Although American singer James Brown is widely recognized as the ‘Godfather of Soul,’ his daughters, Deanna Brown and Yamma Brown, are actively working to uphold his legacy.
In an interview with People magazine, the daughters emphasized their father’s profound impact on music, particularly ahead of A&E’s upcoming docuseries ‘James Brown: Say It Loud.’
Deanna asserted that James Brown’s influence extends to contemporary music, suggesting that without him, genres like hip-hop and rap might not exist. She emphasized his status as the most-sampled artist and highlighted the contributions of artists like Michael Jackson, Usher, and Chris Brown, who drew inspiration from him.
Yamma echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that her father’s influence transcends entertainment and extends to inspiring individuals in various walks of life. She expressed gratitude for his creation of funk, noting its impact on hip-hop and other genres.
While recognizing her father’s monumental influence, Yamma also expressed a sense of longing for his presence to witness the impact of his legacy firsthand.
‘James Brown: Say It Loud’ is set to premiere on A&E, offering viewers a deeper insight into the iconic musician’s life and influence.
Both Yamma and Deanna treasure their memories of growing up with their parents, with Deanna recalling invaluable life lessons learned while accompanying her father on tour.
The daughters’ reflections underscore the enduring legacy of James Brown, whose influence continues to resonate across generations and genres of music.