Stoney Speaks
Godfather, Son and the Funky Ghost
When all is said and done surely many will think of 2007 in Augusta as the year of the Godfather. Nevermind that in 2006 James Brown was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame, had the Richmond County Civic Center named after him and was the subject of controversy regarding a music festival in his honor before passing away on Christmas Day. The 12 months following his death were filled with all things James Brown. Good or bad, the Funky Ghost of The Godfather refused to go away.
2007 began with a city FINALLY paying tribute to one of its own. Despite being continually slapped in the face by his adopted hometown Brown never forgot or gave up on Augusta, a city he so loved that he proclaimed his admiration on all parts of the globe on any chance he could. Perhaps in death many realized once and for all what they had only now, it was gone. Sadly it took death for Mr. Brown to pack out the newly crowned James Brown Arena. But this would not be the last Augusta would hear of the greatest entertainer ever to claim Augusta as home.
With a city still mourning a grieving widow and son were put out in the street by what has now been revealed to be at least partially a corrupt group of attorneys Mr. Brown thought of as friends. Nevermind that Mr. Brown’s family could have possibly stepped in and assisted a woman the Godfather of Soul so loved and a small child. In the midst of Christmas time no less. So much for goodwill towards all.
But through all the bickering and legal battles a small light of the Funky Ghost still managed to shine through.
Augustans of all color and background came out on a cold dreary day to say goodbye to a music legend, icon and innovator. Even the self-proclaimed King of Pop made an appearance that day. The tribute was incredible, the spirit immense.
In May thousands gathered downtown for a James Brown celebration like no other. If even for just a few hours the players in the James Brown story gathered together to pay respects to the one person they had in common. What a night! A funky birthday cake, James Brown projected on the side of Blue Sky Kitchen, dancers, singing. For a moment, at least, the Funky Ghost of James Brown was at peace.
As summer slipped into fall newspapers were filled with the on going battle for Mr. Brown’s estate. Sometime in the winter beautiful Christmas decorations were added around the statue on Broad Street as 2007 slowly began to creep to a quiet finale.
What will we hear about James Brown in 2008? About his son? Only the Funky Ghost knows. The rest of us will just have to wait and see.
Happy New Year,
Stoney
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