In 2003 Augusta, GA, appropriated $40,000 to erect a life-size bronze statue of its famous son, James Brown, 72, the "Godfather of Soul." The statue was to be unveiled early in 2004, coinciding with a music festival named in Brown's honor. Then, in January 2004, James Brown was thrown into prison after reportedly pushing his wife to the floor and threatening her with a chair. Augusta quietly renamed the music festival and put the statue in storage. Providentially, May 3 of this year was James Brown's 70th -- or perhaps 75th -- birthday. Understanding America's short attention span, Augusta dragged the statue back outside to Broad Street and dedicated it, with its once-again famous son James Brown in attendance (along with his former road manager, the Rev. Al Sharpton), to much publicity and zero complaints. [05/08/2005]

February 10, 2012