Crowds pay tribute to Rick James

Fans remember singer Rick James

Hundreds of friends and fans gathered in Los Angeles to pay tribute to singer Rick James at a memorial service.

Some 1,200 people took part in the service for the 56-year-old, who died in his sleep last week.

Guests included Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr, singer Chaka Khan and Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine.

James's career peaked in 1981 with the Grammy-winning hit Super Freak. A post-mortem examination has failed to determine the cause of his death.

Cocaine

The funk star's daughter Ty thanked well-wishers for their support.

She said: "This is his moment of glory. He would've loved to have known he had this much support. We appreciate your prayers."

James had recently enjoyed a return to fame due to comedian Dave Chapelle's portrayal of him on the US show Comedy Central. JAmes appeared on the show.

This is his moment of glory. He would've loved to have known he had this much support Ty James

James, who was a diabetic and needed a pacemaker, suffered a stroke in 1998.

He also had a history of cocaine addiction that led to two assault convictions in the 1990s and a two-year stretch in prison.

Coroner's officials say they are still awaiting the results of a toxicology test to try to determine the cause of his death, which may take several weeks.

James, who was born in Buffalo, New York, and lived near Universal City, Los Angeles, will be buried on Saturday after a funeral service.

He is survived by three children and two grandchildren.