If you thought the fictionalized version of James Brown’s life was lacking, HBO has acquired the U.S. and Canadian TV rights to Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown, a feature-length documentary directed by Oscar winner Alex Gibney and produced by Mick Jagger.
It airs on Monday, Oct. 27 (9:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT).
The film features rare and never-before-seen footage, interviews and photographs charting Brown’s journey from rhythm and blues to funk. The Brown Estate gave producers its full blessing, opening its archives for the first time.
The documentary chronicles the Godfather of Soul from his first hit, “Please, Please, Please,” in 1956, to his iconic performances at the Apollo Theater, the T.A.M.I. Show, the Paris Olympia and more.
“We had full access to amazing never-before-seen photos and video from James Brown’s estate, which Alex Gibney used brilliantly to tell the story of James’ career from its inception through its pinnacle,” says Jagger. “We spoke with the extraordinary people who knew James well and worked alongside him throughout his career. By hearing their fascinating stories and memories, we were able to paint the full picture of James as both a musical artist and social activist, whose legacy and impact on the music industry is ever-present.”
In addition to extensive historical footage, including archival interviews with Brown himself, the film includes modern-day interviews with Jagger, Rev. Al Sharpton, Maceo Parker, Clyde Stubblefield, Questlove, Melvin Parker, Chuck D, Alfred “Pee Wee” Ellis, Martha High, Bootsy Collins and Fred Wesley, among others.
