Tributes were paid last night to "Godfather of Soul" James Brown, who died yesterday aged 73.

The 1960s icon of funk, who was acclaimed as much for his music as his twinkle-toed dance steps, died in hospital after being admitted suffering pneumonia on Sunday.

He was praised as a "one-of-a-kind never-to-be-repeated star" and "remarkable performer" who had an "absolutely phenomenal" impact on music.

His agent and friend Frank Copsidas said the legend known as The Hardest Working Man in Showbusiness died at Emory Crawford Long Hospital, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mr Copsidas said: "On Saturday, he went to the dentist who said, 'I think something is wrong and you need to go and see a doctor'.

"He was diagnosed with severe pneumonia. He went into the hospital and as late as last night we were expecting him, according to him, to be able to perform this week for New Year's Eve."

Internationally acclaimed for his passionate stage performances and groundbreaking musical style, he recorded countless hits including (Get Up I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine, I Got You (I Feel Good), Papa's Got a Brand New Bag and Out Of Sight.

Conor McNicholas, editor of music magazine NME, told BBC News 24 Brown's influence could be heard in artists as diverse as Justin Timberlake and the Arctic Monkeys.

He said: "His impact on popular music over this century has been absolutely phenomenal.

"There are very few people who can claim to have developed a sound and developed an energy that can really be heard in all of pop culture today."

Former Radio One DJ Andy Peebles said: "James Brown will be remembered not just for his musical ability or as a prolific producer of new songs, but also as a remarkable performer.

"He was described as the Godfather of Soul and that is exactly right. He was a one-of-a-kind, never-to-be-repeated star.

"There will never, and could never, be another James Brown."