Los Angeles, July 08: About a hundred fans and friends of late soul singer Barry White celebrated the life and music of the larger-than-life icon in a Los Angeles park on Monday, three days after he lost a battle with kidney disease. As a vehicle blared White compositions like "Love's Theme" and "Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up," the all-ages black crowd danced and sang at Leimert Park near downtown, recalling a native son who never forgot his humble roots.
White, who was 58 when he died, grew up in nearby south-central Los Angeles, occasionally getting into trouble with the law before becoming one of the biggest -- professionally and literally -- soul stars of the 1970s. He remained active in community affairs, and even sponsored local kids' baseball teams.
But most people know him for his musical acumen. His stirring baritone voice and sexy lyrics were a key ingredient for any romantic interlude.
"Any time we heard Barry White, we knew we needed to stay out of the living room, that (my parents) were having their time," said Yolanda Williams, a 32-year-old fan carrying a home-made banner.
While the candlelight vigil was festive, it began on a solemn note as a friend of White's, Mohammed Mubarak, led a prayer, after first reading from the first verse of the Koran in both Arabic and English. (White himself was not religious.)
"He truly was the maestro of love," Mubarak said. "We ask that you will open up the doors of heaven, and allow him to rest in peace in heaven forever, and forgive him of all of his sins and have mercy on him on his day of judgment."
Beside him, a fan waved an old White LP, with its discounted $5.99 price tag still affixed.
Event organizer Najee Ali, a friend of White's children, hailed the singer as a "social activist ... who wanted an end to gang violence, an end to poverty."
White's funeral arrangements have not been made public yet.
Bureau Report