James Brown Journey

Expiration: Feb 28th 2026

Augusta is proud to have played such an important role in the life of a world-renowned musical artist and is grateful Mr. Brown called Augusta home. As you journey through our funky sidewalks on the James Brown Journey, you will walk where Mr. Brown walked and stand where he stood. We hope you enjoy this soul-city journey and feel THE groove of Augusta's most famous son.

On this point-of-interest tour, you will visit the following historic locations from the life of the Godfather of Soul: the Bell Auditorium, Dyess Park, the James Brown Arena, the Imperial Theatre, the site of James Brown's childhood home, site of the Lenox Theatre, Silas X. Floyd School, site of The BOSS radio station, the Augusta Museum of History, the James Brown statue, Mother Trinity CME Church, and the iconic Soul Bar.

You may pick up a supplemental brochure to compliment the tour at our experience center, Augusta & Co at 1010 Broad Street.

Included Venues

See locations on an interactive map.

Augusta Museum of History

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The Augusta Museum of History is home of the largest collection of Mr. Brown’s historical artifacts, which creates a soul-essential recipe that is his story. A gallery full of on-stage threads, interactive audio/visual featurettes, and intimate imagery craft an experience that allows guests to get up close and personal with Mr. Brown’s many facets of performance, philanthropic, and musical genius. As Mr. Brown’s everlasting soul-impression resonates worldwide, there is no shortage of inspiration and genuine respect for The Godfather of Soul. Soul starts here.

Bell Auditorium

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A matriarchal gem in our Entertainment District, The Bell Auditorium embraced Mr. Brown’s dynamite shows throughout his soul-ustrious career. Most notably, the 1969 album, Sex Machine tracks an explosively-stellar performance recorded right here. Sex Machine is often praised by funk aficionados and music industry elite as Mr. Brown’s quintessential masterpiece. This building has been indoctrinated by Soul Brother Number One. “Music has to breathe and sweat. You have to play it live.” Soul starts here.

Brown Boyhood Home

Mr. Brown’s childhood was not void of struggle, hardship, and trouble, but the cards he was dealt paved the way for inspiration, determination, and appreciation. His childhood home was the scene of a dysfunctional family, prostitution and hardship for a little boy who arose from the ruins of poverty to become a legend. Mr. Brown never lost sight of where he came from, and made it his life’s mission to spread love and hope to everyone, everywhere. Soul starts here.

Dyess Park

Empowering hope with a heart of gold, Mr. Brown never lost sight of his humble beginnings. This spot marks the place where his affinity for our community became a traditional event every Thanksgiving. The James Brown Turkey Giveaway is a staple of love that continues to feed those in need to this day. Soul starts here.

Imperial Theatre

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This vaudeville-era theater has set the stage for many legends and was a significant backdrop for Mr. Brown. Serving as a rehearsal venue before leaving on world tours, Mr. Brown and his band the Soul Generals would jam into groove perfection. The Imperial Theatre was also the destination for Mr. Brown’s annual Christmas Toy Giveaway where he would spread cheer and hope to local underprivileged children - a tradition that lives on in his honor today. Soul starts here.

James Brown Arena

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Star power lives and breathes here. Named in honor of The Godfather of Soul in 2006 just months before his death, the James Brown Arena is a premiere host for many touring shows as well as community events. The spirit of Mr. Brown is on the scene, and to all who enjoy a good time, this venue is where it’s at. Mr. Brown said it best - “When I’m on stage, I’m trying to do one thing: bring people joy.” The James Brown Arena does just that. Soul starts here.

James Brown Statue

Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing Augusta’s Son, the one and only Mr. Dynamite - Soul Brother Number One - The Godfather of Soul - Mr. Please Please Please - The Hardest Working man in Show Business - Mr. James Brown! His legacy extends love to everyone with an invitation to stand eye-to-eye, strike a pose, and FEEL GOOD. This statue of honor captures the iconic smile, signature microphone and unmistakable cape that impacted the world of music and universe of love. Get on up, snap a picture, jump back and kiss yourself. Soul starts here.

Mother Trinity CME Church

Mr. Brown was fascinated with the power of music at an early age. When a friend taught him how to play the piano, he took to it right away. Mr. Brown’s family didn’t own a set of keys, so in order to get his fingers on the ivories he started sweeping the wood floors at Trinity CME. The church would let him practice his music on its sanctuary piano. This marked the beginning of one good foot in front of the other. Soul starts here.

Silas X. Floyd School

Where old-school was invented, Mr. Brown attended Silas X. Floyd after moving to this neighborhood in the 1950’s and attended through 7th grade. Known for being the class entertainer, he enlightened fellow classmates and teachers alike with his entertaining genius. After realizing the importance of proper education, he influenced generations to stay in school. He even tracked a song titled “Don’t be a Dropout.” Soul starts here.

Soul Bar

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Bringing the funky good times since 1995, The Soul Bar is pure vibe. Step inside and become mesmerized by an experience of the finest music while being enveloped by memorabilia of eclectic gems that compliment Mr. Brown’s larger than life spirit and dedication to the rhythm and soul of life and music. Greet a friend or a stranger with a slap of five, a cold beer and deposit some good times into your memory bank. Soul starts here.

The BOSS Radio

One of the many radio stations owned by Mr. Brown, WAAW “The Boss” 94.7 FM was a beacon of soul vibrations for our city from the mid-1990s through early 2000s. With its bright, wide studio windows facing the world outside, it was not unusual to see Mr. Brown behind the controls or his beautiful daughter, Deanna, spinning the wheels of steel. This area also marks a full circle for Mr. Brown - as a young James, he would entertain passersby with boss-dance moves and infectious song just a block away at the corner of 8th and Broad Streets. Soul starts here.

The Lenox Theater

A grand theater back in the day, The Lenox was a premiere all-African-American venue that bypassed the segregated oppression of the Jim Crow era and provided stellar entertainment from the likes of Ray Charles, Ethel Waters, and our very own Godfather of Soul. A fledgling Mr. Brown won his first talent contest singing “So Long.” The Lenox may no longer be standing, but its soul-vibe is alive. Soul starts here.