James Brown was a legendary musician and performer known as the “Hardest-Working Man in Show Business.” Even two decades after his passing, his daughters, Deanna and Yamma, continue to receive frequent direct messages from his fans all over the world. In an exclusive clip from the upcoming A&E docuseries “James Brown: Say it Loud,” Deanna reveals that their Instagram inboxes are filled with messages from fans in places as far as Japan, Africa, and Australia. She often has to hit the “See translation” button because she doesn’t understand what they’re saying.
Despite the language barrier, Deanna and Yamma are touched to learn that their father took the time to chat with his fan base. Yamma shares that many people express how they met James Brown and had a chance to talk to him. This shows the impact their father had on his fans, and how he valued connecting with them on a personal level.
The Brown girls, who reside in Aiken, South Carolina, pay homage to their father on Instagram. Deanna’s handle is @jamesbrowndaughter, while Yamma’s is @daughterofsoul. They continue to keep their father’s memory alive and engage with his dedicated fan base.
However, it’s important to recognize that James Brown’s life was not without its controversies. He grew up in extreme poverty in Georgia and had a 7th-grade education. At the age of 15, he was put in a juvenile prison for car theft, and later in life was arrested multiple times for drugs, weapons, and domestic violence. Yamma recalls witnessing the hurt caused by her father’s abuse towards her mother.
Despite these hardships, the women’s mother, Deidre Jenkins, who was married to James Brown from 1970 to 1981, is doing well and chose not to be part of the docuseries. Deanna explains that their mother is in a different phase of life where these things don’t faze her. She supports her daughters’ involvement in the docuseries but prefers to stay behind the scenes, raising her two daughters and being Mrs. James Brown.
Deanna and Yamma feel that their mother deserves more recognition for her role in their father’s life. She was there during the height of his career and played an instrumental part in many aspects. However, she chose to stay in the background, happy with her role as a mother and wife. Deanna mentions that their family lived in Queens, New York, in a historic district called Addisleigh Park, where notable African-Americans like Ella Fitzgerald and W.E.B. Du Bois also resided. Their father’s house had a front driveway shaped like an album, showcasing his love for music.
As the Brown sisters grew older, they were cautious about introducing boyfriends to their father. Deanna shares that the rule was not to mess with the boss’ daughters. She even dated her now-husband on the down low for two years because he worked for her father as a property manager. James Brown was very protective of his daughters, especially after the tragic death of his son Teddy in a car accident in 1973.
Despite the challenges and complexities of their father’s life, Deanna and Yamma continue to carry his legacy forward. They have an honorary brother in Usher, whom their father dubbed the “Godson of Soul.” Usher has taken his mission seriously and made them proud during his Super Bowl halftime performance. Deanna recalls a conversation with Usher at Michael Jackson’s funeral, where he acknowledged his title as the Godson and expressed his commitment to his mission.
James Brown’s influence on music and his connection with fans are still evident today through the messages received by his daughters. His daughters continue to honor their father’s memory and share stories about him, showcasing the impact he had on their lives and the music industry as a whole.
