Posted on 01/01/2007 2:25:36 PM PST by indcons
Among thousands of fans and celebrities who gathered to bid farewell to the godfather of soul, a tearful Michael Jackson did it in his own way, bowing before the casket and kissing Brown’s forehead.
The last funeral held in James Brown’s hometown was as loud and outrageous as the man himself. Over 9,000 people swarmed into Augusta’s James Brown Arena on Saturday to take a last look at the singer.
Once known as the king of pop music, Michael Jackson made his appearance at the funeral on Saturday alongside Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson to pay his respects at Brown's gold-plated coffin.
"James Brown is my greatest inspiration, ever since I was a small child," Jackson said adding that when he was a child his mother used to wake him up each time Brown was on TV.
"When I saw him move, I was mesmerized. I've never seen a performer perform like James Brown, and right then and there, I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life."
This was one of the few public appearances Jackson made since he was released of child molestation charges in 2005. It also marked his first major public statement in the United States in 18 months. He did not sing nor dance, unlike most of the people who were present.
"I don't care what the media says tonight, James Brown wanted Michael Jackson with him here today," Al Sharpton said in a booming voice.
"He said ... 'I love Michael.' He said, 'Tell him don't worry about coming home. They always scandalize those that have the talent.'
(Excerpt) Read more at playfuls.com ...
Eh? You mean he single handedly stopped a riot?
I hadn’t heard this story??
Oh wow.. cool story actually.
Interesting that people were so busy enjoying
the concert they didn’t want to riot.
Check out i found another picture of Michael by James Browns casket
MJ wasn’t worthy to lick James Brown’s boots.
Yep Mj was too busy licking other things...
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