THOUSANDS of music fans last night paid tribute to the late Godfather of Soul, James Brown, in the New York venue where he made his debut.

People danced and sang outside Harlem's Apollo Theatre last night in raucous celebration as the singer's body was displayed on the stage where his career started in 1956.

Inside the theatre fans trooped quietly past his coffin but in the surrounding streets the mood was upbeat.

"This is a celebration of his life," said Bryant Preudhomme. "James Brown gave you heart. He lifted you up when you were down. He gave you hope."

Brown's body arrived at the Apollo, from his home in Georgia, in a white carriage drawn by two white horses.

Hundreds of fans followed the carriage singing Brown's anthem, "Say it Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud."

The music legend died of heart failure on Christmas morning, aged 73.

The Rev Al Sharpton, Brown's long-time friend, vowed to make sure the star did not miss his last New York date, and said: "He was a superstar for common people, and I wanted to make sure that common people got to see him one last time."

Brown routinely drew the largest crowds at the theatre, which has also showcased the talents of stars such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

Today, a private ceremony for Brown will be held in a Georgia church.