Something You May Not Have Known: James Brown – the godfather of radio?
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Great look back. Thanks, Scott.
Enjoy getting the facts. Had always heard Mr. Brown helped stop the riots in Augusta. This makes sense that he used his radio station in the efforts. I have a nice collection of James Brown books in our Auben Realty library, if you would like to review them. I did have the opportunity to meet Mr. Brown on several occasions. I mistakenly called him James and he was quick to point out he preferred Mr. Brown. Have to love it. Appreciate your columns. Wealth of information. Keep up the good work.
Yeah I used to see him on occasion riding around in that red Mercedes or some similar car back in the day. His music is deeply missed by many people. I remember when Michael Jackson came into town for his funeral, which no one knew about that until he was gone back out of town.
I never formally met James Brown, but he did make a personal appearance at the Augusta Book Exchange, I managed, when it was located on upper Broad Street. The shop next door sold beauty shop products was at that time was closing. He and another gentleman entered, Brown standing at the door while the other man ask me questions about the store. Several years before, while student teaching 8th grade social study AR Johnson, I challenged the class to write an essay during Black History – on being Black. There was no real interest. I learned that James Brown was to have a concert in Augusta, I contacted WRDW, told them my project and they sent four tickets for the event. When I announced a free ticket was to be the prize for the top four, their attitude changed. WRDW read the top four over the air. However the real kicker of this story was when a student ask in front of the class what was it like to be white? I was taken aback – as I had no ready answer for the question, I said, “I’ll get back with you.”
One of Jay Jeffries’ earliest jobs was working for a James Brown radio station, and he has great stories to tell.
James Brown was a kind and humble gentleman. He happened by a party of severely disabled people at a down town hotel. They had music played by staff. James Brown greeted each person at the party, and performed a concert. The party goers were awed and honored by James Browns kindness and generous spirit. It was a blessed evening.