Page 15 - Augusta VG 2015

Godfather of
Soul, Mr. James
Brown Exhibit

Augusta native and international You’ll see and hear how Mr. Brown
music icon, James Brown, won three wrestled Southern gospel, rhythm
Grammies, earned 44 Gold Records and soul, and blues into the
and was named number seven on mainstream. He disposed of the
Rolling Stone’s list of Top Artists of conventional verse and chorus
All Times. After seeing the Augusta structure and shifted the musical
Museum of History’s exhibit, you’ll interest from the downbeat to the
understand why. upbeat, distilling his music to its
essential drum-like rhythm, a
In print, videos and audio system he called “the One.” This
recordings, it follows Mr. Brown’s percussive sound was a forerunner
rise from poverty to world-renowned of funk and soul.
musician, civil rights activist and His freedom from musical
forefather of funk and soul. conventions influenced Booker T
and the MGs, Mick Jagger, Michael
Concert posters document his Jackson, David Bowie, Usher, Prince,
universal fame. A satin jumpsuit and MC Hammer and Justin Timberlake.
one of his signature capes highlight His legendary moves inspired break
his flamboyant style. Moving tributes dancing and artists such as Michael
capture his musical genius. Jackson. Footage of Mr. Brown
rehearsing the Bugaloo, the Funky
As a child, Mr. Brown swept the floors Chicken, the Mashed Potatoes, the
of Augusta’s Trinity CME Church to Camel Walk, the Popcorn, and the
play their piano. Discovering his love Robot demonstrate the impact he
for music at an early age. had on dance.
Soul Brother Number One rests in
Mr. Brown joined Bobby Byrd’s rhythm peace, but his spirit lives on.
and blues group, which became
The Famous Flames. They barreled
though Dixie like a freight train.

Augusta Museum of History
560 Reynolds Street 706. 722-8454 AugustaMuseum.org