Tony Wilson, widely known as “The Young James Brown,” is a Chicago-born entertainer, performer, and philanthropist whose career is inextricably linked to the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Dubbed the moniker by Brown himself in 1999, Wilson has spent over five decades channeling Brown’s electrifying energy through tribute performances, film roles, global tours, and advocacy work. As Brown’s protégé and self-described “godson of soul,” Wilson not only emulates the icon’s splits, spins, and stage commands but also upholds his legacy of resilience, Black pride, and community upliftment. With a career spanning decoy work for Michael Jackson to leading a 14-piece tribute band featuring original J.B. ‘s members, Wilson’s story is one of serendipity, mentorship, and unwavering commitment. Below is a detailed compilation of pertinent information, drawn from his official biography, interviews, articles, and recent updates as of October 19, 2025.
Early Life and Musical Foundations
Raised on Chicago’s vibrant South Side in a “Family of Soul,” Wilson was immersed in music from childhood. His godmother, Martha Reeves of Martha and the Vandellas, provided early encouragement and opportunities to open for her. Influenced by Black history, inventors like Dr. Charles Drew, and artists such as the Jackson 5, Wilson began singing at age 8 and seriously pursuing performance at 10. He honed his skills through tumbling, chess, and ping-pong at Chicago Park Districts to stay out of trouble, emphasizing clean lyrics and positive messages in his own work.
A defining moment came in 1967 (around age 10) when Wilson, taken to James Brown’s concert at the Regal Theater on 79th Street and Stony Island, leaped onstage amid the frenzy, dancing alongside the legend. He repeated this in 1968 and 1971 at venues like the High Chaparral, forging an early connection. By the 1970s, Wilson’s mimicry of Michael Jackson was so precise that Joe Jackson hired him as an official decoy and understudy for three years, including work on the 1978 film The Wiz. This “Michael phase” included appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, but Wilson later shifted to the “James Brown School of Performance,” prioritizing authenticity over mere imitation—he always sings live, distinguishing himself from lip-sync tributes.
Wilson’s network grew to include icons like Ron and Ernie Isley, Bootsy Collins, Herbie Hancock, Rick James, Smokey Robinson, Otis Williams, Al Green, Diana Ross, and the late Rick James (for whom Wilson served as caretaker until Derringer’s passing on May 26, 2025, in Ormond Beach, FL).
Meeting James Brown and the Birth of Mentorship
Wilson’s formal bond with Brown began in 1991, following Brown’s release from prison. At the pay-per-view event “James Brown: Living in America” (produced by Butch Lewis), Wilson performed, initially drawing a stern look from Brown. Backstage, however, Brown’s wife brought Wilson forward, and the icon recognized his professionalism. At the after-party at L.A.’s Wiltern Theater on June 10, 1991—attended by MC Hammer and others—Brown paid Wilson personally and began mentoring him, knowing of his ties to Martha Reeves.
From 1991 onward, they became “inseparable.” Brown invited Wilson to concerts worldwide to absorb the “James Brown Show”: the meticulous band commands, cape routines, splits, and militant precision (e.g., checking shoes and shirts; addressing him as “Mr. Brown”). Brown embodied three personas to Wilson—strict disciplinarian, visionary artist, and resilient fighter—imparting lessons like “get your money first” and drawing from his own rise from poverty and battles with addiction. Their final profound exchange occurred shortly before Brown’s death on Christmas Day 2006, a private moment Wilson describes as his “greatest joy.”

The Moniker: “The Young James Brown”
The title was bestowed in 1999 on the set of Funkblast, Brown’s first major film project involving Wilson. After observing Wilson’s portrayal of a youthful Brown, the Godfather pulled him aside and declared, “YOU REALLY ARE THE YOUNG JAMES BROWN!” This endorsement wasn’t casual; Brown gifted Wilson a personalized doll inscribed “To Tony Wilson, #2, keep being ME,” symbolizing his role as heir to the legacy. Wilson vowed to preserve Brown’s “vibrant, energetic, visual concert performance,” a promise he’s upheld for 26 years. Brown reinforced this by attending Wilson’s shows and handpicking his tribute band for the icon’s final tour.
Key Film Roles
Wilson’s on-screen work as young/old James Brown blends reverence with high-energy action, earning Brown’s direct approval.

Film
Year 1999
Role/Details
Director/Notes
Funkblast (aka The Artist’s Journey: Funk Blast)
1999
Young James Brown (dance double; CG face composite of Brown’s 1969-1971 era over Wilson’s body)
Multi-director (e.g., Scott Squires); Short digital production for EMP/MoPOP museum ride. Wilson was Brown’s personal choice; pivotal for moniker origin. Featured Bootsy Collins, Maceo Parker.

Beat the Devil
2002 (filmed); 2004 release
Young James Brown / Godfather of Soul (spectral crossroads vision; renegotiates soul deal with Devil)
Tony Scott; Internet-exclusive thriller with Clive Owen, Gary Oldman, Marilyn Manson. Brown played older self; meta-tribute to Brown’s mythos. Official meeting site for Wilson and Brown.