James Brown’sGospel Roots

James Brown toured the world singing super soul hits. He owned radio stations, and won Grammy awards, and other musical awards. He started out singing in gospel quartets at his church in Augusta, Georgia. He later transformed gospel musical into secular music centered in the emotions of a soul singer. His dynamic dances during live performances came from the church. He copied the ‘shouting’ dance style in the church and did the same dances on stage.

Many did not know that James Brown owned and published a gospel magazine entitled Second Coming. The magazine featured gospel artists and kept readers abreast of current events nationwide.

James Brown owned WJBE (James Brown Enterprises), the first black owned radio station in Knoxville, Tennessee. He purchased the station for $75,000 in 1967.

The world called James Brown many things. The Godfather of Soul. The hardest-working man in show business. Soul Brother No. 1. He was the world's most energetic singer, a man who surveyed his own course and changed the musical landscape to his liking. He was a black music scholar, writer, and arranger. He brought different kinds of people together as one through his music.