Tyrone Jefferson : (30 Years)
Musical director / Trombone
Mr. Jefferson joined the James Brown Elite Family of Funk in 1979. In addition to writing and arranging music for the Godfather of Soul, he was one of six composers from around the world commissioned in 1983 by the Minister of Culture in Basse Terre, Guadeloupe to compose original music for World Peace. He has also performed with jazz legends Frank Foster and Slide Hampton as well as with The Dells, The Manhattans, and Grammy-nominated vocalist Carla Cook
Fred Thomas (38 years)
Bass guitar
Mr. Thomas joined the James Brown Elite Family of Funk in 1971 and was a member of the original JB’s band. He is currently setting up a tour of School and Colleges for clinics with their music departments – sharing how James Brown put it all together and how he made it work. He will soon release a CD that speaks to the music from his lifetime of writing and arranging.
Cynthia Moore (18 years)
Vocals
Ms. Moore joined the James Brown Elite Family of Funk in 1991. A native from Buffalo NY, who eventually became the lead vocalist. Ms. Moore shared the spotlight with Mr. Brown on several songs. Ms. Moore has spent 9 years performing with “The Unity Band” in Buffalo. Ms Moore has just been nominated at the Hall of Fame in Buffalo
Chris Rob (3 years)
Keyboards vocal
Chris Rob is a multi instrumental playing keyboard, guitare, bass & drum, singer, Dj, dancer. Chris has been influenced by Herbie Hancock, Nina Simone, Daryl Coley, James Brown. He has performed alongside other new artists including Kanye West, John Legend for whom he took the position of musical director on the «Get Lifte »Tour. He has also performed with Stevie Wonder in Washington D.C. for President Barack Obama‘s inauguration festivities. Chris Rob opened for or played with Prince & the New Power Generation, Elton John, Snoop Dogg, John Mayer, Jill Scott, The Roots, The Black Eyed Peas, & many more Chris joined the JB’s tour in 2017
Damon wood (7 years)
Guitar
Damon Wood played Guitar with James Brown’s Soul Generals from 1999 to 2006, and also worked with James Brown’s opening act, The Tomi Rae Band for 18 months prior to joining the Soul Gs.His first National Touring Act was The Jimmie Van Zant Band. 1992-1995. Jimmie was First Cousin of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant.Damon has since fronted his own band, Harmonious Junk, based out of Denver, Colorado (2001-present) and also writes and performs with Colorado based National Touring Bluegrass/Rock act WhiteWater Ramble. Damon is the co-author of Working for the Man, Playing in the Band, My Years with James Brown by Damon Wood and Phil Carson. A book chronicling his James Brown experience filled with extensive quotes from a dozen other band members.
Jeff Watkins (15 years)
Saxophone
Mr. Watkins joined the James Brown Elite Family of Funk in 1994 and has also performed with many other soul legends. Jeff is currently a member of the Joss Stone Band and is touring the world with her. He resides in New Orleans and enjoys recording & producing as well as playing sax & keys
Hollie Farris (31 years)
Musical director / Trumpet
Mr. Farris joined the James Brown Elite Family of Funk when James Brown heard Mr. Farris playing with a popular Nashville show band and hired him on the spot in 1975. Mr. Farris became lead trumpet, section leader, arranger and later music director. Mr. Farris has also toured with Steve Winwood, The Commitments, and for the last five years, Joss Stone, the British soul-singing sensation. He has written songs for James Brown, jazz guitarist Denny Jiosa and several television shows. Mr. Farris earned his Bachelor and Master’s degree in Music Education at Arkansas State University, had a brief stint as a band director and was a member of the elite 82nd Airborne band at Ft. Bragg, N.C
Joe Collier (30 years)
Trumpet
Mr. Collier joined the James Brown Elite Family of Funk in 1980 and has also performed with ‘Clarence Carter, Albert Collins, Aretha Franklin, and Joe Cocker. His TV and movies credits include Rocky IV and Mama Flora’s Family featuring Cicely Tyson and the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
Thompson « moussey » (13 years)
Drums
Robert “Mousey” Thompson, who performed with James Brown from 1993 until his passing in 2006. Thompson has also performed with other renowned musical performers including Wilson Pickett, Lloyd Price, Rufus Thomas and Peaches & Herb. Moussey has also completed a number of collaborations ranging from Bootsy Collins to Jab’o Starks and Clyde Stubblefield .
George « Spike » Nealy (19 years)
Percussion