And in Augusta, Georgia, thousands gathered on Saturday to pay tribute to the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, who died last week at the age of 73. The Rev. Al Sharpton oversaw the proceedings.

Rev. Al Sharpton: “Today is the end of a long journey and the beginning of a new journey. We come to thank God for James Brown.”

Pop star Michael Jackson made a rare public appearance.

Michael Jackson: “James Brown is my greatest inspiration. Ever since I was a small child, no more than six years old, my mother would wake me no matter what time it was when I was sleeping, no matter what I was doing, to watch the television to see the master at work. And when I saw him move, I was mesmerized. I have 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, because of James Brown.”