Usher Pays Tribute to James Brown  12/29/06

R&B heart-throb Usher has paid tribute to his idol and friend James Brown, hailing the funk legend as "in a class by himself".

The stars duetted at the 2005 Grammys and Usher was honored when Brown dubbed him 'The Godson Of Soul'.

Usher, 28, says, "It couldn't have been more of a pleasure to be recognized by James Brown.

"James Brown introduced me to soul. Because of him I was given a clear view of what a real performance is and should be. I learned showmanship from him.

"Mr Brown was in a class by himself.

"Man, when he called me the 'Godson of Soul,' I damn near fell out backstage.

Truth be told, I was so excited while on stage that I didn't even know that he gave me that name. It wasn't until I was backstage in my dressing room and someone from my staff told me he named me that. Then I actually saw a replay of the awards show."

Brown died on Christmas Day (25DEC06) after contracting pneumonia.