Diverse News 2008®

NEWS FEEDS

James Brown remembered for saving Boston 40 Years After MLK Murder

 NEW YORK, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 4, 1968, the day Martin
Luther King was assassinated was one of the most tragic moments in American
history. Riots quickly erupted in many cities across the nation and many of
America's inner cities quickly began to go up in flames. Boston's
heavily-black Roxbury neighborhood was no exception and word on the street
was that it was about to get a lot worse.

    At Boston's City Hall, Mayor Kevin White was trying to keep the fragile
peace. One reported idea was to cancel the day's biggest gathering -- a
long- scheduled James Brown concert at Boston Garden. But a call from one
of Boston's most influential R&B DJs to the lone black city councilman
pointed out the danger of that decision. Simply, he said, "If the concert
is cancelled, Boston might have the biggest uprising since the Boston Tea
Party." And so, faced with the grim reality of making the wrong decision,
the mayor and his team turned it around. Rather than cancel the show, they
asked, "Is there something James Brown can do to help?"



    Mayor White came up with the idea to televise the concert live and have
James encourage his fans to stay home and watch the concert on TV. In not
so many words, the mayor was saying, "If you'll allow this concert to be on
TV tonight, your fans in Boston will stay home and the night will be
peaceful." Meaning that unlike what is happening in so many other cities
around the country, Boston wouldn't erupt in flames. James gave his
blessing to the idea then turned out one of the best shows of his career
and Boston remained virtually riot free.

    Finally, 40 years after that remarkable and historic moment, VH1 Rock
Docs presents "The Night James Brown Saved Boston," a film from David Leaf
Productions. Through rarely seen footage of the concert and with the
personal reminiscences of James Brown's band members, colleagues (including
long-time manager Charles Bobbit), awe-struck concert-goers (including
Newsweek's David Gates), Boston city government officials and the pointed
commentary of several distinguished observers of African-American history
(including Dr. Cornel West, Dr. Andrew Young, Rev. Al Sharpton) -- the
dramatic and emotionally- riveting story unfolds.

    For more information please log onto vh1.com.

    "The Night James Brown Saved Boston" is directed by David Leaf, whose
most recent feature documentaries include the Grammy-nominated "Beautiful
Dreamer: Brian Wilson & The Story of SMiLE" and a previous VH1 Rock Doc,
"The U.S. vs. John Lennon." Arlene Wszalek, David Leaf, Eric Kulberg and
Morgan Neville are producers and Toby Byron and Richard Foos are executive
producers. Mark Anstendig is supervising producer for VH1 with Shelly
Tatro, Brad Abramson and Jeff Olde serving as executive producers.

    VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter
to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online
content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 90 million
households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and
services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1 Games and
extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.



    Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that present
videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of
rock, soul and pop artists from the 60's, 70's, 80's and the early 90's
including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye,
The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police and many more. Learn more at
http://www.vh1classic.com.

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