James Brown’s daughter co-produces musical about the iconic funk singer’s life and legacy

A collage showing a picture of Deanna Brown at the WABE studios on the top left, a picture of Jeremy Cormier at the studios on the bottom left, and the poster of the musical.
James Brown’s daughter, Dr. Deanna Brown, and her co-producer, Jeremy Cormier, discuss new musical that focuses on life and legacy of “The Godfather of Soul." (LaShawn Hudson/WABE and the James Brown Family Foundation)

Dr. Deanna Brown grew up traveling the world with her father, “The Godfather of Soul” James Brown.

She had a front-row seat as the musical icon danced and sang at sold-out venues and recorded some of his funkiest top-charting hits.

While she worked for him and even styled his hair during these career highs, Dr. Brown still mainly saw him as her dad. Those memories are stories that she holds close to her heart.