Jesse Spicer became intrigued with James Brown when he was 15 years old while attending a concert in Albuquerque in 1962 at the old Civic Auditorium. James Brown's performance that night mesmerized an entire audience that included a young man named Jesse. From that day forward Jesse has made James Brown his special hero. Jesse missed an opportunity to see what would be James Brown's final visit to New Mexico, when he was unable to attend the Santa Fe concert in 2002 because of an illness in the family.
Over the Christmas holidays Jesse set up special presentations to honor his hero and educate the community about the man inside the performer. There were 3 two hours presentations over a 3 day period of time. Jesse was moved to provide the presentations after Browns death because he wanted the story beyond the performer to reach the heart of America.
“I know many stories have been told about Mr. Brown's life, good and bad, but what impressed me most about James Brown that hasn't been featured, is that Mr. Brown was a giver. When I was in Vietnam it was his music that motivated me and kept my spirit alive. I just desire for others to see the real man inside the performer, that's what the presentation are all about. His memories shouldn't be tainted by media's version of his encounters with the law, but his side of the story should also be heard. That's important,” says Jesse.
Although Jesse has been an admirer of James Brown for many years, he didn't start collecting memorabilia of Mr. Brown's life until July of 2006, which makes the remarkable collection that he displays during his presentations that more impressive, when you realize the short time frame.
Jesse's plans for when he will make the presentations available again are in delay status for now, he just knows that he has been disappointed in America's appreciation for one of the greatest performers of all time. Jesse's assessment of Brown's accomplishments is not an overstatement by any means. James Brown is ranked number two of all time with hit records behind Elvis Presley. He is number one in R&Bhits with over 116 charted hits during a career that included 96 top 100 hits.
Jesse's passion for James Brown the performer is clearly on display when you look at the amount of time and effort that went into putting together the amazing presentation of pictures, historical artifacts and videos, documenting the life of the great entertainer. The displays provide additional insights into Brown's life as a humanitarian and civic leader. “I don't want people to think that I am in denial that Mr. Brown had problems, we all do, but his problems are only a fraction in a life that did so much for Blacks and America,” says Jesse.
James Brown lived life to the fullest and his famed career has been filled with extraordinary accomplishments that included providing the most powerful song of pride for African Americans in the 1969 release of ‘Say It Loud I'm Black and I'm Proud'.
Known as "Soul Brother Number One, the Godfather of Soul and the Hardest Working Man in Show Business", Brown's life leaves a legacy of pride and showmanship that continues to have an unsurpassed impact on entertainment and throughout the black community. It is this legacy that Jesse Spicer has taken on, as his personal campaign to preserve for future generations.
A lot can be viewed into the heart of this legendary entertainer through his answer to how do you define soul? James Brown, “Soul is a deep feeling and a committed feeling. Soul is something that stays with you despite the obstacles that are put in front of you. Soul is the real you. Soul is when you feel that God is watching over you, and if you make a mistake or do something willfully against somebody else, soul will make you realize that you've done something wrong. It makes you fear God more.”