James Brown Productions Road Expense Slip, 1970

James Brown was famous for running a tight ship, to the point that he made a practice of docking his band members’ pay for slight infractions like running late, failing to meet his standards for grooming, or missing a note. Unbelievably, these fines were meticulously documented by James Brown Productions in the form of “Road Expense” slips like this one. This slip from Bootsy's time with the J.B.'s, dated April 17, 1970, reflects a fine of $5 and a running debt of $20. “I remember these days, but I wouldn't trade them for the world,” Bootsy says. “20 bucks to play with James? I'll do it!”