James Brown to lie in state
Wednesday, 27 Dec 2006 11:49
Brown: "lived such a sensational life"
Legendary music star James Brown will lie in state in New York on Thursday so the public can say goodbye.
The Godfather of Soul will lie on the stage of the Apollo theatre in Harlem, New York city, and the public will be able to take one last glimpse at the iconic figure and pay their respects.
A lifelong friend of Brown, Rev Al Sharpton, said the plans were an appropriate send-off.
"It would almost be unthinkable for a man who lived such a sensational life to go away quietly… (He) would have wanted one last opportunity to let the people say goodbye to him and he to the people," he said.
Rev Sharpton said he had discussed funeral arrangements with the children of Brown and that a private ceremony in Georgia would be held on Friday.
However, a second public ceremony will be held in the James Brown Arena in his hometown of Augusta in Georgia on Saturday.
Brown made his explosive debut on the stage of the Apollo theatre and Rev Sharpton noted: "His greatest thrill was always the lines around the Apollo Theater."
Best known for hits such as Papa's Got a Brand New Bag and Get Up, Brown passed away on Christmas Day aged 73 after suffering from pneumonia.