An auction of soul legend James Brown's belongings has raised over $850,000 - which will pay off the late singer's outstanding tax bills.

The Sex Machine hit-maker's possessions were sold to fans and celebrities alike who were eager to own a piece of music history. Brown's former business managers, Buddy Dallas and Alford Bradley, had tried to halt the auction after learning the cash raised would go to his estate, but a judge ruled on Monday that the sale could go ahead.

The top lot was a black cape embroidered in metallic thread with the words James Brown, which fetched $47,500 - more than double its estimate. The leader of the Late Show with David Letterman's band, Paul Shaffer, bid $32,500 to win a medical bracelet which stated that Brown was a diabetic.

Brown died of heart failure on Christmas Day in 2006 at the age of 73.

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)