May 2, 2007

We're just two days away from what's being called Funky First Friday.

James Brown's band, the Soul Generals, were back together practicing at the Ramada today. They're set to headline a free concert at the Augusta Common Friday, a day after Mr. Brown's birthday.

Brown's son Darryl says the band hasn't performed since January.

Friday's concert at the Common is free and starts at 6 o'clock.

Meanwhile, Derek Monk, a musical favorite of the Godfather of Soul, has recorded a song as a tribute.

You'll remember Monk performed at Mr. Brown's funeral service in Augusta back in December.

The song is about Monk's relationship with Mr. Brown. It's called "James Brown", and at the end, Monk says, "His legacy will live in me, because I made a vow to keep the music clean."

Today he stopped by News 12 to tell us why this song is so important to him.

"Well, only because James Brown, first of all, he means the world to me," Monk said. "And tomorrow, May 3rd, is his birthday. So I thought, no greater time than the present. You know, we're talking about honoring James Brown. And I was always the one who tried to give him his flowers while he lived. So I'll just continue to give them to him. So that's what the tribute is all about."

Monk tells News 12 Rev. Al Sharpton will play the song tomorrow on his national radio show. It's already on local radio.

You can hear the full song at derekmonk.com.