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Augusta Soul was created to celebrate the sound, spirit, and cultural heartbeat of the Augusta area. The name is inspired by the city’s deep connection to soul and funk music, most famously through James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, who grew up in Augusta and helped shape the rhythm of American music.
But Augusta’s soul story is bigger than one artist. It lives in the historic stages, churches, neighborhoods, murals, museums, and landmarks that continue to carry the city’s musical legacy. From the Lenox Theatre site and the James Brown statue to The Soul Bar, the Augusta Museum of History, and the Sharon Jones Amphitheater across the river in North Augusta, the CSRA’s connection to soul can be seen and felt throughout the community.
Augusta Soul honors that legacy while bringing it to life in a new way at SRP Park. It is a tribute to the artists who moved the world, the places that shaped the sound, and the fans who give this community its rhythm today.
James Brown grew up in Augusta and became one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century. His music helped define soul and funk, and his impact can still be felt across R&B, hip-hop, pop, dance, and live performance today. The Augusta Museum of History notes that Brown grew up in Augusta during the Great Depression and World War II before becoming an international music icon.
Sharon Jones, the powerful soul and funk singer known for fronting Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, is another important connection to the area. North Augusta’s amphitheater was renamed in her honor after a unanimous city council vote in 2020, and the venue continues to host concerts and community events along the Savannah River.
The James Brown Family Foundation, Inc. began in April of 2007 to continue a legacy of charitable giving started by James Brown.
The James Brown Family Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization created in accordance with the wishes of James Brown, to continue his legacy of charitable giving and to see the world as he did, bringing hope to those who are less fortunate.
Through The James Brown Family Foundation, our commission is to expand James Brown’s vision , touching those here at home and around the world to assist underprivileged children and impoverished families through our initiatives and projects.
J.A.M.P. is a Musical, instrumental, initiative year-round hub designed for the youth to discover their musical ability to “Staying on the Good Foot.” Founder Deanna Brown-Thomas, daughter of the Late “Godfather of Soul” collaborated with various educational consultants and music educators across the country to form this awesome melodic, educational academy. Headquartered in Augusta, Georgia— the stomping grounds to the Late James Brown, the hardest-working man in the business— J.A.M.P! is a non-profit musical village that operates solely on small grants, donations and tuition. J.A.M.P!’s intentions are to motivate, educate and inspire children through the universal language of music and enrich their hidden musical abilities.