Columbia, S.C. ? James Brown’s body placed in crypt at daughter’s home

James Brown’s body was placed in a crypt Saturday at the Beech Island home of one his daughters, family and friends of the soul singer said.

White balloons were released and Brown’s adult children and other family members and friends sang and prayed over the singer’s body, said the Rev. Al Sharpton, who presided over the noon ceremony.

Also at the service were Brown’s partner, Tomi Rae Hynie, and the couple’s young son, who led the procession. “This is what James wanted, for the family to come together. Everyone really felt like James was there with us,” Hynie told The Associated Press by phone.

The service took place more than two months after the singer died in an Atlanta hospital.

Brown died Dec. 25 at age 73, and his body had been held at an undisclosed location since then.

The crypt likely will not be Brown’s final resting place. A public mausoleum is being built and its location will be announced once it is completed, the family said.

Rehabilitation center sues Courtney Love for unpaid bill

Santa Ana, Calif. – A drug rehabilitation center has sued Courtney Love, claiming the singer has repeatedly refused to pay her $181,000 bill for her stay there 1 1/2 years ago.

The lawsuit, filed March 1 in Orange County Superior Court, said Love paid $10,000 when she entered Beau Monde, an oceanfront retreat in Newport Beach, in August 2005, but she still owes $181,286.

“Although demanded multiple times by plaintiff, orally and in writing, none of the balance stated has been paid,” the lawsuit said.

Love’s attorney, Howard Weitzman, said Friday the lawsuit “will be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties shortly.”

A phone message left for Beau Monde’s attorney was not immediately returned.

Samuel L. Jackson touts education at Head Start

Shreveport, La. – When Samuel L. Jackson was growing up, people encouraged him to be a doctor, lawyer or a teacher. But it was acting, he said, that gave him the greatest satisfaction.

Jackson, who was in Shreveport filming a movie, encouraged young Head Start pupils Friday to apply themselves in school and “find that one particular thing that makes you smile when you do it, that impresses your friends when you do it.”

Most of the children were 4 or 5 years old, and some weren’t sure who he was.

Jackson, a Morehouse College graduate, told them that education is key to doing whatever they want.

“If I can be a role model for you, then I’ll be that. I’m a proud man, I’m an educated man and I give back to my community in as many ways as I can,” he said.