<P> On August 26 , 2013 , Universal selected Chadwick Boseman to play the lead role of James Brown . Boseman did all of his own dancing and some singing . The soundtrack is live recordings of James Brown . On September 17 , Universal announced an open casting call for actors , musicians , and extras for different roles in the biopic , which was held on September 21 . On September 30 , Taylor cast Viola Davis to play Susie Brown and Octavia Spencer to play Aunt Honey . On October 21 , Nelsan Ellis joined the cast of film to portray Bobby Byrd , Brown 's long - time friend . Lennie James joined the cast on October 23 , to play the role of Brown 's father Joseph `` Joe '' James . Jill Scott and Dan Aykroyd were added on October 31 ; Scott played Brown 's wife while Aykroyd played Ben Bart , the President of one of New York City 's largest talent agencies Universal Attractions Agency . </P>
<P> On August 26 , 2013 , Universal selected Chadwick Boseman to play the lead role of James Brown . Boseman did all of his own dancing and some singing . The soundtrack is live recordings of James Brown . On September 17 , Universal announced an open casting call for actors , musicians , and extras for different roles in the biopic , which was held on September 21 . On September 30 , Taylor cast Viola Davis to play Susie Brown and Octavia Spencer to play Aunt Honey . On October 21 , Nelsan Ellis joined the cast of film to portray Bobby Byrd , Brown 's long - time friend . Lennie James joined the cast on October 23 , to play the role of Brown 's father Joseph `` Joe '' James . Jill Scott and Dan Aykroyd were added on October 31 ; Scott played Brown 's wife while Aykroyd played Ben Bart , the President of one of New York City 's largest talent agencies Universal Attractions Agency . </P>
who did the vocals for get on up
who did the vocals for get on up
Chadwick Boseman live recordings of James Brown
Chadwick Boseman live recordings of James Brown