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Chelsea Brown, James Brown and talk show host Rolanda Watts (front to back) watch the James Brown Birthday Bash at the Bell Auditorium in Augusta.Cindy Blanchard/Augusta Chronicle
| Birthday bash a hit with fans
Performers, friends gather at Bell Auditorium to help Godfather of Soul celebrate another year
 Brown: 'It means so much'
(Quicktime Movie, 10 sec, 807k)
Dan Aykroyd talks with Deanna Brown
(Quicktime Movie, 17 sec, 1.3 MB)
Jim Belushi says happy birthday
(Quicktime Movie, 7 sec, 575k)
 Bash Photos
Web posted May 6, 1997
By Bill Syken
Staff Writer
The Blues Brothers were the first act to bring the crowd at the James Brown Birthday Bash to its feet Monday night, but only one of many to lay accolades at the feet of the Godfather of Soul.
``We would like to dedicate this next song to the Godfather of funk, r&b, soul, hip-hop and all great music,'' said Dan Aykroyd, leading into the Blues Brothers' trademark tune. ``He truly is a Soul Man.''
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James Brown, now 64, performs on stage during his annual Birthday Bash at the Bell Auditorium in Augusta.Cindy Blanchard/Augusta Chronicle
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The Blues Brothers, backed by a killer band, had the crowd rocking through its five-song rhythm revue that included Soul Man, Sweet Home Chicago, Born in Chicago and Everybody. Mr. Aykroyd, Jim Belushi and John Goodman clowned, danced and sang in their trademark shades and dark blue suits and hats. A highlight came when Eddie Floyd joined them onstage for a revved-up version of his soul classic ``Knock on Wood.''
James Brown, now 64, began his set shortly before 11 p.m.
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Dan Aykroyd (left) and Jim Belushi of the Blues Brothers perform at the James Brown Birthday Bash Monday night at the Bell Auditorium in Augusta.Cindy Blanchard/Augusta Chronicle
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The Bell Auditorium was about half-full Monday night for a show that featured one- and two-song performances by many different acts. Rap star Snoop Doggy Dogg, scheduled to perform, did not come to Augusta, thus skewering plans for the anticipated meeting of Doggfather and Godfather. Mr. Brown's manager Larry Fridie said the rapper had to appear in court.
Rolonda Watts, object of a much-publicized proposal from Mr. Brown on her talk show, teased the crowd with the possibility of marriage. She appeared on stage with two of his daughters and referred to them as her ``potential daughters-in-law.''
``Do you think I should marry James Brown?'' she asked the crowd, who, judging by their screams, were divided on the subject.
She later came back on stage and danced briefly with Mr. Brown.
The show brought together many people dear to Mr. Brown. Daughter Yamma Brown, who recently became a doctor of pharmacology, appeared on stage. Butch Lewis, who promoted James Brown's 1991 pay-per-view special celebrating the singer's release from jail, flew in from Las Vegas to be in the audience.
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James Brown, age 64, still feels good as he dances on stage during his annual Birthday Bash at the Bell Auditorium in Augusta.Cindy Blanchard/Augusta Chronicle
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Before the show, outside, Jack Bart, the son of Mr. Brown's former manager Ben Bart, got a big hello from the Godfather of Soul.
So did Nancy Wells, an old friend from Orlando, Fla., who sidled up to Mr. Brown for a photo.
``Watch it now,'' joked Mr. Brown. ``I might not be able to marry Rolonda.''
Mr. Brown had performed Sunday night with The Blues Brothers at the new House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and surprised Mr. Brown with a giant birthday cake during the show.
Mr. Aykroyd befriended Mr. Brown during the shooting of the 1980 film The Blues Brothers.
Many of the other scheduled performers had some personal connection to Mr. Brown.
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James Brown at his annual Birthday Bash at the Bell Auditorium in Augusta Monday night.Cindy Blanchard/Augusta Chronicle
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The opening act, Creative Impressions, was invited after Mr. Brown heard them recording at Studio South in Augusta. Members of the Aiken band Mother of Two, who watched from the audience at the last two bashes, performed this year after having signed with Mr. Brown's company.
Derrick Monk, who produces records for Mr. Brown's company, sang a couple songs before intermission.
``I think it's good anytime a man can be appreciated for doing something for the people,'' Mr. Monk said.
Mr. Brown was happy to see so many of his friends again.
``It makes me feel very, very good,'' he said. ``I know that God is still swinging in there for me.''
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