[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 7 (Monday, January 22, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO THE LATE ADRIENNE BROWN

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, earlier this month a tragedy befell 
James Brown, one of South Carolina's most famous sons and one of 
America's most beloved entertainers, when his wife Adrienne passed 
away.
  James and ``Alfie,'' as Adrienne was affectionately called, had been 
married for 10 years and were fixtures of Augusta, Georgia and the 
``Georgialina'' area, a region of the Savannah River Valley which 
includes a number of cities and towns on both sides of the South 
Carolina and Georgia stateline. The two met back in 1981 when James 
Brown appeared on the popular syndicated television show ``Solid 
Gold''. A native of California, Adrienne was working in the 
entertainment industry at that time, contributing to the production of 
programs such as ``Days of Our Lives'' and ``The Young and the 
Restless'', as well as being employed as an artist by NBC television.
  After their courtship began, Adrienne became very active in Mr. 
Brown's entertainment ventures, and some have even credited her as 
being a key element in his becoming popular with a whole new generation 
of music lovers. Her passion for the entertainment industry and sense 
for business led her to become chief executive officer of Alfie 
Enterprises and the James Brown Dancing Stars, as well as the executive 
producer of the ``James Brown's Living in America'' pay-per-view 
television show. The Browns were married in 1985, and their decade long 
marriage was one that was filled with strong feelings between husband 
and wife, and many marveled at the bonds that held the two together.
  On January 16, after a memorial service that was attended by an 
overflow crowd of more than 800 family, friends, and admirers, Alfie 
Brown was laid to rest. The Charleston Post & Courier carried an 
article about the service which I think captures the esteem in which 
this woman was held and I ask unanimous consent that it be included in 
the Record following my remarks.
  There being no objection, the article was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

          [From the Charleston Post & Courier, Jan. 16, 1996]

                   Soul Singer Brown Buries His Wife

       Augusta.--Soul singer James Brown buried his wife Tuesday 
     after a funeral in a historic theater overflowing with 
     mourners.
       New York activist the Rev. Al Sharpton was among the more 
     than 800 friends, relatives and fans who filled the Imperial 
     Theatre to console Brown on the death of his wife, Adrienne.
       ``She was one of the few people around him who didn't want 
     anything from him except to be James Brown,'' Sharpton said.
       ``Mr. Brown, you face a lonely time. Remember you have what 
     most stars never have--someone who loves you,'' he said.
       Mrs. Brown, 45, died in Los Angeles Jan. 6, two days after 
     undergoing cosmetic surgery.
       Officials at the Los Angeles County coroner's office have 
     ruled out foul play, but they haven't determined what caused 
     her death.
       Brown, dressed in black and wearing sunglasses, blew a kiss 
     to the 100 or so people lining the street outside who were 
     unable to get a seat in the theater.
       He did not speak during the funeral.
       ``She loved James very much,'' said Al Miller, a family 
     friend. He was so distraught he could speak only a few words.
       The glossy black casket was covered with a hugh spray of 
     red roses, and scores of other flower arrangements covered 
     the stage around it.
       A large portrait of Mrs. Brown was suspended over the 
     casket, and a white cross was projected on the curtain at the 
     back of the stage.
       After the service, Mrs. Brown was buried at Walker Memorial 
     Gardens.
       Nancy Thurmond, wife of Sen. Strom Thurmond, R-S.C., and a 
     close friend of Mrs. Brown, said she had ``devoted herself to 
     helping James Brown continue leading the world as the 
     Godfather of Soul.''
       ``She showed great courage in combining the public arena 
     with private life. She was often in the lonely fringe 
     throughout it all. She had a tremendous giving heart,'' Mrs. 
     Thurmond said.
       The Rev. Reginald D. Simmons, who officiated at the 
     service, said the Browns' 10-year marriage was strong despite 
     some tumult.
       He said he talked to her two days before she died, and she 
     was looking forward to coming home.
       ``God gave her a husband. Despite things down, up or turned 
     around, he was steadfast and unyielding,'' Simmons said. 
     ``Their relationship was going to be for better or for worse. 
     Her life was filled with mostly good things.''
       Mrs. Brown had accused her husband at least three times of 
     assault, but each time she either withdrew the accusations or 
     the charges were dismissed.
       Brown, 62, denied beating his wife and said in November 
     that she was being treated for drug addiction.
       The Browns met in 1981 on the set of the TV music show 
     ``Solid Gold,'' where she was a hair stylist.
       They lived in nearby Beech Island, but Brown maintained his 
     offices and recording studio in Augusta, where he got his 
     start.
       A memorial service was held last week in Los Angeles, Mrs. 
     Brown's hometown.
       Several stars, including singer Little Richard, attended.

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