Beginning in 1968, as a pivotal member of James Brown's hard working band, Fred Wesley played on numerous hit recordings including: "Say it Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud;" "Mother Popcorn;" and co-wrote tunes such as "Hot Pants".
The lineup would shift occasionally, and, Wesley who'd left Brown's group for a period, in a pay dispute, rejoined as official leader in 1970, beginning a very fruitful period that lasted through 1975.
The J.B's scored several instrumental hits in the early 70s, including: "Pass the Peas," "The Grunt","Gimmie Some More;" and the #1 R&B "Doing It to Death;" on Brown's People Records imprint distributed through Polydor. In 1974 they had three top 40 hits: "Same Beat;" "If You Don't Get It the First Time, Back Up and Try It Again, Party;" and "Damn Right I Am Somebody."
While the J.B.'s sound has most often been associated with three hornmen in particular -- Wesley, along with saxophonists Maceo Parker and Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis, other key J.B.'s in the group included at one time or another: tenor saxman St. Clair Pinckney; saxophonist Jimmy Parker, and a trumpet section consisting of Jerone Jasaan Sanford, Russell Crimes, and Isiah "Ike" Oakley.
Others who played on key recordings included: Bobby Byrd on organ; bassists Fred Thomas or William "Bootsy" Collins and his guitarist brother Phelps "Catfish" Collins, other guitarists included Hearlon "Cheese" Martin and Jimmy Nolen.
Drums were played by either John "Jabo" Starks, or John Morgan joined by conga player Johnny Griggs.
Wesley, along with saxophonist Maceo Parker, helped define the instrumental potentials of funk and are heavily sampled by Hip Hop producers & DJs. Both men left Brown's band in 1975, and spent several years playing with George Clinton's various Parliament/Funkadelic projects, like Bootsy’s Rubber Band, and they recorded a couple of albums specifically focused on their talents, as the spin-off group, The Horny Horns featuring fellow J.B.'s refugee, Pee Wee Ellis.
The various members of the J.B.'s occasionally would get back together for reunions and side projects, including a stint in the 90's performing as The JB Horns, and they recently released a single in 2008, admonishing black youth to have some dignity and Pull Your Pants Up!!
Damn Right I Am Somebody
Fred Wesley & The J.B.'s Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kid asked me, said are you somebody? I said, "Damn right I′m somebody"
What do you say when I say, are you somebody?
Damn right I'm somebody
Lynne Collins, Miss Collins are you somebody?
Yes I am somebody
What she is, she′s a lady
Mr. Ray are you somebody?
Are you somebody brother Pagnit?
You damn right
You sure gotta lotta grit to say that
Are you somebody brother Pat Parker?
You damn right I'm somebody
What about you ah-ah Salaam Alaikum?
Wa'alaikum salam
Well wa′alaikum salam
You know, we speak of love and happiness
To me happiness is Fred Wesley playing his horn
(Playing his horn)
The lyrics to Fred Wesley & The J.B.'s's song Damn Right I Am Somebody are an affirmation of self-worth and confidence in one's identity. The opening lines of "This is a revolution sure shot" suggest that the song is more than just a simple declaration of self; it's a call to action, a rallying cry for people who have been marginalized or oppressed to stand up and claim their rightful place in the world. The question "Are you somebody?" is not just a question, but a challenge to those who have been told that they are nobody or have been made to feel that they are worthless. In response to this challenge, the repeated refrain of "Damn right I'm somebody" becomes a powerful statement of defiance and resistance.
The song continues with a series of call-and-response exchanges between the singer and various members of the band. Each time someone is asked if they are somebody, they respond in the affirmative, and each response is backed up by the funky and soulful horns of Fred Wesley, which punctuate each line with a staccato blast of musical energy. The final lines, which suggest that happiness is found in the act of playing music, reinforce the idea that identity, self-expression, and creativity are all essential components of a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Overall, Damn Right I Am Somebody is a powerful and empowering song that celebrates individuality and self-expression, while also acknowledging the importance of community and collective action.
Line by Line Meaning
This is a revolution sure shot
We are kicking off a major change with this song
Kid asked me, said are you somebody? I said, 'Damn right I'm somebody'
Someone asked me if I was important, and I confidently confirmed that I am indeed important
What do you say when I say, are you somebody?
When I ask you if you are important, what is your response?
Damn right I'm somebody
Yes, I am important
Lynne Collins, Miss Collins are you somebody?
Lynne Collins, are you an important person?
Yes I am somebody
Yes, I am important
What she is, she's a lady
She is not only important, she is also a respected lady
Mr. Ray are you somebody?
Sir Ray, are you an important person?
Yeah right
Yes, I am indeed significant
Are you somebody brother Pagnit?
Pagnit, are you an important person?
You damn right
I am absolutely significant
You sure gotta lotta grit to say that
You are very brave to admit that you are important
Are you somebody brother Pat Parker?
Pat Parker, are you an important person?
You damn right I'm somebody
Yes, I am most definitely important
What about you ah-ah Salaam Alaikum?
And how about you, Salaam Alaikum?
Wa'alaikum salam
Peace be upon you
Well wa'alaikum salam
And peace be upon you as well
You know, we speak of love and happiness
Talking about love and happiness is common
To me happiness is Fred Wesley playing his horn
For me, happiness is listening to Fred Wesley play his horn
(Playing his horn)
He is currently playing his horn.
Writer(s): Brown, Wesley
Contributed by Charlie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.