Luther Lecture: Black History Month 2/17/07

One lecture I attended for black history month was about James Brown and his affect on the political and economical injustices of the 1960s. The lecture, which was given by Professor Jason Stonerook, was fascinating. Prof. Stonerook talked about the rhythm of the funk James Brown produced. In the 1960s many whites in the United States were listening to rock and roll. Many of the blacks were listening to funk. It was James Brown's funk that bridged the gap. Whites broadened their choice for music to include not only rock and roll but also Motown, and finally funk. The funk of James Brown, such as "Papa's got a Brand New Bag", "Get up Offa That Thing", and "Sex Machine" helped to unite listeners of all colors. James Brown had begun to bring people of different races together so well that his song "Play That Funky Music White Boy" was accepted not as racist but as inclusive.

That's not all James Brown did. He also created music that would last for decades. The way Brown used rhythm in his voice, guitar, and drum set can be found in popular compositions today. Listen to the basslines of R&B and hip hop. Those beats are Brown's ideas. Listen to the percussionistic beats of rap. Again, there is James Brown.

This lecture was very interesting because it used pop culture of the 1960s to teach the listeners. Brown himself was a great teacher who made a difference while entertaining his audience. Brown's music taught people of different races how to get along and agree on music. James Brown is one of the most creative and affective teachers I can think of.