Angelique Kidjo told the crowd about first hearing James Brown’s music as a girl in Benin: “I said to myself, ‘The language he’s singing in, I want to learn that language.’” (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Aloe Blacc, the hit maker behind “The Man” and “I Need a Dollar,” sang Brown’s “The Payback,” “Super Bad” and “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” during Wednesday’s tribute show. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Angelique Kidjo sang “Say It Loud -- I’m Black and I’m Proud.” (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
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Bettye LaVette let loose on “I’ll Go Crazy,” “Try Me” and “It’s a Man’s World.” (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Aloe Blacc not only sang in Wednesday’s tribute show, but he has a role in the new James Brown biopic “Get On Up” as Nafloyd Scott, one of the original Famous Flames. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
An image of the late James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, is projected on a Hollywood Bowl screen during the show. Soul Brother No. 1 had been a voice for peaceful change in his life, but that aspect of him seemed missing in Wednesday’s performances. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
