07 LC 25
4849
Senate
Resolution 399
By:
Senator Tarver of the 22nd
A
RESOLUTION
Honoring
the life and memory of entertainer James Brown; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
the State of Georgia lost one of its most distinguished treasures with the
passing of James Brown on Christmas Day, 2006; and
WHEREAS,
James Joseph Brown, Jr., also known as "The Godfather of Soul," was an
inspirational entertainer, philanthropist, and citizen of the United States;
and
WHEREAS,
he was born May 3, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina, yet he would call
Augusta, Georgia, his beloved home from the age of five; and
WHEREAS,
he went on to create an original, dynamic, gospel inspired sound that would
become the animating backbone of countless musical genres; and
WHEREAS,
his songs expressed the heart and soul of a generation, scoring 17 Number One
R&B hits, including such memorable songs as "Try Me," "It's a Man's Man's
Man's World," "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," and "I Got You (I Feel Good)";
and
WHEREAS,
James Brown gave generously to the people of Georgia, donating more than 3,000
turkeys and 20,000 Christmas toys and attending his annual Christmas toy
giveaway in Atlanta just days before he passed away; and
WHEREAS,
he provided over 800 Thanksgiving turkeys to the people of Augusta, giving his
own time and money and facilitating the cooperation of local merchants and
prominent Georgia figures; and
WHEREAS,
he volunteered to play Santa Claus for hundreds of Augusta children, donning a
leather suit and cowboy boots; and
WHEREAS,
he used his voice on several occasions to encourage the youth of this country,
taking a stand against the violence of events like the Columbine shootings, and
he is reputed to have helped calm riots in the wake of the assassination of
Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
WHEREAS,
his good works were not limited to his music – throughout his astounding
lifetime, he touched the hearts and souls of millions throughout Georgia, the
United States, and the entire world.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body honor and
remember the amazing life of James Brown, recognize his outstanding
contributions to the world of music and the State of Georgia, and extend their
most sincere condolences to his family.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the family of James Brown.