Los Angeles, CA – Michael Jackson was a predominant figure in the world of music for literally four decades. His music uplifted many of his fans across the world and as an entertainer; he inspired many of the artists of this generation to push forward in their music and their careers. These artists have looked up to Michael since their childhood. His music and his legacy shall live on forever into infamy. In so many words, Michael was a loving brother, father, friend, an ever-so-giving humanitarian, and a world renowned superstar.

This past Tuesday on July 7, a selected amount of 17,000 fans and numerous amount of family, celebrity friends, and artists gathered at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California to wish, in the words of Barry Gordy, ‘The Greatest Entertainer Alive,’ a fond and sincere farewell. Those select 17,000 fans watched alongside millions at home from around the world as they paid tribute to most phenomenal musician to ever live in our time.
 


Legendary recording artist Smokey Robinson opened the ceremony with a heartfelt speech to the fans and the family as the memorial was still commencing. He read notes from Michael’s longtime friend and mentor, Diana Ross, and the former South African President Nelson Mandela as they couldn’t be there to attend the ceremony. Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz began the first musical number of the afternoon with her hit cover of the Jackson 5’s ‘I’ll Be There.’ Upon looking over at the casket that was placed in front of the stage, Mariah began tearing before concluding the song. Queen Latifah reflected on his life as she remembered her childhood when her brother and her first bought The Jackson 5’s ‘Dancing Machine. ’ She added her own heartfelt words about the life of Michael Jackson as her voice cracked before completion:

“Michael was the biggest star on earth. He let me know that as an African-American you could travel the world … there was a world outside America. Other people, all you people who came here to pay respect to someone you felt was one of you, a human being first.”

She later spoke the heartfelt words of the great poet, Maya Angelou, paying homage to the life of Michael and the music he gave to us in a poem she entitled ‘We Had Him:’

“Without notice, our dear love can escape our doting embrace, sing our songs among the stars and walk our dances across the face of the moon.”

Another legendary artist who was dear friends with Michael and a co-writer of ‘We Are Children,’ was none other than Lionel Ritchie.He sang ‘Jesus is Love’ alongside an incredible choir lighting up the entire arena.

When Barry Gordy, the CEO of Motown Records, gave his speech, the reminiscent memories were there. He spoke on events and achievements that Michael conquered throughout his life in music and philanthropy. Gordy remembered the unforgettable performance at the Motown 25 when unveiled ‘Billie Jean’ and his signature ‘Moonwalk.’ He stated that Michael was like a son to him as he quoted that he could not have been just the King of Pop; instead he gave Michael the title of the “Greatest Entertainer that Ever Lived,” which was then immediately received with a standing applause.

Longtime friend and label mate, legendary artist, Stevie Wonder provided a song that seemed appropriate for the sorrowful occasion, something he thought he would never come to see or do. He performed his 1971 ballad ‘Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer.’

While his entire family sat in the front row listening and watching, we know and understood the grief and sorrow they were going through. NBA MVP and NBA alumni, Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson, added their thoughts and reflections. Kobe spoke on the many humanitarian deeds that Michael provided while Magic reflected on becoming friends with Jermaine and Marlon and being invited to their home to enjoy a bucket of KFC with a young Michael. He remembered being asked to appear in Michael’s ‘Remember the Time’ video.

Oscar winner and R&B vocalist, Jennifer Hudson took the stage to perform Michael’s hit single from the ‘Free Willy’ soundtrack and the ‘Dangerous’ album entitled ‘Will You be There.’ She paused towards the end as a voiceover from Michael came over the speakers:

“In our darkest hour, in my deepest despair, will you still care? Will you be there?”


Rev. Al Sharpton, who has been friends with Michael and the Jackson family, stepped the podium and gave a powerful speech lifting the entire audience with attributes from Michael’s life and the world that he molded to everything we see today. He stated that Michael was the reason for the breakdown in the color barrier and opened a whole new world. He then spoke to Michael’s three children adding:

“I want his three children to know, wasn’t nothin’ strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with, but he dealt with it.”

Those lasting words were received with a thunderous roar and standing ovation of the fans and the entire family.

Quite possibly one of the most tearful and moving tributes of the ceremony, Brooke Shields provided her reflections of her longtime friend. She spoke on his life and how she knew him. She said that he was such a humble and cheerful person who was full of love. Brooke really cherished the friendship she had with Michael:

“It was the most natural and easiest of friendships. … We had a bond and maybe it was because we both understood what it was like to be in the spotlight from a very, very young age. I used to tease him and say, ‘You know I started when I was 11 months old, you’re a slacker … you were, what, 5?’”




Jermaine Jackson, in probably one of his few recent televised performances, stepped on stage to perform one of Michael’s favorite songs from the classic modern films entitled ‘Smile,’ all in tribute to his beloved little brother. Halfway through the song, he broke down in tears unable to conclude. It goes to show that his incredible voice that is reminiscent of the Jackson 5 is still there.

One artist who I can say was definitely inspired by Michael would have to be our generation’s R&B vocalist, Usher. He performed a song fitting for the ceremony composed by Michael entitled ‘Gone Too Soon.’ Towards the conclusion of the song, he broke down in tears and took off his sunglasses to exhibit them. The Jackson brothers stepped onto to stage to gather in a huge family hug with Usher in the middle. He then stepped off to pay his respects to Michael’s mother Katherine.

The powerful performance of ‘We Are the World’ was provided by the members of Jackson’s multicultural band and was accompanied by the lyrics to the song projected on the widescreen behind the band, with different letters replaced by religious icons. The performers were then joined by other artists as well as Jackson’s family, including his children, and, finally, a choir of teens who sang along to his anthem ‘Heal the World.’

The unforgettable conclusion was by the family adding their reflections about their brother. Jermaine and Marlon added stories about Michael before saying their fond farewells. The most prolific and tearful moment, in which we will never forget, was when Michael’s daughter Paris spoke to fans. As she broke down in tears falling into her Aunt Janet Jackson’s arms, she was able to say these words:

“Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much.”


With the closing of the ceremony, they rolled out Michael’s golden casket to the song that has become a theme in his passing, his chart topper, ‘Man in the Mirror.’

On a personal note, it was hard to watch such a heartfelt tribute to an artist, a performer, a man that has inspired many. It was a tremendous and powerful ceremony that showed the many people that had love for Michael. We will never forget the moments that the tribute provided from the Rev. Al Sharpton speech to moment when Brooke Shields spoke on her friendship with Michael. The most touching moment that provided such a final and lasting effect would have to be the prolific conclusion of Paris Micheal Katherine Jackson stating the amount of love she had for her father. Michael Jackson, you are truly the King of Pop and you will definitely be missed. Your legacy will live on forever……….. 

Michael Jackson: The King of Pop 1958 – 2009

Photos provided by AEG

Here is the video of Paris Jackson’s heartfelt moment: