Think of rock-n-roll, think of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. But the still-sexy septuagenarian, who's wowed generations of fans with his unique style and moves, knows he owes another music icon big time: the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. So how is he paying him back? By producing the Brown biopic, "Get on Up."
"I used to unashamedly borrow (moves from Brown)," Jagger told TODAY's Willie Geist Wednesday as Geist visited him on the film's set. "I kind of dropped them (later). Do some other ones."
Jagger landed the rights to make the Brown film after the perfomer's 2006 death, and tracked down some of Hollywood's biggest behind-the-scenes names to assist, including "The Help" director Tate Taylor and Oscar-winning producer Brian Grazer. The trio brought on Chadwick Boseman, who also played the legendary Jackie Robinson, in "42."
And Boseman is doing an incredible job, said Taylor. "Sometimes I forget to yell, 'Cut!' because I just forget that I'm directing a movie," he said. "I'm mesmerized by him."
Noted Jagger, "James Brown was a fluid, super-aggressive mover, so for Chad to learn to do that is quite an achievement."
Mick Jagger even appears in the film — a youthful version, that is, played by Nick Eversman. Meanwhile, the real-life 70 year old is currently out on the road with the Rolling Stones. And he's always ready to move like, well, Jagger.
"I've been practicing, and doing my moves," he said.
Undoubtedly thinking of James Brown as he does.
"Get on Up" is expected to be in theaters on Aug. 1. Now, check out some of the original's signature moves!