james-brown 55 years ago

James Brown | Say it Loud, I'm Black and Proud (1968)

"Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud" is a funk song performed by James Brown, and written with his bandleader Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis in 1968.

"Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud" was released as a two-part single which held the number-one spot on the R&B singles chart for six weeks, and peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100.


Both parts of the single were later included on James Brown's 1968 album A Soulful Christmas and on his 1969 album sharing the title of the song. The song became an unofficial anthem of the Black Power movement.


"Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud" was Brown's first recording to feature trombonist Fred Wesley.


James Brown
1954 - 2006