James Brown Performs At Opening Of Experience Music Project In Seattle, WA

Jet, July 10, 2000

Godfather of Soul James Brown brought the curtain down on the recent weekend-long grand opening of the Experience Music Project (EMP) in Seattle, WA.

Brown was the final act at the grand opening of the $240 million EMP, built by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

The unique event featured performances by an eclectic group of more than 40 entertainers. Other noted performers included Dr. Dre, Bootsy Collins and Bo Diddley.

A musician since childhood, Allen originally conceived of the museum as homage to his idol, guitar legend Jimi Hendrix.

EMP is a one-of-a-kind music museum combining interactive and interpretive exhibits to tell the story of the creative, innovative and rebellious expression that defines American popular music.

EMP's collection has more than 80,000 artifacts, including musical instruments-from one of the first electric guitars to those used by artists such as Bo Diddley and Muddy Waters-an extensive recorded sound archive, film, photographs, stage costumes and handwritten song lyrics.