Essence Fest to celebrate black music in La.

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FILE - In a Tuesday, Feb. 25, 1986 file photo, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie receive a Grammy for best song of the year for their song "We Are the World" at the 28th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Richie, a longtime friend to Michael Jackson, says the country is in need of some healing after the pop star's recent death and the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans is going to provide the perfect remedy. Essence, which begins Friday, July 3, 2009 and runs through Sunday, will feature performances by Richie, Beyonce, John Legend, Ne-Yo, Anita Baker and a host of other artists. Organizers are now also planning a special tribute to Jackson. (AP Photo/Lennox McLendon, File)

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