Sharon Jones, by Renee Williams
Throughout his career, the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, expressed his devotion to Augusta, in his songs, interviews, and with his philanthropy. In the later years of his life, and since his passing on Christmas day 2006, Augusta reciprocated Brown’s love for the city by honoring him with numerous tributes and accolades, including the renaming of Ninth St. as James Brown Boulevard, the erection of a life-sized bronze statue on Broad St., rechristening the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center as James Brown Arena, and housing an interactive exhibit highlighting Brown’s rise to fame at Augusta Museum of History. The annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway and Christmas Toy Giveaway events that Brown sponsored during his lifetime have become annual Augusta traditions. These events as well as Brown's legacy continues to grow due to the dedication of his family members and associates.
In celebration of what would have been Brown’s 82nd birthday on May 3, the Augusta Museum of History is hosting a JB Block Party Tribute on May 1 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event is free to the public. Live performances include J.A.M.P., Sharon Jones, Keith Jenkins, Greg Hester, Derrick Monk, Joel Cruz, Jayson Brown, with a special appearance from R&B-soul singer Meli’sa Morgan.
Deanna Brown Thomas, James Brown’s daughter and president of the James Brown Family Foundation, says, “There are going to be tributes honoring my Dad all around the world in New York, D.C., and even in Copenhagen. There are many things in this world that divides us, but my Dad’s music has the ability to bring us together. This is a time for Augusta to move forward and become one.”
During the 90’s, the Hardest Working Man in Show Business chose Augusta as the city to host his annual birthday bashes. Brown utilized his own resources to bring a diverse group of performers to the area including Slash, Sharon Stone, Tone Loc, MC Hammer, Blues Brothers, the O’Jays, Aaron Tippin, and others.
Augusta native and longtime James Brown guitarist, Keith Jenkins, shared the stage with Brown for these events and fondly recalls, “The birthday bashes were always a blast. We were able to mingle with guests from all genres of music and then cap off the night by performing with the Godfather. What could be better?”
As Maestro for the James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils, Jenkins has been instrumental in nourishing Brown’s legacy in the community and with future generations of children as he brings his knowledge, experience, and musical expertise to classrooms in Augusta.
Brown Thomas affectionately adds, “Keith is able to teach these children. Ninety-nine percent of what these children have learned has been because of Keith. He has been a true blessing to extend his talent to these children. I could not do it without him.”
While on tour with Brown in 2004, Jenkins read about soul and funk singer, Sharon Jones, in a British music magazine. Jenkins later brought Jones to the attention of CoCo Rubio who soon booked Jones at the Soul Bar, thus introducing Jones and her music to her hometown.
Jones reflects, “James Brown has influenced my life in so many ways. When I was a little girl, my brother Henry was doing a skit imitating James Brown in Augusta. Mr. Brown walked in, got on stage, and started dancing. While watching Mr. Brown dance, I turned to look at my Dad and said, “Look Dad! He is floating.” It was magical. It did not look like his feet were even touching the ground. Those are the things that has helped guide my life.”
Brown’s songs continued to guide Jones throughout her life as she faced racial ridicule for being a dark skinned female in the 60s. Jones says, “When James Brown came out with “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud,” I was able to say, “I am a black woman and I am proud of it too.” Brown had a huge impact on my self esteem and being able to look at my own reflection in the mirror.”
Later in life, Brown would once again mark Jones’ direction as she released Dap Dippin’ with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings in 2002. The band received immediate attention for breathing new life in to the old-school funk and soul movement. “I got my band and record deal because of James Brown. The guys were looking for that James Brown groove, and I got in there and did it. It all came so naturally to me because James Brown had been such a big inspiration to me.”
Jones who will be celebrating her own birthday on May 4, will be joining Augusta in honoring Brown's contributions and legacy. Jones will be performing with J.A.M.P. The event coincides with the release of a new tribute album produced by Greg Hester and Keith Jenkins. James Brown tribute album entitled, “Soul Brother Where Art Thou?” featuring Greg Hester, Ivan Neville, John Popper, Col. Bruce Hampton, Kevn Kinney, Chris Unck, members of the James Brown Band, and other artists.
