Happy Birthday James Brown!

That was the word downtown at Payback -- the James Brown tribute concert.

The concert featured the Branford Marsalis Quartet, The Doobie Brothers and the Soul Generals.

All kinds of music -- all part of the legacy of the Godfather of Soul.

Fans came in from all over. John Owen made a two hour trip from near Greenville.

"This is the first time I've ever been to Augusta," he said. "It's a beautiful city."

That's music to organizer's ears. Bill Coleman is the Augusta History Museum's Board President.

He says he feels good about the turnout ,and expects Brown's Birthday Bash to grow every year. He has a lot of faith in Soul Power.

"It wouldn't equal the Masters, but it could equal any other event going on," he said.

Organizers say they hope James Brown won't just be a tourist draw just one day a year. The Augusta History Museum opened its James Brown exhibit on his birthday --with everything Godfather of Soul: even his hair products.

Visitors can listen to Brown's music and see his famous fashion firsthand. Nothing is left out of sight.

But is it enough for Augusta to get on up to the level of another
major musician's home?

"Graceland . . . that's another level," said Coleman. "We hope to get there.

Graceland or not, Augusta can say it loud.

"I think Augusta oughta be proud to have James Brown," Owen said.