August 9, 2004 8:24

TRIBUTES FLOOD IN FOR RICK JAMES

The funk legend is remembered by his family, peers and the music industry…

Tributes are being paid to the funk legend [/a] following his death on Friday (August 6) at the age of 56.

The star passed away in his Los Angeles home of what is thought to be natural causes.

Best known for his hit ’Super Freak’, [a] has been honoured by his family, peers and the music industry.

His son Rick James Jr said: "The spirit lives on."

According to BBC News, soul legend Smokey Robinson described [/a] as "the original R&B rock star".

Robinson, who recorded the duet ’Ebony Eyes’ with him in 1983, added: "[a] was very unique in his presentation and he was very instrumental in the careers of a lot of other Motown artists. He created another kind of rhythmic style for R&B music."

The American Society Of Composers, Authors and Publishers honoured [/a] in June by presenting him with the Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award.

Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr, who presented the award, said the singer was a "pioneer who took Motown in a whole new direction".

He added: "His creative abilities, his instincts about music and production were just awesome."

President of the Academy Of Recording Arts And Sciences - which presents the Grammy Awards - Neil Portnow said: "The world mourns a musician and performer of the funkiest kind."

He added: "Grammy-winner [a] was a singer, songwriter and producer whose performances were always as dynamic as his personality. The Super Freak of funk will be missed."