Location notes: During downtown Augusta's major construction project, this site may be hard to navigate from time to time. 

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. 

This audio clip comes courtesy of Deanna Brown Thomas, one of James Brown’s fiercest champions. As his daughter, she’s carried on his legacy, continuing his mission to uplift children and families. A true force in preserving her father’s vision.

Location notes: During downtown Augusta's major construction project, this site may be hard to navigate from time to time. 
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.

Sarah LaTonya Brown-Fegan—Mr. Brown’s eldest grandchild and former WAAW The Boss Radio employee—shares powerful memories of her grandfather's unforgettable moments at this iconic venue.

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.

Deanna Brown Thomas—James Brown’s daughter and tireless champion of his legacy—recalls his childhood days living with Aunt Honey at this very spot.

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.
Minnesota Fatz—local radio personality and one-time member of James Brown’s team—spotlights Brown’s devotion to kids and families, a legacy still celebrated here each year.

Location notes: During downtown Augusta's major construction project, this site may be hard to navigate from time to time. 
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.
The late Don “Ramblin’” Rhodes—journalist for more than 50 years—recalls how James Brown took great pride in performing at this theatre, once marked by segregation.

This arena is currently being rebuilt and is an active construction site.
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.

Jaida Jenkins, a proud JAMP alum, spotlights the arena’s legendary ties to the Godfather of Soul—where James Brown lit up the stage countless times, threw a star-studded birthday bash, and was even honored with one of his memorial events.

The James Brown Statue is in storage and the location is currently under construction until further notice.
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.

Before his passing in 2023, Augusta’s own Don “Ramblin” Rhodes wasn’t just a journalist—he became a trusted friend of James Brown, penning an authorized story of the Godfather of Soul’s life and legacy. Here, he shares his memories from the day of the statue unveiling.

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.

Reverend Larry Fryer recalls how a young James Brown—without a piano of his own—would slip into the church to practice, discovering his sound on the very keys that shaped his earliest music.

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.

Radio personality Cher Best reflects on James Brown’s early schooling—and his lifelong passion to ensure every child had the chance to learn.

Location notes: During downtown Augusta's major construction project, this site may be hard to navigate from time to time. 
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.

DJ and infamous downtown icon Coco Rubio shares memories of James Brown in the establishment he has co-owned with his brother, Jayson, since 1995.

Location notes: During downtown Augusta's major construction project, this site may be hard to navigate from time to time. 
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.
This legendary audio memory about WAAW is brought to you by the one and only Danny Ray—the iconic 'cape man' and emcee for the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Sadly, we lost Mr. Ray in 2021, making this recording from the original 'hype man' all the more priceless. A true piece of musical history.

The Lenox may no longer be standing, but its soul-vibe is alive.
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.” Soul starts here.
Though this site is just an empty lot for now, the memories are still alive and kicking! This location's audio is a special throwback from former coworker and legendary local radio personality, Minnesota Fatz.