It's Your Thing: Live at Yankee Stadium (1970) – The Lost Soul Concert Film

In the late 1960s, soul music was undergoing a powerful transformation. Gospel roots still ran deep, but funk rhythms and a new sense of artistic independence were beginning to reshape the sound of R&B. 

 

One of the most fascinating visual documents of this moment is the 1970 concert film It's Your Thing: Live at Yankee Stadium.

 

 

 Filmed at Yankee Stadium in New York City on June 21, 1969, the concert was organized by The Isley Brothers to celebrate the success of their hit single “It’s Your Thing.”

The event brought together a diverse lineup of soul, gospel, and pop performers for a massive outdoor concert.

 

Although the movie received a limited theatrical release in 1970, it has never been widely distributed on home video.

As a result, it has become something of a legendary “lost” soul concert film among collectors and historians.

More than fifty years later, the film remains an exciting snapshot of a pivotal moment in Black music history.

 

The Isley Brothers – Hosts and Headliners

The stars of the show are The Isley Brothers, who organized and financed the event themselves. 

At the time, the group had recently left Motown Records and launched their own label, T-Neck Records. Their new single “It’s Your Thing” became a huge hit and a defining early funk anthem.

 In the film, the Isleys deliver a passionate performance filled with crowd participation. Ronald Isley’s soulful vocals lead the audience through several songs, including their classic “Shout.”

 

 

 

 

 One of the most memorable moments comes when members of the crowd join the band on stage during the finale.

 

The energy is spontaneous and celebratory, capturing the excitement of a band that had just achieved artistic independence.

 Their performance anchors the entire concert and serves as the emotional centerpiece of the film.

 

Patti Austin – A Future Star

One of the most intriguing appearances in the film is by a young Patti Austin, performing early in her career.

 Even at this stage, Austin demonstrates a polished vocal style and confident stage presence. 

 Her performance hints at the major career she would later enjoy as a Grammy-winning jazz and R&B vocalist.

 

For viewers today, her appearance feels like discovering a future star in the making.

 

The Five Stairsteps and Cubie – Family Soul

 

Chicago family group The Five Stairsteps and Cubie bring youthful charm and harmony-rich soul music to the stage.

 Often called “The First Family of Soul,” the group mixes pop sensibilities with smooth R&B vocals. 

Their segment adds a lighter tone to the concert and demonstrates the broad range of styles that existed within the soul music scene.

 

Their upbeat performance fits perfectly into the festival atmosphere of the show.

 

The Edwin Hawkins Singers – Gospel Power

A highlight of the film comes from The Edwin Hawkins Singers, whose gospel performance electrifies the stadium.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fresh off the massive success of their crossover hit “Oh Happy Day,” the choir delivers a powerful display of spiritual energy. Their harmonies fill the stadium as the crowd claps along.

The segment reminds viewers how closely soul music remained connected to gospel traditions during this era.

 

Jackie “Moms” Mabley – Comedy Interlude

 Legendary comedian Jackie “Moms” Mabley provides comic relief between musical performances.

By the late 1960s, Mabley was already an established figure in Black entertainment. Her witty observations and storytelling bring laughter to the enormous crowd.

 Her presence also reflects the structure of many soul revues of the time, which often included comedy alongside music.

The Clara Ward Singers – Gospel Tradition

Another powerful gospel segment comes from The Clara Ward Singers, one of the most influential gospel groups of the twentieth century.

Their performance is intense and emotionally charged. The group’s dramatic delivery transforms the concert atmosphere into something resembling a church revival meeting.

 

The segment demonstrates how gospel music continued to influence the sound and spirit of soul music during this period.

 

 

Judy White – Smooth Soul Vocals

Soul singer Judy White contributes one of the concert’s more intimate moments.

 

Her smooth vocals and expressive delivery showcase the romantic side of R&B. Backed by a tight band, White delivers a polished performance that highlights the songwriting talent associated with the Isley Brothers’ musical circle.

 

Although she never achieved the fame of some of the other performers, her segment adds depth to the film’s lineup.

The Young Gents – Up-and-Coming Soul

The group The Young Gents represents the emerging wave of soul acts during the late 1960s.

 

Their performance features upbeat rhythms and lively harmonies that capture the youthful energy of the era.

 While not widely remembered today, their appearance provides a valuable glimpse into the broader soul music scene of the time.

The Brooklyn Bridge – Pop-Soul Crossover

Pop-soul band The Brooklyn Bridge adds stylistic diversity to the concert lineup.

Known for blending rock, pop, and soul influences, the group had achieved chart success with their hit “The Worst That Could Happen.”

Their appearance demonstrates how soul music was increasingly crossing over into mainstream pop audiences.

The Winstons – Rhythm and Funk

The concert also features The Winstons, a soul group known for their rhythm-heavy sound.

Their music emphasizes strong grooves and energetic instrumentation, hinting at the emerging funk movement that would dominate the early 1970s.

Their performance adds momentum to the concert and reinforces the film’s role as a snapshot of soul music in transition.

Ike & Tina Turner – Explosive Finale

One of the most electrifying segments in the film comes from Ike & Tina Turner.

Although their performance was filmed separately and later added to the movie, it fits perfectly with the high-energy spirit of the concert.

 

 

Tina Turner’s stage presence is extraordinary. Her powerful vocals and dynamic dancing turn the segment into one of the most unforgettable moments in the film.

 

Backed by the Ikettes and Ike Turner’s band, the performance delivers pure rock-soul intensity.

 

Why This Concert Film Matters

It's Your Thing is more than just a concert movie. It is a cultural time capsule documenting a pivotal moment in the evolution of soul music.

The lineup reflects the rich diversity of Black music during the late 1960s, from gospel choirs to funk-driven soul bands. 

 

The film also highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of the Isley Brothers, who financed and produced the project independently.

 

Despite its historical importance, the movie remains largely unavailable today. Archive prints exist, but it has never received a proper commercial home-video release.

For collectors and fans of classic soul, this makes the film one of the most intriguing lost concert documentaries of the era.

Final Thoughts

Watching It's Your Thing: Live at Yankee Stadium is like stepping into the heart of the late-1960s soul music scene.

 

From the gospel power of the Edwin Hawkins Singers to the explosive stage energy of Ike & Tina Turner, the film captures a vibrant mix of musical styles.

  At the center of it all are the Isley Brothers, celebrating their success and showcasing the artists around them.

If the film were ever restored and widely released, it would undoubtedly become an essential entry in the catalog of classic soul concert films.

Until then, it remains a fascinating and rare glimpse into one of the most exciting periods in soul music history.

James Brown and the Civil Rights Movement: The Story Behind “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud”

James Brown’s anthem “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” became a Civil Rights Movement rallying cry. Discover its history, impact, and legacy.

 

 Why James Brown Mattered in the Civil Rights Movement

 

James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul,” is remembered for his electrifying stage presence, innovative sound, and relentless work ethic. But his legacy stretches beyond music—he became a cultural icon during the Civil Rights Movement. 

 

His 1968 anthem “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”* went beyond entertainment; it was a declaration of identity, a rallying cry for empowerment, and one of the most important songs of its era.

This article explores James Brown’s influence during the Civil Rights era, the significance of his anthem, and why his music continues to inspire conversations about race, pride, and resilience.

 

 James Brown’s Early Life and Career: Roots of Resilience

Born in 1933 in Barnwell, South Carolina, and raised in Augusta, Georgia, James Brown grew up under Jim Crow laws in extreme poverty. He worked odd jobs as a child, shined shoes, and even spent time in juvenile detention. These hardships instilled in him both survival instincts and a hunger for success.

By the early 1960s, Brown had already risen to fame with hits like *“Please, Please, Please”* and *“Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag.”* His explosive performances and innovative rhythms redefined soul and gave birth to funk. 

 

But Brown’s rise wasn’t just about music—his determination to own his publishing rights, control his business decisions, and demand respect for his band made him a trailblazer for Black self-determination.

These values would later align with the Civil Rights Movement and fuel his role as more than just a performer.

America in the 1960s: Civil Rights Backdrop

The 1960s were years of both hope and heartbreak. The Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Voting Rights Act (1965) delivered landmark victories, but racial inequality persisted. 

 

African Americans continued to face systemic discrimination, violence, and limited economic opportunities.

When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in April 1968, anger and despair swept across the nation. Meanwhile, the rise of the Black Power movement encouraged pride in African identity, natural hairstyles, and independence. 

Against this tense backdrop, James Brown’s voice carried weight. He wasn’t a politician or preacher, but he had something perhaps even more powerful: a global stage.

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The Making of “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”

### Lyrics That Defined Black Pride

In August 1968, James Brown released *“Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.”* The timing could not have been more urgent. The chorus, shouted by a group of children, rang with pride and defiance:

*“Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud!”*

Brown’s choice to include children emphasized generational empowerment. He wanted young African Americans to see their identity as a source of dignity, not shame. The verses tackled systemic oppression while promoting independence and self-respect. Unlike earlier civil rights anthems that focused on freedom or justice, Brown’s message was about pride in being unapologetically Black.

### Why the Song Became a Civil Rights Anthem

The song soared to **#1 on the R\&B charts** and reached **#10 on the Billboard Hot 100.** Its commercial success ensured the anthem reached audiences far beyond activist circles.

But more importantly, it captured the mood of the time. For a community that had been told for centuries to be silent or submissive, Brown’s call to shout one’s identity proudly was radical. The song became a staple at rallies, protests, and gatherings, embodying the shift from civil rights to Black Power.

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## James Brown’s Role Beyond the Music

James Brown’s influence on the Civil Rights Movement extended far beyond this single anthem.

### Calming Riots After Martin Luther King Jr.’s Assassination

On April 5, 1968, the night after Dr. King’s assassination, Brown was scheduled to perform in Boston. With riots breaking out nationwide, officials considered canceling the show. Instead, Brown persuaded them to let it continue and even arranged for it to be broadcast live on local TV.

During the performance, he spoke directly to the crowd, urging peace and unity. His ability to keep the city calm is still credited with preventing Boston from erupting in violence.

### Promoting Black Economic Empowerment

Brown consistently emphasized financial independence. He urged his audiences to pursue education, buy property, and support Black-owned businesses. His own ventures included radio stations, record labels, and food enterprises. Brown embodied the principle that economic power was just as important as political change.

### Fighting Segregation in the Music Industry

Brown also broke barriers in entertainment. He refused to perform at segregated venues and demanded fair treatment for his band. His insistence on professionalism and respect forced the mainstream music industry to acknowledge the influence of Black performers and audiences.

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## Criticism and Contradictions

James Brown’s political involvement was not without controversy.

* **Relationship with Politicians:** He sometimes associated with leaders like President Richard Nixon, a move that angered many African Americans who saw Nixon as unsupportive of civil rights.
* **Conservative Views:** Brown often stressed discipline, self-reliance, and personal responsibility, themes that some activists felt aligned more with conservative values than with radical activism.
* **Personal Life:** His later years were marred by legal troubles and personal controversies, complicating his image as a cultural role model.

Despite these contradictions, Brown’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and Black cultural pride remain undeniable.

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## Lasting Legacy of “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”

### Influence on Future Generations

More than fifty years later, *“Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”* remains a touchstone. Hip-hop artists like Public Enemy and Kendrick Lamar have sampled or referenced the anthem, while Beyoncé has drawn inspiration from Brown’s unapologetic celebration of Black culture.

### The Song in Classrooms and Black History Studies

Today, the anthem is studied in schools and universities as part of African American history. It’s not just a song—it’s a case study in how popular music can influence politics and culture. Teachers often use it to illustrate how cultural pride became a key component of the Civil Rights Movement.

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## Conclusion: James Brown’s Message of Pride

James Brown was more than the hardest working man in show business. Through *“Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud,”* he gave voice to a generation searching for affirmation and strength during a turbulent time in American history.

The song was more than entertainment—it was empowerment. It urged millions to embrace who they were with pride, strength, and dignity. By blending music with activism, Brown secured his place not just as the **Godfather of Soul**, but as one of the cultural architects of the Civil Rights era.