"The Godfather of Soul will get a New York-style tribute tomorrow, when he lies in state at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
Tomorrow afternoon and evening the public will get the chance to say their goodbyes to James Brown in person, starting at 1 p.m. His close friend Reverend Al Sharpton will deliver a sermon at 7:30 p.m.
The viewing brings Brown's life and career full circle, since the Apollo is where he made his debut more than 40 years ago."
James Brown performed for every president from Nixon to our current president, including Gerald Ford. Brown will be buried in his hometown of Augusta, Georgia on Friday, where Al Sharpton will lead his (private) funeral service.
Clip of James Brown at the Apollo in 1968.
Photograph of a man signing a poster of James Brown outside B.B. King's Blues Club in Times Square by Kathy Willens/AP; Brown was scheduled to perform there on Sunday, in spite of being ill.
Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.
Having seen many a JB clip, I really appreciate the posting of such a rare & beautifull jewel.
" who would u be w/o JB?!"
"what would music Be w/o JB?!"
"what would civil rights be w/o JB!"
Their would be no Prince, No MJ, No, HIP-HOP, NO Fela, NO Cameo, no Bootsy, no WAR, no RIck JAmes,no mick jagger, no elvis, no sly, No d'angelo, no nuthin!!! MUSIC WOULD NOT BE WHAT IT IS TODAY HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR JB.
"absolutly nuthin'"- JB
the innovator, the master, the pioneer, the finisher, "mr. Dynomite"- The Godfather.
Wish i could be ther to send you off, but know I'm servin ya well right where I T.I.S
Black folks and the world of music wouldn't be the same w/o ya. Truly a great loss of another MASTER.
May God be well pleased.
"SOULPOWAH!/ Got to have it/ SOULPOWAH!! we need it!..."
NY1 is wrong about James Brown making his debut at the Apollo. He recorded his great live album there in 1962. He had been touring and recording for many years by that time.
Use an RSS reader to stay up to date with the latest news and posts from Gothamist.
Want Gothamist's suggestions on what shows to check out, where to eat, what to buy, where to go for a quick trip? We'll be bringing you some exclusive tips and ideas via email every day! And don't worry—you'll still get a list of our top stories.
Sign up for Gothamist Daily, which will deliver useful tips—plus Gothamist's most popular stories—to your inbox at 11 a.m. This way, you'll be able to plan your week or month as well as catch up on Gothamist if you've stepped away.