by There is no denying the profound influence James Brown had on Michael Jackson’s career and artistry. While Michael developed his own unique sound and style, it is clear he admired James Brown greatly and likely gleaned invaluable lessons that helped shape his legendary career. James Brown, known as the “Godfather of Soul,” broke barriers and set the standard for popular Black music in America. His dynamic stage presence, musical innovation, and shrewd business sense transformed him into one of the most iconic entertainers of all time. Michael Jackson undoubtedly studied James Brown’s trailblazing career closely and applied many of the lessons to tremendous success. Here are some of the most impactful influences James Brown likely had on Michael Jackson:
Stage Presence and Showmanship
James Brown was renowned for his electrifying live performances. Through precise choreography, acrobatic dance moves, and an unparalleled energy, Brown commanded the stage in a way never seen before. He would dance, spin, and jump around for entire songs while still maintaining pitch-perfect vocals. Audiences were mesmerized by his dynamic showmanship. Michael Jackson, even from a young age, was fascinated by Brown’s live performances. He studied Brown’s moves meticulously and incorporated many of them into his own shows. Jackson became known for dazzling audiences with fluid dance routines, spinning heel clicks, and gravity-defying leaps – all elements that trace back to James Brown’s groundbreaking style. Both men understood the importance of captivating audiences visually as well as aurally. James Brown proved performance was as much a visual spectacle as an aural experience – a lesson Michael took to heart.
Owning Your Music
James Brown was one of the first Black artists to fight for and gain ownership and control over his master recordings. In an era where record labels often took advantage of Black artists, Brown negotiated contracts that gave him publishing rights and even ownership of his band. He understood the business side of music. Michael Jackson likely learned from Brown’s example. Later in his career, Jackson negotiated contracts that gave him not just artistic control but ownership of his extensive song catalog – one of the most valuable in music history. Like Brown, Jackson was determined to retain control over his music and image. Both men understood the power and wealth that could come from owning your work. James Brown paved the way for other artists to demand fair treatment and ownership.
Crossover Appeal
James Brown had a uncanny ability to blend disparate genres into new, boundary-pushing styles. He fused gospel, R&B, and rock into a hybrid sound known as funk. Brown’s music appealed to both Black and white audiences, enjoying widespread crossover success on pop charts as well as R&B charts. Michael Jackson took note. Throughout his career, Jackson blended elements of pop, rock, R&B, and other styles into his own unique sound. Songs like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Black or White” demonstrated Jackson’s ability to appeal to audiences across genres, races, and nations – just as Brown had. Both men understood that to achieve the highest levels of commercial success, their music needed broad, crossover appeal without sacrificing artistic integrity. Brown showed Jackson it was possible.
Evolution and Innovation
James Brown was never content to rest on past achievements. He constantly pushed musical and performance boundaries, evolving his sound with each new album and tour. From raw R&B to polyrhythmic funk anthems, Brown’s music endlessly transformed. Michael Jackson displayed a similar relentless drive to evolve. From the dance pop of Off the Wall to the groundbreaking synth funk of Thriller to the philisophical pop of HIStory, Jackson’s music matured at each stage of his career. Like Brown, Jackson refused to repeat himself, instead striving to top his previous work through innovation. Both men understood the importance of constantly challenging themselves artistically to stay relevant and ahead of trends. Brown set the precedent for Black artists to fearlessly push boundaries rather than settle into formulas.
Work Ethic and Discipline
James Brown was legendary for his tireless work ethic and perfectionism. He would rehearse for countless hours to hone tight, precise choreography and push his band to the limits of their abilities. Nothing less than flawless execution was acceptable to Brown. Michael Jackson exhibited that same relentless dedication in the studio and during rehearsals. He was known to record vocals countless times until achieving technical perfection and would drill dance routines to the point of exhaustion. Both Brown and Jackson understood artistic greatness required extreme dedication, discipline, and a refusal to cut corners. They led by example, setting the bar impossibly high through superhuman levels of commitment to their craft. Their work ethic inspired legions of artists and cemented their legacies.
Business Savvy
Beyond his musical talents, James Brown was a shrewd businessman who understood the economic power of Black entertainment. He took control not just of his music but his entire operation, owning his publishing and even his band’s contracts. Brown blazed a trail for Black entrepreneurs in the industry. Michael Jackson learned from this example, later negotiating savvy deals and building a business empire that included ownership of the Beatles catalog, a film production company, and other assets. Like Brown, Jackson refused to let others dictate or profit from his worth. Both men grasped the importance of entrepreneurship and controlling their business dealings, leaving indelible marks as businessmen as well as artists. Brown set the standard for self-determination that Jackson followed.
Social Commentary
While not overtly political, James Brown’s music often addressed social issues affecting the Black community like racism, poverty, and injustice. Songs like “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” and “I Don’t Want Nobody to Give Me Nothing” carried powerful messages of empowerment. Michael Jackson, though his lyrics tended toward universal themes of peace and love, also demonstrated a desire to use his platform constructively. Songs like “Man in the Mirror” contained veiled messages encouraging social change. Both men understood the influence they wielded and potential for music to positively impact society. Their example helped establish Black artists’ roles as commentators on their communities and agents of social progress.
The lessons Michael Jackson took from James Brown’s groundbreaking career are evident throughout his own legendary music and business savvy. From showmanship to musical innovation, work ethic to social awareness, Brown provided a blueprint that Jackson followed to even greater commercial heights. Their legacies remain inextricably linked – two towering talents who transformed popular music and inspired generations of performers. While Michael Jackson forged his own unique path, the priceless influence of the “Godfather of Soul” undoubtedly shaped him into the “King of Pop.” Their careers demonstrate the profound impact one pioneering artist can have by fearlessly pushing boundaries and setting new standards for those who follow.
