Augusta, Georgia, and the surrounding towns in the Central Savannah River Area boast more than 200 years of entertainment history, including performances by late 18th-century musicians and many of the nation's first superstars. Some of the most memorable moments in the history of the Garden City are captured in the pages of this unique volume. Entertainment in Augusta and the CSRA reveals many famous faces that have made appearances-either for a short time or for life-in the CSRA. Captured in striking vintage images, most of which were culled from the archives of The Augusta Chronicle, are unforgettable visitors ranging from Charlie Chaplin to Elvis Presley. In addition to nationally recognized celebrities-such as Amy Grant, Jayne Mansfield, Hulk Hogan, Jessye Norman, Butterfly McQueen, and The Godfather of Soul, James Brown-this collection pays tribute to local and regional talents, from singers and dancers to athletes and politicians.

Augusta, Georgia, and the surrounding towns in the Central Savannah River Area boast more than 200 years of entertainment history, including performances by late 18th-century musicians and many of the nation's first superstars. Some of the most memorable moments in the history of the Garden City are captured in the pages of this unique volume. Entertainment in Augusta and the CSRA reveals many famous faces that have made appearances-either for a short time or for life-in the CSRA. Captured in striking vintage images, most of which were culled from the archives of The Augusta Chronicle, are unforgettable visitors ranging from Charlie Chaplin to Elvis Presley. In addition to nationally recognized celebrities-such as Amy Grant, Jayne Mansfield, Hulk Hogan, Jessye Norman, Butterfly McQueen, and The Godfather of Soul, James Brown-this collection pays tribute to local and regional talents, from singers and dancers to athletes and politicians.

For more than 275 years, the city of Augusta and its citizens have contributed greatly not only to the business, cultural, educational, athletic, and religious lives of both Georgians and South Carolinians bordering the Savannah River but also to people throughout the nation and the world. People and businesses such as Brenda Lee, Castleberry's, Lady Antebellum, James Brown, Club Car, Ty Cobb, Georgia Pacific, E-Z Go, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Bobby Jones, Emerson Boozer, Beau Jack, and Butterfly McQueen, to name a few, all have close ties to the city that once spent a decade as Georgia's capital. This book tells the stories of many people who became legendary locals through their efforts that made the Augusta area a great place to live and work.

When Don Rhodes took his seat not far behind Michael Jackson at the funeral of the “Godfather of Soul” on December 30, 2006, it marked the close of a forty-year friendship. In Say It Loud! Rhodes pays tribute to James Brown and his storied career, with a close and comprehensive look at the life of the legendary singer at his home in Augusta, Georgia, and the family he left behind. From the evolution of Brown’s fiery, uniquely rhythmic musical style to his social activism, world travels, run-ins with the law, and four marriages (and uncertain number of affairs), Rhodes provides a sensitive but candid look at the life of the man behind such hits as “I Feel Good,” “Please, Please, Please,” “Sex Machine,” and “Say It Loud—I’m Black and I’m Proud.” He takes us back to the 1960s, when James Brown and other American soul and rock artists were relieved to find that they had nothing to fear from the Beatles and other British artists taking America by storm—indeed, as some of the Brits acknowledged, the Americans had inspired them. Mick Jagger, whose dance steps were influenced by Brown, once said of him, “His show didn’t just have to do with the artist but had to do with the audience. . . . Their reaction was always . . . like being in a church.” Unlike his friend Elvis Presley, James Brown went on to be a frequent global traveler, adored by fans throughout the world. Say It Loud! bears out the reputation of the man with the famous cape as “the hardest-working man in show business,” bringing us the full story of a conscientious performer and consummate professional with a fascinating and controversial personal life. Never-before-published photos, as well as anecdotes from an enduring friendship and details of Brown’s life at home, will further ensure that music fans of all ages will cherish this tribute to an American icon by a longtime friend.

The definitive biography of James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, with fascinating findings on his life as a Civil Rights activist, an entrepreneur, and the most innovative musician of our time Playing 350 shows a year at his peak, with more than forty Billboard hits, James Brown was a dazzling showman who transformed American music. His life offstage was just as vibrant, and until now no biographer has delivered a complete profile. The One draws on interviews with more than 100 people who knew Brown personally or played with him professionally. Using these sources, award-winning writer RJ Smith draws a portrait of a man whose twisted and amazing life helps us to understand the music he made. The One delves deeply into the story of a man who was raised in abject-almost medieval-poverty in the segregated South but grew up to earn (and lose) several fortunes. Covering everything from Brown's unconventional childhood (his aunt ran a bordello), to his role in the Black Power movement, which used "Say It Loud (I'm Black and Proud)" as its anthem, to his high-profile friendships, to his complicated family life, Smith's meticulous research and sparkling prose blend biography with a cultural history of a pivotal era. At the heart of The One is Brown's musical genius. He had crucial influence as an artist during at least three decades; he inspires pity, awe, and revulsion. As Smith traces the legend's reinvention of funk, soul, R&B, and pop, he gives this history a melody all its own.

Georgia Myths and Legends explores unusual phenomena, strange events, and mysteries in Georgia’s history. Each episode included in the book is a story unto itself, and the tone and style of the book is lively and easy to read for a general audience interested in Georgia history. From the puzzle of lost confederate gold to a woman who mysteriously spent her life waving at more than 50,000 passing ships, this selection of stories from Georgia's past explores some of the Peach State's most compelling mysteries and debunks some of its most famous myths.