there was hesitation about him taking the stage amid the state of the country. Ultimately, it was decided that the show should go on – and should be televised.

During the performance, fans were jumping around the stage and James asked the police to step back and let them go.

James Brown performing in 1968.

Michael Ochs/Getty Archive

“It was a big deal. It saved Boston. There was no fighting and looting like there was in other big cities,” said his daughter, Dr. Deanna Brown Thomas, 55. “In Boston, everyone was in rhythm.”

Later that year, he was pressured by radical groups to side with the black community. He decided to write a song that removed the stigma of being called “Black” by declaring “Say it loud — I’m black and I’m proud.”

It created a new way of thinking.

His support for President Richard Nixon was met with resistance

In 1969, James performed at Richard Nixon’s inauguration. He then endorsed him for a second term in 1972 – although it proved detrimental to his music career.

“I believe the future of the country lies with Mr. Nixon. Some of the things he did were very close to my heart as a minority, as a black man, [like] to have private black colleges so we can maintain our culture and get an education. He’s the man for the job,” James said in an interview at the time, explaining the reasons for his endorsement.

President Richard Nixon and James Brown in October 1972.

Oliver F Adkins/PhotoQuest/Getty

In the end, this decision proved tantamount to “selling out his community”, despite his intentions to push the “black agenda”. In the end, it cost him record sales, and there were stakes in front of his apartment.

“When the going got tough — a lot of people backed off and walked away from me,” James said in an interview.

James Brown: Say it loud airs on A&E on Monday, February 19, and Tuesday, February 20 at 8:00 PM EST.

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