The Godfather of Soul: James Brown

Watch here, read the article, and discuss the questions below.

James Brown: GFoS

James Brown was never one to keep the noise down—when he performed, the band would blast out horn riffs while the drums boomed out with unstoppable funk energy. On stage, he would belt out his trademark raspy vocals, sometimes so fiercely that it seemed like nothing could drown out his voice.

His signature yells and screams could grate on the ears of those unaccustomed to his style, but to fans, they were electric. During a live show, you’d often hear the brass section peal out a triumphant fanfare, only for James to suddenly burst out with a soulful cry that made the crowd lose their minds.

The excitement in the room would go up as the music reached a fever pitch, then slowly die down during a soft bridge, allowing the audience to listen out for the subtle guitar licks or the faint shuffle of the hi-hat. Sometimes James would cut the music sharply to shut out all sound, letting the tension build before the groove came roaring back.

Even when a song began to trail off, there was always the feeling that the energy might explode again at any second—because with James Brown, the funk never truly stopped.

1. blast out

Definition: To produce a loud sound, especially music, from speakers or instruments.

Example: The DJ blasted out the latest hit as the crowd danced.

Question: What kind of music would you like to blast out at a party?

2. belt out

Definition: To sing or perform loudly and with passion.

Example: She belted out the national anthem with confidence.

Question: What song would you feel comfortable belting out in front of an audience?

3. grate on

Definition: To irritate or annoy someone, especially through a repeated sound or behavior.

Example: The constant buzzing from the streetlight grated on his nerves.

Question: What sounds really grate on you when you’re trying to concentrate?

4. boom out

Definition: To make a deep, loud sound.

Example: The announcer’s voice boomed out across the stadium.

Question: Where have you heard a voice boom out in a dramatic way?

5. drown out

Definition: To make it impossible to hear something because of a louder noise.

Example: The roar of the crowd drowned out the referee’s whistle.

Question: What could easily drown out your voice in a busy café?

6. keep the noise down

Definition: To be quiet or reduce noise levels.

Example: Please keep the noise down—the baby’s sleeping.

Question: When do you usually have to keep the noise down?

7. peal out

Definition: To ring or sound loudly, especially bells or musical notes.

Example: Church bells pealed out in celebration of the wedding.

Question: When have you heard something peal out to mark a special occasion?

8. shut out

Definition: To block or exclude a sound, sight, or person.

Example: He closed the windows to shut out the street noise.

Question: What would you do to shut out distractions while studying?

9. go up

Definition: To increase in volume, intensity, or level.

Example: The cheering went up when the team scored.

Question: What’s an example of excitement suddenly going up in a crowd?

10. die down

Definition: To become weaker or quieter after a period of activity or noise.

Example: The storm finally died down after several hours.

Question: When was the last time a loud argument you heard died down?

11. listen out

Definition: To pay attention in order to hear something.

Example: Listen out for your name when they call the winners.

Question: What would you listen out for if you were waiting for important news?

12. burst out

Definition: To suddenly begin doing something, especially speaking, laughing, or crying.

Example: He burst out laughing at the joke.

Question: When was the last time you burst out laughing unexpectedly?

13. trail off

Definition: To gradually become quieter and stop.

Example: Her voice trailed off as she realized no one was listening.

Question: When have you heard someone’s voice trail off in the middle of a story?