In the world of classic soul, few rivalries burned as brightly or as bitterly the one between
James Brown and Joe Tex.
These two Southern-born legends clashed on and off stage, creating not just unforgettable music but an unforgettable feud.
From diss tracks to gunshots, this rivalry had it all. Let’s rewind to explore the drama, competition, and creative sparks that defined one of soul music’s most iconic face-offs.
Two Icons, One Path to Greatness
James Brown, the self-proclaimed “Hardest Working Man in Show Business, came from Augusta, Georgia, and rose through pure grit and showmanship.
Joe Tex, born in Baytown, Texas, was equally electric—a preacher-like singer who infused soul with humor and charm.
Both men were born in the 1930s, started recording in the 1950s, and hit their commercial stride in the 1960s. They shared fans, stages, and even romantic interests—but neither was willing to share the spotlight.
Musical Competition Heats Up
Brown’s revolutionary hits like:
"Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag"
"I Got You (I Feel Good)"
...set the blueprint for funk and high-energy stagecraft.
Tex fired back with his own brand of down-home soul, producing gems like:
"Hold What You’ve Got"
"Skinny Legs and All"
"Show Me"
Each new single was a punch. Each performance is a challenge.

Joe Tex—witty, emotional, and unafraid to speak his mind (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)*
The Gunfight at Macon: When Rivalry Turned Violent
The feud exploded in 1963. At the center of the storm was Bea Ford, a singer romantically linked to both artists.
Joe Tex wrote a diss track titled “You Keep Her” directly aimed at James Brown, mocking him for taking his ex-lover.
Brown did not take it lightly.
That same year, during a show in Macon, Georgia, Brown reportedly brought guns to the venue and opened fire on Tex and his entourage. No one was killed, but the incident cemented the feud’s place in soul music infamy.
📰 *Suggested Image:* A newspaper clipping (real or re-created) with a dramatic headline like *“Shooting at Soul Show – James Brown Involved?”*
Battle of the Stage: Capes, Collapses, and Comedy
James Brown’s legendary cape routine, where he collapsed on stage only to rise and continue performing, became a signature act. But Joe Tex often parodied it, adding comedy and mockery to his shows.
Was it tribute or theft?
Brown believed Tex was stealing his act. Tex believed Brown was taking himself too seriously. Fans were split, but they watched both men with religious devotion.
*Suggested Image:* A side-by-side shot of James Brown in a cape and Joe Tex mimicking the move
Business Smarts and Behind-the-Scenes Jabs
Despite their feud, both men were ahead of their time when it came to business. Joe Tex was among the first soul stars to own his publishing rights, a bold move that Brown would later mirror.
Yet the bitterness never fully faded. Tex accused Brown of **pressuring promoters** to remove him from concert lineups. Brown downplayed Tex’s talent in interviews, calling him **“a clown”** compared to his artistry.
🎤 *Quote Card Graphic:*
> *“James, I got your letter... You said I could have my baby back. But I don’t want her that way.”*
> – Joe Tex, “You Keep Her”
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## 🙏 The Final Years: No Reconciliation
Joe Tex stepped away from music in the late ’70s and became a **minister in the Nation of Islam**, while Brown battled personal demons and legal issues into the 2000s.
Tex died in 1982 at just 47. Brown passed in 2006. Despite decades of tension, they never reconciled publicly.
There Was A Time
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Legacy: A Rivalry That Pushed Soul Forward
While the feud had its ugly moments, it **pushed both artists to greater heights**. Brown’s innovations in funk might not have been so relentless without a competitor like Tex nipping at his heels. Likewise, Tex’s stage banter and storytelling were sharpened by his need to stand apart.
Today, fans and music historians recognize this not just as a feud—but as a **creative duel** that helped shape the future of soul, funk, and even hip-hop (Joe Tex is one of the most sampled artists in rap music).
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