Posted December 30, 200618 yr http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39205000/jpg/_39205428_james_brown_ap203.jpg MJ To Attend Brown's Funeral Michael Jackson To Attend Brown's Funeral; Officials Prepare For Celebrities Preparations are being finalized at The James Brown Arena in Augusta, Georgia for the public viewing of James Brown at services that are being held on Saturday. Mayor Deke Copenhaver has told The Augusta Chronicle that security measures are being altered to accommodate the number of celebrities expected to attend that service. Mr. Copenhaver also confirmed that pop singer Michael Jackson is expected, as are many other entertainment and political figures. Michael Jackson idolized Mr. James Brown. As a child and adult, The King of Pop emulated the fancy, syncopated footwork and vocal styling of The Godfather of Soul, and at the 3RD ANNUAL BET AWARDS in 2003, BET honored Brown with its Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the network on any individual. During that telecast, one of the most memorable moments in music television history occurred when pop star Michael Jackson surprised millions of viewers by joining Brown on stage in a spontaneous outpouring of dance and song in salute to the icon’s amazing career that spanned more than five decades. The public viewing Saturday will begin at 9 a.m., with services to be held at 1 p.m and will be officiated by The Rev. Al Sharpton.
December 31, 200618 yr Michael Jackson says Goodbye to The Godfather of Soul http://www.mjjforum.com/main/images/stories/mjbyejames.jpg AUGUSTA, Ga. (MJJForum.com) - Michael Jackson, making a rare public appearance in the United States, said goodbye to the legendary Godfather of Soul, Dr. James Brown on Saturday. Michael Jackson, along with civil rights leaders, entertainers, and fans attended the Home-Going Celebration held at The James Brown Arena in Augusta, Georgia. Dr. James Brown's music and message embodied a generation of revolutionary change for black Americans. Michael Jackson entered the funeral to a thunderous applause as James Brown's band, The Soul Generals and Bittersweet performed Mr. Brown's hits to a crowd of 9,000. In his third costume change in three days, The "Godfather of Soul," was dressed in a black suit and gloves with a ruby red shirt. Jewels sparkled on his lapels and at the tips of his shoes. His body laid in an open-topped 24 Karat gold coffin in front of the stage. In a rousing eulogy/tribute to James Brown, civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton spoke of his last conversation with James, which included a discussion about Michael Jackson. "James said to me ... 'I love Michael.' He said, 'Tell him do not worry about coming home. They always scandalize those that have the talent. But tell him we need to clean up the music and I want Michael and all of them that imitated me to come back and lift the music back."' "I do not care what the media says tonight, James Brown wanted Michael Jackson with him here today," Sharpton said in a booming voice. Sharpton then invited Michael Jackson onstage where Michael gave a brief speech. "James Brown is my greatest inspiration." Jackson said, telling the crowd how his mother would wake him up at night so he could watch Brown on television. http://www.mjjforum.com/main/images/stories/mjspeechjb.jpg "Ever since I was a small child, no more than 6 years old, my mother would wake me no matter what time, even if I were sleeping, no matter what I was doing, to go watch the master at work." Jackson said. "And when I saw him move I was mesmerized!" "I've never seen a performer perform like James Brown and I knew right then and there, that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life," he said. Throughout the ceremony, Michael comforted James Brown's family, friends, and loved ones and they comforted him as well. He had 119 hits including "Please, Please, Please," "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," "It's a Man's World," "Living in America," and Brown became a living embodiment of black pride with "Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud)." Dr. James Brown (He received his doctorate during the funeral) performed more than 100 live shows this year and he was due to perform on New Year's Eve in New York's Times Square. We at MJJForum.com sends our heartfelt condolences, love, and support to The Brown Family. Rest In Peace, Godfather Of Soul! Source: Reuters/MJJForum.com
December 31, 200618 yr So sad about James Brown and i'm sure MJ is devenstated. Glad to see he made it to the funeral. ^_^
December 31, 200618 yr He is a sweet guy and, James Brown was a good, and loyal friend to Michael. Such a sad moment, but i am sure his music will carry on his sprit, and he will be remebered for all the good things he did and so will Michael Jackson aswell :cry:
