By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Roots of Fight is putting out a new apparel capsule collection inspired by a documentary and album release from the late James Brown.
The collection from the high-end streetwear clothier Roots of Fight is being launched in collaboration with the James Brown Estate and licensing agency Perryscope Productions. The launch is timed for the just released James Brown extended play (EP) album “We Got to Change,” and the Feb. 19 premiere of the documentary James Brown: Say It Loud, which was executive produced by Questlove and the Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger.
James Brown was an American singer, dancer, musician, record producer, and bandleader. The central progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th century music, he is often referred to by the honorific nicknames the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, Godfather of Soul, Mr. Dynamite, and Soul Brother No. 1. Brown was one of the first 10 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at its inaugural induction in New York on Jan. 23, 1986.
As the recently appointed licensing agent for the James Brown Estate, Perryscope Productions says it is developing a worldwide licensing and e-commerce program for the “Godfather of Soul” across multiple categories, including apparel, outerwear, footwear, headwear, accessories, and home goods.
“It’s an honor to represent the legendary James Brown, one of the most influential and iconic figures in music history,” said Norman Perry, President of Perryscope Productions. “As our first official apparel collaboration for the James Brown Estate, Roots of Fight has created an innovative streetwear collection inspired by and reflective of ‘The Godfather of Soul’s’ immense contribution to the world of music.”
The new James Brown “Roots of Fight” apparel line pays tribute to “Mr. Dynamite” and the newly unearthed and previously unheard “We Got to Change,” which was recorded in 1970 at Criteria Studios in Miami. “The song is the title track of a new EP that serves as a reminder of why Brown became a galvanizing force in our social consciousness,” the partners said, adding the event is being celebrated with a full collection of high-end graphic t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, and socks that pay homage to a 50+ year career that influenced the world of music from reggae to Afrobeat.
The “James Brown: Say It Loud” documentary airs on the A&E network beginning Feb.19 at 8 p.m. EST, a two-part, four-hour event that traces the incredible trajectory of James Brown’s life and career.
“Adding James Brown to the Roots of Fight Pantheon of Ground Breakers and Game Changers, was a natural fit and we are grateful for the opportunity to help tell some of the incredible history and stories of such an icon,” said Roots of Fight owner Natalie Dimbleby. “We were honored to drop our first collection with JB and pay tribute to his historic concert at the Zaire Music Festival in 1974 that was part of the Rumble in Jungle.
“Now to launch this new capsule showcasing his unearthed, never-before-heard track, “We Got To Change” and it coinciding with the release of the Say It Loud documentary series, is very exciting. We are proud to partner with Perryscope and Primary Wave on the James Brown collection and look forward to growing this partnership,”
In addition to the partnership with Roots of Fight, Perryscope has also signed new licensees for the James Brown brand, including C-Life, Liquid Blue, Perri’s Socks and Leathers, Goodie Two Sleeves, Barriers, C&D Visionary, among others, with new merchandise rolling out this year.
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