James Brown. A clip from the documentary, "The Night James Brown Saved Boston", discusses the effect of Live at the Boston Garden, April 5, 1968 in the backdrop of President Lyndon Johnson's statements on Dr. King and news reports of rioting across the United States.
In the aftermath of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination by James Earl Ray on April 4, 1968, rioting broke out in cities across the country. James Brown had been scheduled to perform at the Boston Garden on April 5th. Boston Mayor Kevin White had initially wanted to cancel all public events, including James Brown's show. As there was concern that the cancellation of the show might cause an escalation of the crisis. it was agreed that James Brown's show would go on. The show, one of the greatest in Boston's history, went on and the city of Boston remained relatively calm. James Brown consoled his mourning audience, dedicated the show to the memory of Dr. King and was instrumental in keeping the peace on the streets of Boston.

Video transcript:

President Johnson: The life of a man who symbolized the freedom and faith of America has been taken but it is the fiber and the fabric of the republic that is being tested.

Narrator: President Johnson issued an appeal to the nation at the white house today, a day in which the war in Vietnam was pushed into the background while the violation in America streets. In late afternoon, the smoke of racial vandalism drifted across the white house itself and President Johnson declared a state of emergency. That declaration resulted in the virtually unthinkable act. The arm, regular army troops deployed to protect the Capital and the White House. Boston too is being protected by a force of several thousands guards man mobilized after a day of racial confrontations.

One hour a night, you are going to have a great memorial service. You turn the Brown concern into a memorial service. We are going to broadcast that live and I assume you feel that, that will have an effect in the community.

While I am hoping its one vow that led of some steam and I think it is appropriate place to happen because it's a peaceful gathering and that's synonymous with everything that King did.

Want more of Shout Factory's best picks? GO TO:
http://www.shoutfactory.com/ten
Want more James Brown, go to Shout Factory:
http://www.shoutfactory.com/jamesbrown"