Mick Jagger & Questlove Producing James Brown Documentary For A&E

The Rolling Stones‘ Mick Jagger and The Roots‘ Questlove are among the executive producers of an upcoming James Brown documentary. The four-part series tentatively titled James Brown: Say It Loud is expected to premiere on A&E in 2023.

Directed by Deborah Riley Draper, the series launch next year will coincide with what would have been Brown’s 90th birthday. Brown, “The Godfather Of Soul,” died on Christmas day in 2006 at age 73.

“I am thrilled to be producing the four-part documentary series with A&E delving into the fascinating life of James Brown,” said Jagger. “He was a brilliant performer who inspired me from the beginning and was deeply committed to the Civil Rights movement. I have always admired James and learned so much from him. I look forward to bringing the series to life.”

Other executive producers include Questlove’s bandmate Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, as well as Peter Afterman, David Blackman, Victoria Pearman, Shawn Gee, Zarah Zohlman and Charlie Cohen. Additional production personnel include co-executive producers Madeline Post and Robert Komadina for Polygram and producer Sarah Haber for Inaudible Films.

“The life of James Brown is significant not only to understand his immense musical impact, which inspires us and other artists to this day, but also for the deep and lasting impression he has had on American culture,” Questlove and Black Thought stated. “Brown’s life is a crucial and timely story of struggle, redemption, and self-identity and we are honored to have the chance to share it.”

A&E shared the below regarding James Brown: Said It Loud:

Across four hours, James Brown: Said It Loud traces the intense highs and lows of James Brown’s life and career from a 7th-grade drop-out arrested for armed robbery in the Jim Crow era South to an entertainment legend whose words, songs, style and moves inspired musical revolutions and molded a nation’s view of Black pride and Black masculinity. Consistently facing obstacles and unbelievable odds, the documentary details how Brown persevered through decades of personal demons, racial injustice and career setbacks to find redemption and become one of the most celebrated and influential artists of the 20th century. James Brown: Said It Loud is a definitive look at a complicated life and a reflection on the immense impact Brown continues to have as a musical and cultural trailblazer.