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| 'Godfather of Soul' Pardoned |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 05/30/2003 |
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James Brown had plenty of reason to feel good recently as South Carolina officials pardoned the soul legend for his past crimes in the state. Brown, who served a two-and-a-half-year prison term after a 1988 arrest on drug and assault charges, and was convicted of a drug-related offense in 1998, was granted a pardon by the state Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services on May 20. Brown, who appeared before the board, sang 'God Bless America' after the decision, said his publicist, Dan Forman. 'God bless America on this beautiful day. I hope my pardon shows the youth that America is a beautiful country,' 70-year-old soul legend said in a statement. 'I feel good!' Brown had friends, family and state lawmakers speak on his behalf. Brown, famous for countless hits, including 'I Got You (I Feel Good),' 'Sex Machine' and 'Living in America,' unsuccessfully tried to get a pardon for his crimes in 2001. The recent pardon means he is fully forgiven from all the legal consequences of his crime and his conviction. State Rep. Ken Kennedy, who spoke on Brown's behalf, said the pardon will allow the singer to share his experiences and help others. 'I've been a fan of James Brown all my life. I've listened to his music all my life,' Kennedy said. 'I think this is something that he deserves. He has been one of our great entertainers in this country. He's done so much for the country and for me as a young person growing up here.' To receive a pardon in South Carolina, a person must apply to the Pardon and Parole department. The board hears about 200 or 300 pardon cases annually and about 60 percent to 65 percent of those pardons are granted, O'Boyle said. |
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