|
|
Article: The Godfather Fills the Apollo One Last Time; Thousands Pay Their Respects At Wake for James Brown
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- December 29, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
|
It was a spectacle that James Brown would have loved.
The Godfather of Soul made a pre-show habit of getting a look at
the line to see him perform at the Apollo Theater. But for all of
his sold-out concerts at the legendary venue, nothing could match
the crowd that turned up in Harlem Thursday for his onstage wake.
Thousands of fans crammed the blocks around 125th Street, hoping
to pay final respects to Brown, who died Monday at age 73 and whose
body lay in an open casket at the Apollo. Helicopters hovered
overhead, police officers struggled to corral attendees, a horde of
television cameras jostled for better views. Fans sang James Brown
songs and reminisced about James Brown concerts.