Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud

"Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud" is a 1968 recording by James Brown. The first half of the song was issued as a single, and is notable as both one of Brown's signature songs and one of the most popular "black power" anthems of the 1960s.

Related Topics:
1968 - James Brown - Black power - 1960s

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In the song, Brown addresses the prejudice inherent in being Black in America, and the opposition that the American Civil Rights Movement faced at several terms. He proclaims that "we done made us a chance to do for ourself/we're tired of beating our head against the wall/workin' for someone else". Several other Brown singles from the same era, most notably "I Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing (Open Up The Door, I'll Get It Myself)", explored similar themes.

Related Topics:
Black - America - American Civil Rights Movement

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The song's chorus is performed by a group of young children, who, upon being asked by Brown to "Say it loud," loudly proclaim "I'm black and I'm proud!" Incidentally, as the song was recorded in a Los Angeles area suburb, most of the children that Brown was able to recruit in the area to record the song were actually White and Asian children, with only a few Black children included in the ensemble.

Related Topics:
Los Angeles - White - Asian

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"Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud" (Part 1) was the anchor for the album of the same name, released in spring 1969. The single held the number-one spot on the R&B singles chart for six weeks, and peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame included "Say it Loud" as one of their 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

Related Topics:
1969 - R&B singles chart - Billboard Hot 100 - The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll

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The title of the song inspired the title of a VH1 television special and six-disc box set, Say It Loud! A Celebration of Black Music in America. Brown's song is included on disc four of the collection.

Related Topics:
VH1 - Television special - Box set - Say It Loud! A Celebration of Black Music in America

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