James Brown, Featuring Charles Sherrell: Live on The Hollywood Palace

James Brown had tons of hits, and nearly every one of them was driven by an outstanding bass line. This clip from 1969 on The Hollywood Palace proves just that.

After being introduced by Sammy Davis, Jr., Brown and his band tear through a medley of “I Got the Feelin,” “Cold Sweat,” “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud,” “Give It Up or Turn It Loose,” and “Please, Please, Please.” The group’s infectious energy is anchored by bassist “Sweet” Charles Sherrell, who leads the groove from the back of the bandstand.

This incarnation of Brown’s band would split a year after this performance, but the lineup is certainly one of the strongest of all time.

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly listed Bernard Odum as the bassist. Thank you to bass legend and James Brown expert Christian McBride for the correction.

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Share your thoughts

  1. Damn…so tight! Cool Vox Phantom bass too!

    • Clutch

      I was in Hong Kong for a few days in the 60’s and almost picked up a Phantom. Almost… I decided to spend my money foolishly instead.

    • grrg63

      Dont really know if its true but I read somewhere that JB got some kind of endorsement deal from Vox for a while so whoever was playing guitar & bass had to use a Vox on stage.

      • It appears all gear including the drums and amps are Vox. So that sounds legit. Man, that kit looks rickety by today’s standards. But does that rhythm section sound sweet!!

  2. I feel good !!!!!!

  3. His show is still the best that here ever was! I saw him a year before this performance, at Madison Square Garden, in the round. To this day, it is still the best concert that I’ve ever seen. The band was tight, and James danced on every square inch of the stage. (it was a huge stage!)
    Thanks for sharing!

  4. ooooooo weeee!!! james is the originator of funk! he had such a high standard on the tight groove. nothing less. love this vid!

  5. As Pro. Bass player i am amazed listing to the bass lines ,

  6. That song Cold Sweat still bring the house down!! Terrific raw drummer n that Bass humming!!

  7. And I FEEL GOOD ! There is only one James Brown …He is the Funkified one ! Bass on !!

  8. Mike Matthews

    First off, that’s just tight, solid grooving. Second, I couldn’t help and recall some of the ‘old school’ SNL episodes with Eddie Murphy’s ‘Hot Tub’ skit. CLASSIC !

  9. DOES IT GET ANY FUNKIER???

  10. Kevin, Christian McBride here. Listen, that’s not Bernard Odum on this clip. It’s Charles Sherrell (aka “Sweet Charles” Sherrell). Bernard Odum is playing on the ’68 Hollywood Palace clip, not the ’69.

  11. grrg63

    Dont really know if its true but I read somewhere that JB got some kind of endorsement deal from Vox for a while so whoever was playing guitar & bass had to use a Vox on stage.

  12. The dancer in the back next to the drums! Haha, So funky!