It is amazing to me the incomparable talent that has come from my hometown of Augusta, GA. In honor of Black History month, I wish to highlight Mr. James Brown.
He is one of the most famous, important, and influential artists of the 20th century.
This global icon is known as the “Godfather of Soul.” Although he was born in Barnwell County, SC, he was raised and lived much of his life in Augusta. In high school, I passed by his house on Walton Way every day.
His many talents include singer, dancer, musician, songwriter, record producer, and bandleader.
One of the things that stands out to me apart from his unsurpassed talent is the positive leadership role he played in the tumultuous civil rights era.
Here’s a personal story about him: My friend Emily’s mom, also named Emily, grew up in Toccoa, GA. Momma Emily and her twin sister, Mary, had James Brown and his band play at their 16th birthday party!
When I was a young adult, Momma Emily told me that she bumped into James Brown one day at University Hospital in Augusta. She asked him if he remembered playing at her birthday..
He did! He replied something like, “Yes, it was for Emily and Mary, Mary and Emily.”
His awards and recognitions are way too numerous to list. Here is but an inadequate sampling - multiple Grammys including the Lifetime Achievement Award and several songs in the Grammy Hall of Fame, Kennedy Center Honors recipient, and member of the American Songwriters Hall of Fame.
If you ever feel blue, listen to his song “I Feel Good!” Your mood is guaranteed to rise!
WORLD FAMOUS TALENT