▶ James Brown

Papa's Got a Brand New Bag

James Brown (1965) → James Brown (1965)

1965 — the year 'The One' was stamped into popular music

James Brown's turning point that concentrated every instrumental accent on the first beat. Moving beyond backbeat-driven R&B, interlocking bass and guitar cutting took command of momentum.

Now playing

The 1965 original recording by James Brown.

The hit that first locked funk's structural standard into the mass market via The One.

From original to redefined

What to listen for

The hit that first locked funk's structural standard into the mass market via The One.

  • The One

    All instrumental energy converges on beat one

  • Percussive ensemble

    Bass, guitar, and horns become interlocking rhythm parts

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