James Brown, Augusta GA, 1991. James was one of the most eccentric performers I’ve ever photographed. I was a true fan, my friends even took me to see him for my 30th birthday. The man was larger than life, even behind bars. He had just been arrested for crack cocaine and trying to get away from the police in his pick up truck...until they shot at him and arrested him. Rolling Stone sent me to shoot him right after that infamous arrest, inside of the prison—it was wild. They wouldn’t agree to let me bring in all this camera equipment, so we snuck it in. The lawyer with the camera and lenses in his attaché case, and me with film in my socks. I think back on it like, how stupid—like I could have gotten arrested and ended up his cellmate!He walked into the room, with that signature charm, saying ‘God bless you, Mr. White!’ Six months later when he was released, Rolling Stone sent me to pick him up from prison. I rented a white Lincoln Continental stretch limo. He walks out in this jumpsuit with his jewelry and an ascot tied around his neck. He hops in the limo, and we drive to Augusta. He toured me around where he grew up, these homes with no running water. It was the other side of the tracks. People are calling his name, and I’m just shooting like crazy. Hanging out with James Brown, who’s just as wild as his reputation. The whole thing was kind of wonderful...it was quite the ride.
