James Brown
ListenPlease, Please, Please · 1956
James Brown with the Famous Flames — the 1956 recording of “Please, Please, Please.”
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1956 · Federal
Please, Please, Please / Why Do You Do Me
The Famous Flames were still introducing themselves to listeners when Federal printed a miniature biography around the labels of their debut single. “Please, Please, Please” turned James Brown’s insistent plea into the group’s first hit. [1] [2]
| Accession | OMMA-0082 |
|---|---|
| Artist | James Brown with the Famous Flames |
| Release | 1956 · United States |
| Label | Federal · 45-12258 |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl single · 45 rpm |
| Issue | “Dee Jay Special” promotional issue |
| Runouts | A: F-45-17809-2 B: F-45-1191-2 |
| Recorded grade | VG |
Release history and significance
The song began on record with the Flames crowded around one microphone in the basement of Macon radio station WIBB. Producer Ralph Bass heard the demo and went after the group; they drove to Cincinnati to record for Federal on 4 February 1956. [2]
King Records owner Syd Nathan disliked the result and initially refused to release it. Bass persisted, and “Please, Please, Please” reached the national R&B top five. The song’s repeated appeal, delivered with gospel intensity, established a dramatic style Brown would carry onto much larger stages. [2] The recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001. [4]
This promotional copy addresses the disc jockey directly. Its short biography names the singers and introduces Brown as the lead vocalist, making the label itself part of the effort to turn a regional group into a nationally known act. [1]
Market context
Discogs recorded a US$30 sale on 29 April 2017 for another Federal promotional listing of this debut single. [3]
Physical Description
Black vinyl with white Federal promotional labels and black printing. The labels carry “Complimentary,” “Dee Jay Special” and “Not for Sale,” together with a short group biography and personnel details. No inserts accompany the disc.
Condition
Graded VG. The disc has surface scuffing and a minor edge warp reported not to affect play. The labels show age toning, light scuffing and staining, particularly on the A-side, while the printing remains legible.
Provenance
Acquired through eBay from luttrellsfiveanddime on 15 January 2026.
Sources
- Discogs, James Brown with the Famous Flames — release 24171572. White promotional labels with printed biography and personnel.
- Harry Weinger and Cliff White, The Legacy, James Brown official website. Demo recording, Ralph Bass, Cincinnati session and the single’s reception.
- Discogs, James Brown with the Famous Flames — release 5168260. Another promotional listing and its reported 2017 sale.
- Please, Please, Please (James Brown song), discographic overview. 2001 Grammy Hall of Fame induction, with reference to the Recording Academy listing.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.