Sale of James Brown’s Estate For $90 Million Moves Scholarship Fund Closer To Reality!

YourBlackWorld.net, By Victor Omondi, Posted December 31st 2021

Primary Wave, a publishing and management company, has purchased the sole rights to soul music superstar James Brown’s publishing, masters, and name, as well as likeness rights from the singer’s estate, Rolling Stone reports.

According to the New York Times, the estate has moved closer to establishing the scholarship fund that the late singer wished to establish. The deal is reportedly worth $90 million.

Brown’s will stipulate that scholarships be established for poor students in South Carolina and Georgia. After a 15-year legal battle involving Brown’s heirs, the estate is much closer to accomplishing that goal. Only Brown’s property and theatrical costumes were handed to them, and $2 million was set aside for the education of his grandchildren.

The dispute hit yet another snag. Brown’s claimed marriage to singer Tommie Rae Hynie, who was already married to another man at the time of their union, appeared to put any progress in settling issues to do with the departed singer’s estate in jeopardy. Last year, however, the Supreme Court of South Carolina ruled that Hynie was never officially Brown’s wife.

But that’s not all. Other lawsuits are still pending. Brown’s estate is being sued by Adele Pope, a former executor of Brown’s estate. Pope is also being sued by Russell Bauknight, the fiduciary for the James Brown Estate and Trust. Until those disputes are settled, the scholarship fund cannot begin.

In a statement, Bauknight stated, “The James Brown Estate and related Trust are very proud and excited to work with Larry Mestel and Primary Wave.”

“We believe that our choice of professionals to take the James Brown Legacy to the next level is going to prove to be one of the most successful events in Mr. Brown’s long history in show business,” he added.

The proceeds from the sale of Brown’s assets will be used to pay the scholarships, the New York Times reports. Larry Mestel, the founder and CEO of Primary Wave, has announced that a small fraction of future earnings from Brown’s music will be donated to the upcoming scholarship fund.

Brown has a long playlist, including “I Got You (I Feel Good),” “The Comeback,” and “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine.” He was one of the most influential artists of his time and he remains a prominent character in soul music.