Augusta Georgia Experience Guide - 2020 - 15

Welcome

Experience James Brown
at the Augusta Museum
of History.

HEART OF AUGUSTA
James Brown's soul still resonates.

James Brown photo courtesy of Getty Images

I

By Keidrian Cofer

n 1993, The Godfather of Soul, James Brown,
recorded a mid-tempo single titled GeorgiaLina. It expressed the love Mr. Brown had for
the city just across the state line: "I tasted the soil on
both sides of the line." He would carry that sentiment
throughout his life.
Born in Barnwell, S.C., Brown moved to Augusta in
the early 1940s to live with his aunt. As a child, he was
poverty-stricken. He worked at a shoeshine stand to
make money and stopped attending school in seventh
grade due to insufficient clothing.
Thanks to a God-given gift and incredible work
ethic, Brown achieved worldwide stardom as a singer,
songwriter, and show-stopping performer. He was
dubbed "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business."
After gaining notoriety in the South, he moved to New
York City in the late 1950s to record what would be the
first of a string of hits.
In the 1970s, James Brown and his wife Dee Dee
moved from New York back to Augusta to raise their
family. He purchased a house on Walton Way. He

would later build a sprawling estate in Beech Island,
S.C., but Augusta was still home.
"Dad always felt right at home in downtown
Augusta on Broad Street," says his daughter, Deanna
Brown Thomas. She says he would stop and give
money to anyone in need. It reminded him of how
far he'd come.
Thomas says giving back to the community is
second nature to her because of her father. She's
president of the James Brown Family Foundation.
Under her leadership the foundation has continued
the James Brown Turkey and Toy Giveaways
started by Mr. Brown in the 1990s.
James Brown's legacy is best felt through
J.A.M.P., James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils.
Thomas founded the nonprofit youth music
school in 2011 to keep the music going for
generations to come.
In spirit, James Brown remains an innovator,
trailblazer, and a reminder that with drive and
dedication, anything is possible.

EXPERIENCE THIS
The James Brown
Family Historical Tour,

offered by the family
foundation, highlights
landmarks from
Brown's early life.
Tours take place every
Saturday at 11 a.m.
Book online at jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.

Go in-depth and get
to know the man
behind the legend
at the Augusta
Museum of History's
incredible James
Brown exhibit.
Learn more at
augustamuseum.org

Visit Augusta.com

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Augusta Georgia Experience Guide - 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Augusta Georgia Experience Guide - 2020