Did You Know...

Born May 3, 1933 in Barnwell, South Carolina, during the Great Depression, James Joseph Brown, Jr. was forced to grow up quickly. He helped support his family by picking cotton and shining shoes. Eventually his family relocated to Augusta, Georgia, where at 16, Brown was convicted of armed robbery and sent to a juvenile detention center. James's youth was not headed toward fame and success, but that certainly changed when Brown befriended Bobby Byrd in prison. Byrd's family worked to have James released after serving only three years, on condition that he would find a job. He pursued many career paths including boxing and baseball (as a pitcher), but a leg injury would end his baseball playing days. Thereafter, James focused on his true love, making music.

Brown entered the musical scene in the 1950's singing gospel music with 'The Gospel Starlighters;' Sarah Byrd (Bobby's sister) was also a member of the group. Brown then teamed up with Bobby Byrd and his rhythm and blues group, 'The Famous Flames,' later 'James Brown and the Famous Flames.' As they toured the South, James' electrifying music caught on, and they soon signed with Cincinnati-based King Records. National recognition came in 1963 when the band's self-financed album, Live at the Apollo was released. James and the band's funky sound continued evolving, and led to a ton of well-known singles: 'Out of Sight (1964),' 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag (1965),' 'I Got You (I Feel Good) (1965),' 'Cold Sweat (1967),' and many more!

James Brown is still a world-class entertainer whose tickets and other memorabilia will one day be collector's items. In addition to his revolutionary musical career, his multiple appearances on television and on the movie screen (including Blues Brothers 2000) have earned Brown a special place in the hearts of fans. In 1993, Augusta's 9th Street was renamed 'James Brown Boulevard' in honor of the legend. Unconfirmed rumors also state that it was Brown, not Michael Jackson, who invented the 'moonwalk.' Your friends and family will love you when you surprise them with tickets for one-of-a kind performer James Brown!