The estate of James Brown, the late ``Godfather of Soul,'' can proceed with a sale of photographs, awards and musical instruments on July 17, according to auction house Christie's International in New York.

The South Carolina Court of Appeals ruled today that the auction of property from Brown's estate can go ahead, said Christie's spokeswoman Sara Fox in an e-mail. The sale of Brown's possessions, originally ordered by a judge in February to pay legal bills and estate taxes, has been tied up by feuding heirs and former business managers for the singer.

Judge Jasper Cureton said in the ruling that the auction could proceed, pending an appeal by Albert Dallas and Alfred Bradley, the former business managers, challenging the appointment of the trustees as Brown's personal representatives, and the funds from the auction could be allocated when the dispute is resolved, according to a copy of the ruling faxed to Bloomberg News.

Brown, who died in 2006, recorded hit singles including ``Night Train,'' ``Papa's Got a Brand New Bag,'' ``I Feel Good'' and ``Say It Loud -- I'm Black and I'm Proud.'' He was 73.

The case is In Re. The Estate of Brown v. Pope. 2007-CP-02-00122, South Carolina Court of Appeals.