A judge in South Carolina has given away half of the estate belonging to late soul star James Brown to charity, going against the singer’s will.
James Brown is one of the pivotal figures in 20th century music. Born in the deep South, the singer came to know a United States dominated by segregation, yet his deeply rhythmic music came to transcend racial barriers.
Known as ‘soul brother number one’ James Brown arguably invented funk with a series of seminal cuts. His funky groups would go on to dominate black music, with a newer generation revitalising his hits via a series of deft samples.
James Brown’s ‘Funky President’ hit contains a well known drum sample. Titled ‘Funky Drummer’ those few seconds of music have underpinned developments in hip hop over the course of three decades.
The soul icon died on Christmas Day in 2006. James Brown’s last will and testament ordered his assets to be divided among his children, but the authenticity of the document has now been called into question.
On Tuesday (May 26th) a South Carolina judge ordered half of Brown’s wealth to a charitable trust, with a quarter going to his wife and the rest to his children.
Judge Jack Early told the hearing, “I find that the settlement is just and reasonable and provides a just and reasonable result for the charitable beneficiaries.
“From the perspective of the charitable beneficiaries, the risks of not approving the settlement agreement are substantial.”
James Brown’s widow told fans in a statement that she was sure the new settlement was what the funk hero would have wanted, reports New York Daily News.
“I am so relieved and happy that the court has approved this settlement. I want to be able to work with the trustees and other Brown family members to promote James Brown’s legacy. My son James and I are grateful to the judge and hope this nightmare is finally over.”
“What James always wanted was the bulk of his money to go to kids. Not just black kids but all poor children to go to college.”
“It’s just the matter of giving this man the respect he was due and that is by honouring who he honoured and that’s his wife and child. And I never doubted that one minute.”
Spike Lee confirmed earlier this year that he is working on a new biopic of James Brown, with Hollywood action star Wesley Snipes to play the hardest working man in showbusiness.
