The hardest working man in show business could easily become the most visited man in Augusta.

Jessie (left) and James Simpkins, of Aiken, take a close look at the James Brown statue across from Augusta Common. It was installed in May, and commissioners recently voted to add a pedestal to raise its profile a bit. (Andrew Davis Tucker/Staff)

At least in terms of his statue.

Since its unveiling in May, James Brown's life-sized bronze figure directly across from the Augusta Common has become one of the more popular sites in the Garden City, according to tourism officials.

Though no actual tally exists, flocks of people have been posing next to the famed singer, snapping a few photos and using the statue as a stepping stone to reflect on Mr. Brown's influence as an entertainer - as Aiken couple James and Jessie Simpkins did recently.

"I'm a fan from the old days, like how he is in the statue," Mr. Simpkins said after standing beside the Godfather of Soul's replica. "This looks just like him."

His wife, meanwhile, said she used to get a kick out of watching Mr. Brown's trademark dance moves and how he'd "lose 10 pounds a night from all of his effort."

Dance is the means by which Leroy Mitchell, of Hephzibah, too, feels connected with Mr. Brown. While growing up, the 43-year-old says he borrowed some of his idol's moves when he entered talent contests. And the singer's soulful tunes themselves have similarly held a special appeal.

Click on map for a larger image. (Staff)

That's why he and wife Connie Mitchell said they felt good about the statue's introduction to downtown last year.

"I believe it's probably overdue, With all that he does to give back here, he deserves it," Mr. Mitchell said.

Considering Mr. Brown's struggles to reach the top of the musical world, Mrs. Mitchell called the figure "something positive to lift you up in times of need."

The one problem Augustan Felicia Bell sees is a small one - Mr. Brown's short stature makes it hard to spot his statue from the road.

She said she's thankful that Augusta commissioners have elected to give Mr. Brown a lift, courtesy of a 16- to 18-inch pedestal.

"That's good," Ms. Bell said about the change set for the coming months. "We don't have a whole lot of famous people from here, so we have to honor those that are."

That is why Barry White, the executive director of the Augusta Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the statue is "just the beginning" of a push to create more of an overall James Brown experience for visitors to the Garden City.

The statue is now included in Augusta's official visitor's guide, but Mr. White's staff is trying to finish a James Brown-themed brochure that will lead fans to important places in his life.

An overall map and individual descriptions will include Trinity CME Church, where Mr. Brown swept floors to be allowed to use the piano, and the steps of the former WRDW station building where he earned cash by dancing for passers-by.

In addition to the brochure, the James Brown Soul of America Music Festival is scheduled for later this spring, and tourism authorities are considering expanded museum exhibits on the Godfather of Soul and even the creation of a soul food eatery, la the Hard Rock Cafe, with James Brown merchandise.

"Not only is Augusta his hometown; for years it's where he's chosen to reside and that's a huge benefit to us," Mr. White said.

Reach Dena Levitz at (706) 823-3339 or dena.levitz@augustachronicle.com.

Timeline

Some highlights in the life of famed musician James Brown, who will turn 73 this year:

May 3, 1933: James Brown is born in Barnwell, S.C. Mr. Brown was raised in Augusta.
1953: Mr. Brown joins the Gospel Starlighters. The group eventually shifted its focus from gospel to secular music and changed its name to the Famous Flames, with Mr. Brown as the featured performer.
Oct. 1, 1958: Mr. Brown's first No. 1 hit, Try Me, is released. The song became the best-selling R&B single of 1958.
Oct. 24, 1962: Mr. Brown records his performance at New York's Apollo Theater. The resulting live album, Live at the Apollo, Vol. 1, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard album chart in 1962.
Feb. 1, 1965: Mr. Brown records Papa's Got a Brand New Bag. The classic single topped the R&B charts in the summer of 1965 and cracked the Top 10 on the pop singles chart, an almost unheard of feat for an R&B single at that time.
1965: Mr. Brown has the No. 3 single of the year - I Got You (I Feel Good).
June 4, 1966: Mr. Brown reaches No. 8 on the pop chart with It's A Man's Man's Man's World.
1967: Mr. Brown records Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud. The single, which peaked at No. 10, is considered revolutionary for its overtly political message and unique sound, which would come to be referred to as funk.
1970: Mr. Brown records Get Up (Sex Machine).
May 12, 1970: Mr. Brown returns to Augusta to plead for peace during the city's race riots.
September 1972: Get On the Good Foot sits at No. 1 on the R&B chart for a month and peaks at No. 18 in the pop Top 40. The single's success solidifies Mr. Brown's place in music history, and he gains the moniker The Godfather of Soul.
1983: Mr. Brown is inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
Jan. 11, 1986: Living in America, from the Rocky IV movie soundtrack, reaches No. 4 on the Hot 100 chart, becoming the star's biggest pop hit since I Got You (I Feel Good).
1986: Mr. Brown is named as one of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
April 5, 1988: Mr. Brown surrenders to Aiken County authorities and is charged with assault and battery with intent to kill and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. The charges stem from an alleged attack on his then-wife, Adrienne. The charges are later dropped when Mrs. Brown refuses to testify.
Dec. 15, 1988: Mr. Brown is sentenced to a six-year prison term on various assault, drug possession and vehicular charges. He serves more than two years and is paroled Feb. 27, 1991.
Feb. 25, 1992: Mr. Brown accepts a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 34th annual Grammy Awards.
Feb. 25, 1993: Mr. Brown accepts a Lifetime Achievement Award at the fourth annual Rhythm & Blues Foundation Pioneer Awards.
Nov. 20, 1993: The city of Augusta renames the section of Ninth Street between Broad and Twiggs streets James Brown Boulevard.
June 15, 2000: Mr. Brown is inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, to be built on the campus of New York University.
Dec. 7, 2003: Mr. Brown is recognized for his contributions to American culture with the Kennedy Center Honors medallion, presented to him at a special ceremony at the White House.
Jan. 28, 2004: Police arrest Mr. Brown at his home on charges of criminal domestic violence.

About the series

Many will come to Augusta this week to enjoy a world-class golf tournament. But where do Augustans and their guests go the rest of year? Where do they spend their time, relax and enjoy their community? This week we look at some of those places: a confidential look at our town.

Sunday: Diamond Lakes Regional Park
Monday: James Brown's statue
Tuesday: Al's Restaurant
Wednesday: The Riverwalk
Thursday: Julian Smith Casino
Friday: Savannah Rapids Pavilion
Saturday: Flea markets
Sunday: First Tee