Brown, James | South Carolina Public Radio

"B" is for Brown, James (1933-2006). Musician. Born in Barnwell County, Brown began his career in Augusta in the 1950s when he formed the Flames—the first of a series of backing bands that would contribute to the evolution of his trademark sound. His first hit came with the 1956 release of “Please, Please, Please.” A consummate showman, Brown gave his audiences the total experience of singing, dancing, and showbiz spectacle. His appearances recorded as Live at the Apollo are regarded as the peak of his live shows. Brown’s talent led to the creation of a music empire with a vast catalog of recordings, countless performances, and a global appeal that continued well into the twenty-first century. James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul,” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.