Augusta's Legendary James Brown

Augusta is proud to have played such an important role in the life of a world renowned artist and is thankful Mr. Brown called Augusta Home.  We hope you will feel a little closer to Augusta's most famous son after you visit Augusta.

The Young James Brown

When James Brown was growing up in Augusta, he lived in very poor conditions.  He lived with an aunt who ran a prostitution house and was in trouble with the law often.  To help ends meet, James would do odd jobs and look for ways to make extra money. One of these ways was by entertaining soldiers with his dancing and sometimes singing.

Trinity CME Church
818 8th Street
At an early age, James Brown was fascinated with music. A friend taught him how to play the piano, and he took to it right away.  James' 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. In return, the church would let him practice his music on their sanctuary piano. Today the church congregation has moved, but the building operates as a community center.

Former Site of WRDW Radio Station
300 Block of 8th Street
Even as a boy, the Godfather of Soul was quick on his feet and found his talent for dance could earn him cash. When he was just a little boy, James would dance on the steps of WRDW radio station. Soldiers would gather to watch and throw him money to see, even then, his one-of-a-kind moves.

The Legendary James Brown

James Brown Statue
Broad Street between 8th & 9th Streets
Have your picture taken with the Godfather of Soul's Bronze statue.  A camera is in place allowing you to strike a pose with the Hardest Working Man in Show Business.  The statue depicts Mr. Brown mid-career and captures him as so many remember seeing him on state.  It also honors Mr. Brown for his many musical achievements, including 1983 Georgia Music Hall of Fame Inductee, 1986 Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, and 2003 Kennedy Center Honoree.

Corner of James Brown Blvd. and Broad Street
In 1993, the City of Augusta renamed part of 9th Street James Brown Blvd. in honor of Mr. Brown. As a child, Mr. Brown spent many hours along 9th Street, where he would shine shoes and sing and dance for change. Dyess Park just down the street at 902 James Brown Blvd. is where the star held his annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, a tradition of giving back to the community that Mr. Brown's children continue today.

Augusta Museum of History
560 Reynolds Street
See some of Mr. Brown's classic dance moves as you watch his concerts' on DVD...listen to some of his all time hits and learn about his national role in race relations as you take in the most comprehensive collection of Mr. Brown's life, legacy and contribution to music.  The exhibit features performance attire, family photographs and much more.

Imperial Theatre
744 Broad Street
Before leaving on world tours, Mr. Brown and his band the Soul Generals would rehearse at the Imperial Theatre.  It is also where he held his toy giveaways to needy children at Christmas, a tradition which continues in his honor today.

Bell Auditorium
712 Telfair Street
James Brown has performed many concerts in Augusta over the years, many of them inside the Bell Auditorium.  It is also where he recorded a large part of his live album, Sex Machine.

Other Points of Interest

Walker Memorial Gardens Cemetery
611 Laney Walker Blvd. Ext.
James Brown's father Joe Brown and former wife Adrienne Brown are both buried here.

Silas X. Floyd School
921 Florence Street
Where he attended elementary school.  Brown dropped out in the 5th grade but repeatedly acknowledged regretting doing so and urged kids to stay in school.  He even recorded a song titled Don't be a Dropout. At the time of his death, Mr. Brown was making plans to turn the school into a music center.

Former Brown Family Home
3056 Walton Way Extension
Home to James Brown and his family in the 1970s. It is the first home Mr. Brown lived in upon returning to Augusta as a star.

Soul Bar
984 Broad Street
Dedicated in sorts to Mr. Brown. A plethora of James Brown mementos and memorabilia adorns the walls.

A Few of Mr. Brown's Favorite Places to Eat

T-Bonz Restaurant
2856 Washington Road
Along Washington Road, one of his favorite place to eat. Ask to be seated in the James Brown Corner and order one of his favorites from the menu.

S&S Cafeteria
616 Walton Way
Another favorite place to get home cooking.

Visit these special spots in Augusta!
Download the James Brown Brochure and take your own tour.