The Godfather of Soul performed his hit “I Got You (I Feel Good)” on the steps of the state Capitol as part of a Beach Music Day celebration. A proclamation was issued by Gov. Jim Hodges declaring James Brown as South Carolina’s Godfather of Soul and recognizing the 68-year-old singer for his commitment to music.
It wasn’t clear whether Brown would sing, but when the band struck up the chords to “I Got You” during Wednesday’s celebration, he took the microphone.
Brown thanked Hodges for the recognition.
“I don’t talk that good. I don’t sing that good. But I can say, ‘I feel good!'” he exclaimed.
Beach music, played during the 1950s and ’60s along the coast, is the official popular music of the state.
Brown has won Grammys for “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” and “Living in America.”
He lives in Beech Island near the Georgia border.