Soul singer Bobby Womack, honoring inductee James Brown, performed "Its A Man's Man's World" in a rendition that was definitely worthy of “The Godfather of Soul." Brown has been writing and performing for four decades, with hits that include "Sex Machine," "I Got You (I Feel Good)," and "Say It Loud -I'm Black And I'm Proud." He has had 74 R&B top 20 hits, including 17 No. 1 hits. Rapper/producer Sean “Puffy” Combs presented the award to The Godfather of Soul, literally kissing his ring. Combs said to the audience, "Through his music, you have experienced history -- the pain, the struggle, the happiness. With 40 years in the business, he's not only the hardest working man in show business, he's also the longest working man in show business." Brown piped in, "And the best looking!" Referring to his humble beginnings, Brown said, "One of the things I'll never forget was when I got my first shot, at the Apollo Theater. “ Please Please Please" not only made me a big star, but it took the broom out of my hands, because I was a janitor." As Combs started to lead Brown offstage, with Jimmy Vivino’s band playing "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag," Brown spontaneously grabbed the mike and turned his exit music into a performance, capped by a standing ovation.
Hal David then appeared again to present the Abe Olman Publisher Award to Julian Aberbach. Aberbach began his publishing career in the '40s with a fascination for country music and continued from there to build a major worldwide publishing company. His acquisitions included the exclusive publishing rights to the music of Elvis Presley. Phoebe Snow honored Aberbach with a soulful funk/country version of "Save The Last Dance For Me."
In a last-minute surprise appearance, Paul McCartney appeared, presenting the SHOF award to inductee Brian Wilson. Wilson is perhaps best known as the driving force of The Beach Boys, the '60s band that epitomized California surfer music, with a young, innocent energy layered with intricate melodies and harmonies. He wrote virtually all their hits, including "Little Surfer Girl," "Good Vibrations," "Help Me Rhonda," and "California Girls." In a separate endeavor, he also co-wrote what came to be known in some circles as the Great American Album, Pet Sounds. In fact, McCartney has cited Pet Sounds as his favorite album and an influence on Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.
