James Brown, Godfather of Soul, Pace-Setter and Funkmaster

James Brown is the originator of funk and a major figure of 20th century popular music and dance. Brown profoundly influenced the development of many different musical genres.As an adult, Brown legally changed his name to remove the "Jr." designation. In his spare time, Brown spent time practicing his various skills in Augusta-area stalls.

In 1952, while Brown was still in reform school, he met future R&B legend Bobby Byrd, who was there playing baseball against the reform school team. Byrd saw Brown perform there and admired his singing and performing talent. As a result of this friendship, Byrd's family helped Brown secure an early release after serving three years of his sentence. The authorities agreed to release Brown on the condition that he would get a job and not return to Augusta or Richmond County


In 1955, Brown and Bobby Byrd's sister Sarah performed in a group called "The Gospel Starlighters". Eventually, Brown joined Bobby Byrd's vocal group, the Avons, and Byrd turned the group's sound towards secular rhythm and blues. After the group's name was changed to The Flames, Brown and Byrd's group toured the Southern "chitlin' circuit". The group eventually signed a deal with the Cincinnati, Ohio-based label Federal Records, a sister label of King Records. Brown's early recordings were fairly straightforward gospel-inspired R&B compositions, heavily influenced by the work of contemporary musicians such as Ray Charles, Little Willie John, Clyde McPhatter and Little Richard.

And all in all, Brown set the pace when Bobby Byrd found him and the rest would be history in what would evolve over the years and without Byrd I'm not sure if Brown would have emerged. But Brown's amazing talent with the help of Byrd wou...ld influence upcoming folks in the likes of Sly and His Family Stone, Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, Booker T. & the M.G.s and casts at the eruption of Motown and a Michael Jackson that would emulate the moves and dacesteps...His legacy lives!!




The would be Soul Brother #1, Godfather of Soul and Minister of New, New Super Heavy Funk, James Brown taps, jumps and performs on The Lloyd Thaxton Show at the KCOP-TV Studios in Los Angeles, February 1962


Godfather of Soul James Brown performs for US Soldiers in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Date: June 01, 1968

James Brown and The Famous Flames rocks the Apollo Theater. (L-R): Johnny Terry, Bobby Byrd, Bobby Bennett and James Brown (Summer 1964)

James Brown stands before his private jet. Date: July 18, 1968.