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Watch the premiere of the new Hopewell Earthworks - Stories Written On The Land video series.

James Brown’s Explosive Debut

Season 2025 Episode 1 | 3m 18s

James Brown’s breakout hit “Please, Please, Please” drew directly from the gospel tradition, channeling its pleading repetition and raw emotion into a new sound. Misunderstood by critics but electrifying to audiences, the song became a turning point in popular music, marking the rise of Brown’s unmatched career and the birth of a new era in soul.

Extras
Learn how filmmakers used digital tools to restore and enhance photos and clips in the film.
Hank Ballard’s bold, risqué songs pushed boundaries and helped shape soul music.
The untold story of King Records, the underdog label that transformed American music and culture.