James Brown And His Famous Flames – Tour The U.S.A. (King Records 804)

King Records 1962  ‎– 804

 

 Notes:

 

The Famous Flames were an American rhythm and blues 
vocal group founded in Toccoa, Georgia, in 1953 by Bobby Byrd. 
James Brown began his career as a member of The Famous Flames,
 emerging as the lead singer by the time of their first professional 
recording, "Please, Please, Please", in 1956.

Tour The U.S.A. captures James Brown at the dawn of his legendary
 live reputation. Released on King Records in 1962, this historic LP
 showcases the unmatched stage energy of James Brown And His 
Famous Flames with electrifying performances blending soul, 
rhythm & blues, gospel, and early funk influences. 
A must-have album for collectors of classic R&B and vintage soul music.

Before becoming universally known as “The Godfather of Soul,” 
James Brown was already redefining live performance with unmatched 
intensity and passion. Released in 1962 on King Records, Tour The U.S.A. 
captures Brown and The Famous Flames during the formative
years of soul music, delivering a raw and electrifying concert experience.
Unlike polished studio productions of the era, this LP highlights the energy,
 spontaneity, and audience interaction that made James Brown one of the 
greatest live performers in music history. Backed by tight musicianship, 
fiery vocals, and relentless rhythm, the album stands as an essential 
document of early rhythm & blues transitioning into modern soul.
The record includes dynamic performances filled with gospel-inspired vocals, 
driving horn arrangements, and powerful stage charisma. Every track reflects 
the intensity that would later influence generations of funk, soul, and rock performers.

line up

Vocals

James Brown — lead vocals, organ on selected tracks
Bobby Byrd — backing vocals, organ, piano
Baby Lloyd Stallworth — backing vocals
Bobby Bennett — backing vocals
Horn section

Roscoe Patrick — trumpet
Teddy Washington — trumpet
Lewis Hamlin — trumpet
Clarence “Jay” Johnson — trombone
J.C. Davis — tenor saxophone
St. Clair Pinckney — tenor saxophone
Al “Brisco” Clark — tenor & baritone saxophone
Clifford “Ace” King MacMillan — tenor saxophone

Rhythm section

Les Buie — guitar
Hubert Lee Perry — bass
Nat Kendrick — drums
Clayton Fillyau — drums
James Brown — drums on “Choo-Choo Locomotion”
Keyboards
James Brown — organ on “Cross Firing” and “Every Beat of My Heart”
Bobby Byrd — organ / piano (“I Don’t Care”)

The album tracks were recorded between February 1961 and July 1962.

Studios used:

King Studios — most of the album
Dukoff Studios — “Cross Firing” and “Every Beat of My Heart”

Known session date:

“Mashed Potatoes U.S.A.” recorded May 22, 1962 at King Studios, Cincinnati.
Production
Producer: James Brown

Written-By – James Brown (tracks: A1, A2, A4 to A6) 


tracklist:


A1     Mashed Potatoes U.S.A.
written by James Brown         
A2     Choo-Choo (Loco-Motion) 
written by James Brown        
A3     Three Hearts In A Tangle 
Written By  R. S. Pennington, S. Thompson    
A4     Doin' The Limbo 
written by James Brown        
A5     I Don't Care 
written by James Brown
A6     Joggin' Along 
written by James Brown        
B1     I've Got Money 
written by James Brown        
B2     Sticky 
 Written By J. Brown, J.C. Davis
B3     Like A Baby  
Written By  Jessie Stone        
B4     Every Beat Of My Heart 
Written By  Johnny Otis    
B5     In The Wee Wee Hours (Of The Nite) 
written by James Brown        
B6     Cross Firing
written by James Brown

 

 

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