Recently, a unique piece of pop culture history landed in my lap – a Gemmy Industries animated James Brown doll. This wasn’t just any hand-me-down; it was a musical, dancing James Brown figure, inherited from my grandson and carrying with it layers of family memories. Initially mute and still, like James Brown momentarily frozen mid-dance move, this doll’s journey back to full performance became a testament to persistence and a fun rediscovery of the iconic “Godfather of Soul.”
Image: Animated James Brown doll in brown vest and black pants, poised to sing and dance, capturing the energetic stage presence of the legendary performer.
This particular James Brown Dancing doll, a “Dancin’ Shoutin’ James Brown” from Gemmy Ind. Corp., 2002, was originally a gift to my grandson from my late brother when he was a toddler. Now, years later, this 19-inch figure, dressed in his signature black and brown faux leather vest emblazoned with “JB,” found its way to me. However, upon arrival, Mr. Brown was silent. He was designed to shout, sing his 1965 hit “I Feel Good,” dance, and even move his mouth in sync with the lyrics. But age and perhaps time spent in storage had taken their toll. Requiring batteries, a task that proved surprisingly challenging initially, he remained a mute tribute to the vibrant performer. My husband and I, armed with a small Phillips screwdriver, were initially defeated by a stubborn battery cover screw. Without a 6-volt adapter as an alternative power source, I was prepared to simply appreciate him as a static, albeit stylish, memento of my brother and the memory of my grandson mimicking James Brown dance moves as a child.
Image: Close-up of the James Brown doll’s head, showcasing his signature processed hairstyle and molded facial features, standing on a black base with an on/off switch.
Fortunately, the silence was short-lived. My husband, ever the handyman, returned to the challenge armed with a larger Phillips screwdriver and an air of determination. “Nothing can defeat me!” he declared, and indeed, he conquered the battery cover. With fresh AA batteries installed, the transformation was immediate. James Brown sprang to life, belting out “I Feel Good” and swaying his hips with that unmistakable James Brown dance rhythm. While his mouth movement was a little off-sync, and one arm remained stubbornly still, it was a massive improvement.
My observant husband quickly diagnosed the arm issue. Upon closer inspection, removing the doll’s vest (the shirt buttons proved to be purely decorative), we discovered a pin connecting the arm mechanism had popped out of its socket. During the vest removal, the pin in the other arm also dislodged! Further examination revealed a crack in the plastic housing of one arm’s pin socket. Undeterred, my husband, with the precision of a seasoned engineer, reinserted the pins and applied glue to the cracked plastic.
Image: Detailed view highlighting the internal mechanism of the doll’s arm, pointing with a red arrow to the plastic lever that connects to the arm movement.
Image: Close up with a red circle highlighting the cracked plastic area near the arm pin socket, showing where glue was applied for repair.
Image: Image showing the repaired arm mechanism with the metal pin reinserted and glue applied around the insertion site, ensuring stability for the dancing motion.
With the glue dried and everything reassembled, my dancing James Brown was almost fully functional! He could turn his head, move both arms, and sway his hips, all while singing and shouting his iconic “Owww, I feel good…” The mouth sync might still be a minor issue, but as my husband joked about fixing that too, I was perfectly content. Seeing him perform again, a miniature embodiment of James Brown’s energetic dance style, was a delight.
Gemmy Industries didn’t stop at just James Brown. As documented in Black Dolls a Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating, Collecting, and Experiencing the Passion, they also created animated figures of Ray Charles and Louis Armstrong. These musical icons, alongside James Brown, represent a unique series of collectible figures celebrating legendary Black musicians.
Image: Photograph from “Black Dolls” book showcasing the Gemmy Industries animated doll series featuring James Brown standing next to Ray Charles at his piano and Louis Armstrong seated with his trumpet.
This James Brown dancing doll is more than just a toy; it’s a piece of musical history, a testament to a legendary performer’s enduring appeal, and a cherished family heirloom brought back to life. It serves as a reminder of James Brown’s incredible stage presence and the joy his music and dance moves have brought to generations. And, on a personal note, it’s a heartwarming connection to family past and present.
