News 12 at 11, May 3, 2007

Augusta, Ga. --- There were some big names performing Saturday night for the Big Payback. And they all came to the Garden City to pay tribute to the Godfather of Soul.

Ollie Washington is here to celebrate the birthday of James Brown.

"Thank you James Brown. We love you," Ollie Washington said.

Like so many, Ollie has been a huge fan for a long time.

"Oh dynamic, soulful, energetic. I just can't put it into words. He's great," Washington said.

And not only does he appreciate Brown's music, but he came out to hear some other bands. Performers like Branford Marsalis, the Doobie Brothers and the Soul Generals. All here, to honor the Godfather of Soul.

"First time in 1962 or 63. In the Fresno Civic Auditorium when I was a kid. I was a freshman in high school and a friend of mine took me up there and he absolutely blew me away. I mean I never got over that and I listened to everything he did after that," Tom Johnston said.

Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers said he grew up listening to James Brown.

"I absolutely say he's a huge inspiration for me. I'm a big big fan of James Brown. Still am a fan of James Brown," Johnston said.

And the crowd was a reflection of just that.

"There's four B's in music. Bach, Brahms, the Beatles, and Brown. It's just so good. And his music and his legacy just keeps going on and on and on," Ed Presnell said.

For many, it was a chance to get downtown, enjoy some live music, and remember their hometown hero.

"I think it's fantastic. I think it's hopefully the beginning of a great tradition. We need to pay back James Brown. That's exactly the thing we need to pay back. To his legacy, what he gave us when he was alive," Presnell said.

All the proceeds from the concert are going to the Augusta Museum of History.