Michael Jackson memorial service will certainly be remembered by many as the most emotional, powerful and heartbreaking ceremony that any living legend will ever dreamed off.
To his fans, the King of Pop was a triple threat. He was not only an amazing, singer, dancer and performer but a beloved family member. The entertainer that many considered a friend, brother and father, was remembered in a touching ceremony that brought tears and emotions to the many in attendance as well as the millions more who watched from all around the world, the King’s poignant farewell.
The complex and sometimes reserved singer was embraced by more than 20,000 fans who were awaiting inside to remember their fallen hero on Tuesday, July 7 at a public memorial service held at the Staples Center, in Los Angeles, CA, for the legendary King of Pop who died suddenly of cardiac arrest on June, 25th at the tender age of 50.
With music that will live forever in everyone’s minds Jackson was celebrated by stirring performances from Usher, John Mayer, Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, fans, friends and his entire family.
Among those present to share their feelings and what Jackson meant to them was singer and actress Queen Latifah who in a cracking voice said, “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.”
Motown legend Smokey Robinson opened the event by reading a tribute that Jackson’s longtime friend and mentor, Diana Ross, wrote. He also shared some kind words from former South African President Nelson Mandela.
Grammy Award-winning singer Stevie Wonder who performed a stellar tribute to Jackson stated: “This is a moment I wished I didn’t live to see come [and] we can’t help but love you forever Michael.”
“Britain’s Got Talent” singing sensation Shaheen Jafargholi reprised his take on “Who’s Loving You.” And longtime family friend the Reverend Al Sharpton mentioned that “Michael never stopped, because he didn’t accept limitations, because he refused to let people decide his boundaries.” Also while addressing the King of Pope’s children, he said, “I want [them] to know, wasn’t nothin’ strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with, but he dealt with it.”
With so many emotional moments throughout the memorial, many were touched when Jackson’s daughter Paris took the stage to share a few words about the man that was simply known to her as daddy. In a saddened and breaking voice she said: “Ever since I was born daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine,” and while holding onto her aunt, Janet Jackson, she continued by saying “and I just wanted to say I love him so much.”
The ceremony ended with the entire Jackson’s family on stage, singing “Heal the World.”
Since making his 1972 solo debut alum with “Got To Be There” Michael Jackson has released ten studio albums and over sixty singles. He won thirteen Grammy Awards and had sixteen number one singles on the Hot 100 and R&B charts.
Days after the King of Pop’s death, his music is still alive and according to Amazon.com, Jackson’s discography is at the top of its music search results as well as its sales chart.
Written by Valerie V.
