Created by

Unidentified

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

wool, metal

Dimensions

H x W: 61 x 28 in. (154.9 x 71.1 cm)

Type

costume

Date

1970-1989

Description

A black wool jumpsuit with sequined embellishments along the collar and waist. The letter "J" is spelled out with five sequined beads along the front of the collar. Each shoulder has six sequined beads along the top. The word "SEX" spelled out using sequined beads along the mid-section. The word is inside an oval that is also made using sequined beads. A zipper runs down the back.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Funk (Music)

Sexuality

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.4

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Hammond Suzuki USA, Inc., American, founded 1934

Trek II Products, Inc., American

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

vinyl, wood, metal

Dimensions

H x W: 40 x 50 x 30 in. (101.6 x 127 x 76.2 cm)

Type

electronic organs

musical instruments

Place made

Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Date

1968

Description

A Hammond B-3 electric organ. The organ is covered in black vinyl and trimmed with silver roping. Stitched on the back of the organ in red vinyl and brass colored metal rivets is "God ~ father." The organ has two keyboards with both preset and manual keys, a folding top and a single foot pedal. Electrical outlets are on the back of the organ at its base.

Topic

African American

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.1.1abc

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Musical Instruments

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

CBS Broadcasting, Inc., American, founded 1927

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

wood, vinyl, metal, glass

Dimensions

42 × 29 × 21 in. (106.7 × 73.7 × 53.3 cm)

Type

loudspeakers

Place made

Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1968

Description

A Leslie type 122 speaker cabinet covered in black vinyl and trimmed with silver roping. Red vinyl letters outlined with brass colored metal rivets form the letters “J B” on the front of the speaker. The speaker is on four wheels and is open on the lower back. The speaker is accompanied by vinyl cover.

Topic

African American

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.1.2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Musical Instruments

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printed by

Unidentified

Commissioned by

American International Pictures, 1956 - 1980

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Subject of

Fred Williamson, American, born 1938

Larry Cohen

Gentry, Minnie, American, 1915 - 1993

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 41 1/8 × 26 in. (104.4 × 66 cm)

Type

posters

Date

1973

Description

Movie Poster for the movie "Black Caesar." The poster is white with a green square with a blue border at center. At the center of the poster are illustrated images from the movie. At the top of the green square in purple text is “HAIL CAESAR.” Below this in red text is “Godfather of Harlem!” At the bottom of the poster with the bottom most movie images is the movie’s title in black text. Below this in red text is “…The Cat with the .45 caliber Claws!” A list of actors, directors and producers is at the bottom of the poster in black text. At the bottom right corner inside black outlined square is “Music composed and performed by JAMES BROWN…”

Topic

African American

Film

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.10

Restrictions & Rights

© John D. Kisch/Separate Cinema Archive/Getty Images. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printed by

Unidentified

Distributed by

Polydor Records, German, founded 1924

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 40 x 12 1/4 in. (101.6 x 31.1 cm)

Type

portraits

posters

Date

1980

Description

A hanging advertisement for the record album "hot on the one” by James Brown. The advertisement is made up of two record sleeves with a white card with yellow text attached between them. The two sleeves and card are attached with a black strip of fabric. The two sleeves are for the album being advertised. They both feature a color picture of James Brown in profile and have “JAMES BROWN…LIVE” in white text across the top. Below this text is smaller, red text is “HOT ON THE ONE.” The white card hanging between them features a yellow image of James Brown on the right side. Written in yellow and black text is “LE RETOUR DE / ‘JAMES BROWN’ / UNE SERiE DE CONCERTS PRESTiGiEUX.” At the bottom of the card written in black text is “double album live/ HOT ON THE ONE.”

Topic

African American

Business

Communication

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.11

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printed by

Unidentified

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Subject of

Tanzbrunnen, German, founded 1929

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 46 7/8 x 33 3/16 in. (119.1 x 84.3 cm)

Type

portraits

broadsides

Place used

Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Europe

Date

2001

Description

A large broadside advertising a James Brown concert at the Blue moon Jazz festival in Cologne, Germany. The broadside features a color image of James Brown wearing a purple jacket and pants leaning against a concrete block in front of a building. “JAMES BROWN / The Godfather of Soul” is printed in purple text across the top. Below this is the name of the jazz festival and the date the festival occurred written in German. The left side of the broadside has several logos for ticket vendors and event coordinators. Printed in yellow text at the bottom of the broadside is a list of additional acts performing at the festival as well as contact information for the festival organizers.

Topic

African American

Communication

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.12

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Unidentified

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 22 1/16 × 16 15/16 in. (56 × 43 cm)

Type

portraits

posters

Date

ca. 1975

Description

A white poster with an image James Brown. He is wearing large orange flamed glasses a blue pinstriped jacket and pants with a white shirt underneath. He is also wearing a multicolored scarf around his neck. He is standing with his right leg on the seat of a gold colored metal bench with a blue cushion. His right hand is resting on his right knee. His left hand is holding onto the left side of the bench. Printed in gold cursive lettering below the image is “James Brown.” Printed in black text at the bottom of the page is “THE GODFATHER OF SOUL.”

Topic

African American

Communication

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.14

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printed by

Unidentified

Distributed by

China West Entertainment, 2004 - 2009

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 22 1/4 x 16 1/2 in. (56.5 x 41.9 cm)

Type

broadsides

Place used

Shanghai, China, Asia

Date

2006

Description

A broadside advertising a James Brown concert in Shanghai. The broadside is black with blue and white text in both English and Chinese. A color image of James Brown is on the left side of the broadside. He is wearing a green sequined jacket, green pants and a green shirt and singing into a microphone. The text at the top of the broadside says “JAMES / BROWN / Live!” The date and location of the concert is on the right side of the broadside as well as ticketing information. Hotel and promoter logos are on the bottom of the broadside.

Topic

African American

Communication

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.15

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Unidentified

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 20 1/16 × 18 1/2 in. (51 × 47 cm)

Type

portraits

posters

Date

ca. 1980

Description

A poster with an image of James Brown standing with outstretched arms at center. His hands are turned upward and he is smiling. James Brown is wearing a black bowtie, white shirt, black pants and black shoes. He is standing in front of a light yellow background.

Topic

African American

Communication

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.16

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Unidentified

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Subject of

Nippon Budokan, Japanese, founded 1964

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 14 1/4 x 20 1/4 in. (36.2 x 51.4 cm)

Type

portraits

broadsides

Place used

Tokyo, Kanto, Japan, Asia

Date

1992-1993

Description

A broadside featuring an image of James Brown with Japanese text. James Brown is on the left side of the broadside. He is wearing a silver colored suit with a burgundy shirt. He right arm is raised and he is pointing with his right hand. He is singing and a microphone can be seen next to him. On the bottom left side of broadside written in yellow text over the bottom of the image of James Brown is “Come on JB!” Yellow and white Japanese text is on the right side of the broadside. Several phone numbers for ticketing agencies are listed.

Topic

African American

Communication

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.17

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Stubb's BBQ, American, founded 1968

Subject of

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

ink on cardboard

Dimensions

H x W: 17 1/4 x 12 3/8 in. (43.8 x 31.4 cm)

Type

portraits

menus

Place used

Austin, Travis County, Texas, United States, North and central America

Date

2006

Description

A cardboard menu from Stubbs BBQ, advertising a James Brown concert. Recto features an image of a young James Brown on a yellow background with red and black text. At top center written in yellow text “JAMES BROWN” surrounded by red flames. On the top left side written in black ink is “MAY 10 – STUBB’S.” Below this is several of James Brown’s nicknames written in red and black text. Verso features a list of food, beverages and prices offered at Stubb’s BBQ.

Topic

African American

Communication

Cooking and dining

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.18

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Distributed by

Big World Productions, American

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Subject of

Lowell Memorial Auditorium, American, founded 1922

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 17 × 11 in. (43.2 × 28 cm)

Type

portraits

broadsides

Place used

Lowell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America

Date

2003

Description

A black-and-white broadside for a James Brown concert at Lowell Memorial Auditorium. The broadside has white lettering at top that reads “BIG WORLD PRODUCTIONS presents / LOWELL / MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM / FRIDAY JANUARY 17 / 8:00pm / The Godfather of Soul.” At the center of the broadside is an image of James Brown singing with his eyes closed. He is holding a microphone close to his mouth with his right hand. Written below the image in gray text is “James / BROWN.” At the bottom of the page are telephone numbers for Ticketmaster and the box office. Big World Production’s logo and web address is also at the bottom.

Topic

African American

Communication

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.19

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Chantry, Art, American, founded 1954

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Subject of

The Showbox, American, founded 1939

Modern Productions, American, founded 1979

Modern Enterprises, LLC, American, founded 1979

KYAC, American, 1965-1981

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 17 × 10 11/16 in. (43.2 × 27.2 cm)

Type

broadsides

Place used

Seattle, King County, Washington, United States, North and Central America

Date

1980

Description

A broadside advertising a James Brown concert at The Showbox. The broadside is white with a black-and-white image of a young James Brown in profile and black-and-white text. The image of James Brown is on the left side of the poster. The text on the right side of the poster reads “”MODERN PRODUCTIONS / & 1250 KYAC WELCOME / THE ONE AND ONLY / JAMES / BROWN / NOVEMBER 16…” The time ticket price address and name of the venue and multiple locations of where tickets can be purchased are also included. A company logo for Modern Enterprises is in the lower right corner.

Topic

African American

Communication

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.20

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Edition Intro Meisel GmbH, German, founded 1966

Signed by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Subject of

Third World Music, American

Medium

ink on paper, metal

Dimensions

H x W: 11 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm)

Type

contracts

Date

July 1, 1984

Description

An eight page typewritten contract dated July 1, 1984, between Third World Music and Editions Intro Meisel. The contract has seventeen terms and conditions on seven pages. It is signed on page seven by James Brown in black ink. The pages are fastened together with a metal staple.

Topic

African American

Business

Communication

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.21

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Business and Legal Documents

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W (2008.7.22a): 13 × 8 1/2 in. (33 × 21.6 cm)

H x W (2008.7.22b): 13 × 8 1/2 in. (33 × 21.6 cm)

Type

songs

Date

1992

Description

Two pages of handwritten lyrics to the song "Everybody's Got a Thing" written by James Brown on yellow legal paper. The title is written in black ink while the song lyrics and chorus are written in blue ink. Each page has writing only on one side.

Topic

African American

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.22ab

Restrictions & Rights

© James Brown. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Epiphone Guitar Corp., American, founded 1873

TKL Products Corp., American, founded 1984

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

Guitar: maple, spruce, rosewood, metal, plastic, paper, ink

Guitar case: plastic, metal, cloth

Dimensions

guitar: 41 1/2 × 16 3/4 × 4 7/8 in. (105.4 × 42.5 × 12.4 cm)

guitar case: 46 × 19 1/4 × 6 3/8 in. (116.8 × 48.9 × 16.2 cm)

Type

cases (containers)

musical instruments

guitars

Place made

South Korea, Asia

Date

2002

Description

An Epiphone guitar and a TKL Products Corp. case owned by James Brown. The six-string acoustic guitar is Epiphone model EJ-200NA and has a maple body and a spruce top and neck. The guitar also features gold colored metal hardware and a set maple neck with a crown inlay on a rosewood fingerboard. The serial number of the guitar is Y207183. The guitar is inscribed and signed by several famous individuals in black permanent marker on the front, sides and back of the body. All of the messages are to James Brown and offer praise and thanks. Two of the individuals who signed the guitar are Casey Kasem and Ozzy Osbourne.

The guitar case is black with a black cloth lined interior. The clasp and hinges are made of brass colored metal. The TKL Products Corp. logo is on the outside of the case next to the handle. A logo is also on the inside of the case next to the top hinge where the guitar’s neck would be placed.

Topic

African American

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.2ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Musical Instruments

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Unidentified

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

synthetic fiber

Dimensions

H x W (2008.7.3.1): 59 1/2 × 56 1/2 in. (151.1 × 143.5 cm)

H x W (2008.7.3.2): 41 1/2 × 23 1/4 in. (105.4 × 59.1 cm)

Type

Costume

Date

1970-1989

Description

A red jumpsuit with a red vest worn by James Brown. The jumpsuit (2008.7.3.1) is red with long sleeves. The sleeves have geometric square patterns from shoulder to cuff in gold printed fabric. The vest (2008.7.3.2) is knee length and has two geometric square patterns running vertically on the front. It also has two buttons and a plunging collar. The designs begin at hem of the vest and extend to where the cuffs of the jumpsuit would begin when worn.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.3.1-.2

Restrictions & Rights

No known copyright restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Unidentified

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

silk, satin, plastic

Dimensions

H x W (2008.7.5a): 53 × 42 in. (134.6 × 106.7 cm)

2008.7.5b: 4 3/4 × 3 9/16 × 1 3/16 in. (12 × 9 × 3 cm)

Type

capes (outerwear)

Date

1970-1989

Description

A black silk satin, full-length cape with intricate beadwork on the collar. "James Brown" is also embroidered in the collar. Also included is a black circle button with a plastic silver bead and three small black tassels attached to it. The button was attached to the front, left side of the cape at chest high.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.5ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printed by

Unidentified

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

canvas

Dimensions

H x W: 23 7/8 x 35 7/8 in. (60.6 x 91.1 cm)

Type

portraits

posters

Date

1985-1986

Description

Canvas poster for the album “Living in America” by James Brown. The poster has a white background with a blue border. On the left side of the poster is an American flag. At the bottom left is “LIVIN IN AMERICA” in blue and white lettering. The right side of the poster features a portrait of a young James Brown in profile.

Topic

African American

Communication

Funk (Music)

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.6

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Owned by

Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006

Medium

dye and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W: 23 15/16 x 20 in. (60.8 x 50.8 cm)

Type

chromogenic color prints

portraits

Date

ca. 1985

Description

A color photographic print of James Brown. He is wearing a blue jumpsuit with red trim and sitting down. He has a large pendant on a gold chain around his neck. A towel is on his right knee. His right hand is resting on the towel. His left arm is raised above his head and he is waving.

Topic

African American

Funk (Music)

Photography

Soul (Music)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2008.7.7

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture