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Family, Fans Say Goodbye to Michael Jackson
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By Mike O'Sullivan
Los Angeles
07 July 2009
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 | | A spectator holds onto a program during the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center, 7 July 2009 |
Music fans said goodbye to Michael Jackson Tuesday, as friends and fans in Los Angeles paid tribute to the pop star at private and public memorial services. An emotional event at Staples Center celebrated the singer's life through music and the recollections of friends.
Jackson was remembered as a pop icon who blazed on the scene as a child in 1969, as part of his family musical group, the Jackson 5. Young Michael stood out from his four brothers and soon became the group's lead singer and dancer.
Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz did an rendition of the Jackson 5 hit I'll Be There.
 | | Queen Latifah speaks at the Michael Jackson public memorial service, 7 July 2009 |
The singer and actress Queen Latifah said Jackson, who became a superstar as a solo performer, had fans around the world. She said people around the world are mourning his loss.
"Today in Tokyo, beneath the Eifel Tower, in Ghana's Black Star Square, in Johannesburg and Pittsburgh, in Birmingham, Alabama and Birmingham, England, we are missing Michael Jackson," she said.
The public service mixed emotional eulogies from friends and family members with spirituals and pop songs, some of them written by the singer. Performers included Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Usher, Jennifer Hudson and John Mayer. There were also tributes from sports stars Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson.
 | | Michael Jackson's casket is displayed at the public memorial service held at Staples Center in Los Angeles, 7 July 2009 |
With the singer's golden casket in front of the stage, Pastor Lucious Smith said Jackson was, above all, part of a loving family.
"To millions around the world, Michael Jackson was an idol, a hero, even a king," he said. "But first and foremost, this man before us today was our brother, our son, our father, and our friend."
Jackson had ups and downs in his career, and faced unproven allegations that he had molested children. There were indirect references to those problems. Sheila Jackson Lee, a U.S. congresswoman from Texas, reminded mourners that under the law, people are innocent unless proven guilty.
"And I can tell you as a member of the United States Congress, we understand the Constitution," she said. "We understand laws. And we know that people are innocent until proven otherwise. That is what the Constitution stands for."
The congresswoman recalled Jackson as a humanitarian.
"If they needed money for developing countries, Michael gave," she said. "If he was in Namibia, he went to orphanages. Michael never stopped giving."
The Reverend Al Sharpton, a Jackson family friend and political activist, delivered a rousing eulogy that brought the crowd to its feet. He referred to criticisms once directed at the pop star for what some had called erratic behavior.
"But I hope that the love that people have shown will make you know he didn't live in vain," he said. "And I want his three children to know [there] wasn't nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with. But he dealt with it…."
 | | Paris Jackson is supported by her family after speaking about her father during the memorial service for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, 7 July 2009 |
As the family huddled on stage at the end of the service, one of the singer's three children, 11-year-old Paris Michael Katherine, tearfully spoke about how much she loved her father.
"I just wanted to say 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," she said.
Michael's brother, Marlon, thanked the late singer for the smiles he brought to fans around the world.
Comments:
1. My memorize
all my memorize is in my heart. I so sad that I heard my king of the pop death. Before, I never listen to his music.I just knowm his name.After his death I always listen his music every day eventhough VCD or DVD. I missed you so much and I want to tell you "your music is always in my heart". You're not alone.
Submitted by: lyka (cambodia)
08-05-2009 - 09:49:38
2. Don't know what you got til it's gone
MJ is the greatest entertainer on earth. Many people in Ethiopia who do not know English love Michael's music and moves.... I don't think there's ever been a musician with so great a worldwide appeal/influence as the one and only Michael Jackson. He's magic. Too bad he's gone too soon. He's greatly missed. Ethiopia is indebted to MJ the humanitarian as well. There's been at least one event in Addis Ababa celebrating Michael as the King of music and humanitarian about a week after his shocking sudden death. (At the exhibition center near Meskel Square)
Submitted by: tigist (Ethiopia)
07-23-2009 - 02:58:39
3. Michael Jackson
RIP, Michael. Moondance now across the heavens with the angels. Your incredible loss to our world here on Earth has yet to fully sink in. I hope that those who are responsible for bringing about your early demise are brought to justice. Just wanted to say that your Memorial service was touching, moving and dignified. I know you were watching from up above and were proud. Rest peacefully!
Submitted by: Liana (USA)
07-15-2009 - 10:54:28
4. goodbye
I know uv gone to a better place. i love u michael.
Submitted by: Gayleen (kenya)
07-15-2009 - 06:55:06
5. King Of Pop 4 Eva
Michael Jackson is the worlds best singer (in my opinion & many others) and how the press gave him such a hard is so stupid. They took Michael for granted and now hes gone. They overlook the fact he contributed millions to charity, orphanages. Im only a child but I am amazed how he could sing about the environment, good vs. bad & poverty and turn it into one of the best hits the world has ever known.
We All Miss You MJ
Submitted by: EternitiesCharm (Australia)
07-14-2009 - 08:58:58
6. i love u till the world end
mj i love you till the world end,my heart is fill wit so much tears that is all i can say rest in peace as u go to the the other side of the word i miss u,we miss u all.thanks for ur message u leave behind.it we always speak for you.the world love u.
Submitted by: jeff (nigeria)
07-12-2009 - 09:36:00
7. Michael You have done it !!! Live after you Die..
It is hard to imagine that Mike has left us. But he is the one who broke records and records and keep us entertaining for the last 4 decades.He is a Natural Talented singer and Dancer. Hope we may not get the same skilled star again. He proved that a man can be a star among many parts of the world. He is unique and people are mad after Mike , there is still Mike Mania... He can be more remembered for his generosity of giving his part of his wealth for charity in many parts of the words. Michael Live in or hearts all the time even after you die......
Submitted by: ABRAHAM (India)
07-12-2009 - 02:02:19
8. love u michael
Michael ,even if you are not with us ,we will remember you through your music.god giveth n taketh.pray the lord
Submitted by: Angela (Tanzania)
07-11-2009 - 13:02:28
9. Hope you rest in peace, MJ
You paid to much making this world a better place, but greedy officials and businessmen will never clean their dirty hands.
Submitted by: Yale (Tiaochao)
07-10-2009 - 02:34:20
10. The Voice Of MJJ
If you enter this world knowing you are loved and leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with. -- MJJ.
Submitted by: ZeroCool (China)
07-10-2009 - 02:27:36
11. I love you so much Micheal !!!
Since I was a young girl, I have been deeply impressed by Micheal Jackson's singing and dancing, his music has made me think of life in another way. When I have had something sad or obstructed, I often find his music as a way to release and get out of stress. He used to be my musical idol; he is still now and will be my musical idol forever. He will be living in my heart, my soul and in all people's all over the world. His talented life might make someone jealous, so they tried to harm him, insult him, take his money and change his life become tragic. Now, he died, I think the ones who were so greedy, wicked will be so ashamed when witnessing that no matter what they did to damage his reputation, he still be loved by everyone, admired by everyone and still exists throughout all time.....Miss you Micheal Jackson!!!
Submitted by: autumn leaf (Viet Nam)
07-10-2009 - 00:37:43
12. So Popular
We are immortal untill death...I never knew Michael Jackson would pass on so soon..his death reminded me of my late elder broyher. He used to dance like MJ.
Submitted by: Hembah McTerence (Nigeria)
07-09-2009 - 18:37:12
13. there will never be another MJ
MJ is one in trillion, one that comes into this world once in a millenium, a bright star that shoots across the sky once in an era of life time. It is really hard and sad to say goodbye. Death is more than wicked. I do know that I love MJ not until his untimely demise. I miss you, MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON, the MOONWALKER, the KING OF POP, the GREATEST ENTERTAINER, the UNDESCRIBEALE etc etc
Submitted by: sidney (nigeria)
07-09-2009 - 10:25:33
14. Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson visited Malaysia back in 1996 and since then many Malaysians have waited for him to stop by again.
It seems like many Americans do not know how to appreciate Michael Jackson as one of the country's biggest income contributor. When Michael Jackson was in Malaysia, he donated generously to orphanages and performed superbly to his fans. We love him!
Malaysia's biggest trading partner is the US and American entertainers like Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey play a big part in that equation.
Upon his passing, three Cabinet ministers in Japan recount positive contribution by the King of Pop but this was met with baseless attacks by New York Congressman Peter King. Very sad.
I don't know why some reporters in the US are so stingy with positive affirmation of their entertainers. There are overwhelming personal gossips on talented entertainers like Michael Jackson, Madona and Britney Spears. The focus should be about their contribution to the US economy, especial
Submitted by: Marissa O. (Malaysia)
07-09-2009 - 10:00:23
15. Beauty Even In Death
Michael, life is a journey we will all undertake. You have left an indelible impression and left a scare that will never heal. Your contribution to entertainment surpases all understanding. Goodbye till we meet again.
Submitted by: Johnson (Nigeria)
07-09-2009 - 06:35:19
16. You are a gem
You are like a precious gem the world did not appreciate while you are here. Your foot print on the sand of life will remain a legacy for others to emulate. Michael, rest in peace.
Submitted by: Rev Segun (UK)
07-09-2009 - 06:28:19
17. I love you MJJ
Since I was a child, I listend MJJ's music by chance. From then on, I have never stopped loving MJJ and his music. The colorful world is fading with your going to Paradise.
Submitted by: Guan Yu (Tianchao)
07-09-2009 - 04:29:04
18. 0 degree+360 degrees. Think about it!
There comes a time when time becomes time. Michael Jackson stretched and scraped through life, but never compromised on entertaining his fans and the media to the max. No matter what, the legacy he left will dwindle in our minds for years to come and beyond. As I sit here in the abyss of sorrow for a loved one gone too soon, I see him as the peoples KING, needless I say that we should keep him where he belongs,(in our hearts) which he strived so hard to earn, as an entertainer, and I am proud to say he earned mine. To those Christians who are quick to criticize, I ask you: Where is your Christian faith? To the atheist and those of other religious affiliations quick to criticize, I ask you: Which discipline does your sense of morality spring from? Michael Jackson is gone, but too soon. Rest in Peace, Michael. RIP!!!
Robert Ocran
Submitted by: Kobina (Ghanaian but live and work in beijing)
07-08-2009 - 16:50:45
19.
Michele is man who united all people thru his magic music ,given peace of mind and hopes ,we loved him for that, we will miss him a lot
Submitted by: buba (Sudan)
07-08-2009 - 14:26:18
20. GOODBYE BRODA MICHAEL
As the saying goes, "death is never a message to the dying but a message to the living", I hope we all get ourselves prepared for it. MJ, you are gone, but what you left behind will remind us of who you truly were, a wonderful creature of God and fulfilled your destiny in the appointed time, no one can question God. I will continue to enjoy your songs. Rest in perfect peace my broda.
Submitted by: Ekus (NIGERIA)
07-08-2009 - 14:00:33
21.
I would I like to say: THANK YOU MICHAEL!
Submitted by: Lucimary (Brazil)
07-08-2009 - 12:38:13
22. m.j, u made music what it is...
Thanks mike for paving the way for our fav artists today. Think of CB and the break-dance, usher 2, what about neyo and something like the moonwalk on the because of u video?! Im surprised they didnt sing a tribute to m.j yesterday. M.J's death shows that we shouldnt wait for someone to die to start recognising them again coz they wont be around 4eva..
Submitted by: chiko (zimbabwe)
07-08-2009 - 12:16:40
23. It's a LOSS
Sorry, and sad but true. the truth is (EVERYONE DIES).
No one ever can stay a live forever. no one is eternal or immortal EXCEPT GOD.
Submitted by: Abadez (KSA)
07-08-2009 - 11:51:20
24. RIP MJ
'He is really a King'.We love you forever, MJ.
Submitted by: nhung (viet nam)
07-08-2009 - 09:56:25
25. well done,micheal
u were born a star,king n mentor.u smiled when u were in pain.u brightened up the place where there saddness through your songs n performances.we will really miss you micheal.no moonwalk again.
Submitted by: herty (Ghana)
07-08-2009 - 09:47:31
26. REMEMBER YOUR CREATOR NOW
It is appointed for a man to die once and after death judgement, so Micheal`s death should send a warning to us and serve our creator now.
Submitted by: AMPOFO SOLOMON (GHANA)
07-08-2009 - 09:14:57
27. Farewell
Micheal was really king of pop, i was shocked and could not eat for two days when heared of his death. as the saying goes it's God who gives take it back. my condolences to bereath family. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Submitted by: Samuel Asomaning (Ghana)
07-08-2009 - 09:10:53
28. Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, you might be dead but you will live in my heart.
Submitted by: Dorkas (namibia)
07-08-2009 - 07:44:32
29. Keep mourning
All people around world don't know when we will be face our God. And we always hopefully our king of pop "Michael" be got places at the right hand of our Father in heaven. We are always remember your kindness during your life on earth, and we pray especially for "take rest and peace will be always with you for ever and ever.
Submitted by: Onofre da Costa Henrique (Timor Leste)
07-08-2009 - 05:51:52
30.
God Bless with Shree Micheal Jackson
Submitted by: panchal (India)
07-08-2009 - 04:53:26
31. burial
all the world seems to sad at this loss of the world. i believe the he will live in the hearts and minds of the people because of the music created by him.
Submitted by: haider zia (pakistan)
07-08-2009 - 03:06:14
32. Say farewell to Michael Jackson
All Cambodian fans are very sorry to the loss of the King of Pop. Here, people said about him and we keep reading/listening and watching all news related to him. We recognize that he was the only idol, entertaining people around the glob.
At the end, I pray that his prestigious soul would be with God forever.
Submitted by: Mom Kim Khorn (Cambodia)
07-08-2009 - 01:29:52
33.
forever love. he is star on the sky
Submitted by: nemo ()
07-08-2009 - 00:05:59
34. Farewell Michael Jackson !
No one can deny the prestigious legacy you left on earth. No one can deny the unity, the peace you built among people of different nations. You made people happy. The history, the present, and the future will never ignore you. You are and will remain the great, the legend all over the globe. Thank you for your passage amongst us. The ultimate time has come for you to go forever and ever. And now Michael, may your humble soul rest in peace. Farewell !
Submitted by: Marcien Fossuo (Cameroon)
07-07-2009 - 22:37:04
35. ingles
Ilike
Submitted by: luis (venezuela)
07-07-2009 - 22:02:31
36. Micheal
His death shows dat God is supereme.Technology has a limit.God giveth n taketh.Our ways shud be close 2 God.D white shud tak it as a lesson.
Submitted by: Olu (Nigeria)
07-07-2009 - 19:28:19
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