MJ, Michael Jackson's Farewell

“Michael Jackson's Farewell”

(1958 – 2009)

By Carolyn Cooper

On July 7, 2009 a public memorial was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California to commemorate and mourn the loss of the official King of Pop and Music Legend, Michael Joseph Jackson.

The public memorial followed a private ceremony at the Forest lawn Cemetery, in Hollywood Hills, attended by an exclusive list of friends and family. Long time friends, Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Ross did not attend the services in show of greater respect. Debbie Rowe, mother of Prince Michael Jackson I and Paris Michael Jackson did not accept her invitation in hopes of keeping the memorial, peaceful and non-controversial. The private prayer vigil and service lasted 1 hour.

Jackson's body arrived at the Staples Center at 1 pm, escorted in by his brothers, the pall bearers, Marlon, Tito, Jermaine and Randy, all clad in black suits, yellow ties and the single white glove. Jermaine, “Michael's voice,” as he called himself, performed a rendition of “Smile,” by Charlie Chaplin, a song guest speaker and former girlfriend, Brooke Shields agreed was Jackson's favorite.

During her final words, a tearful Brooke Shields remembered her and Jackson's plight as two young adults struggling to bond in love and friendship under the spotlight of fame, she closed with an excerpt from a children's book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, “The Little Prince,” that she says reminds her of Jackson. Other notable speakers, included Queen Latifah, who performed a poem composed by Dr. Maya Angelou, who was unable to attend; and eulogic testimony by founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy, who gave Michael and the Jackson's their first recording contract. Gordy memorialized Jackson's unmatched passion, rise to the top and undermining title, King Of Pop -- “I think he is the greatest entertainer that ever lived!”

NBA stars, Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson, Smokey Robinson, the Reverend Al Sharpton, Bernice King and Martin Luther King III, also spoke on Michael Jackson's behalf. Texan Congressional leader, Sheila Jackson Lee awarded political recognition to Jackson's work and accomplishments by presenting the official Library Of Congress, Resolution 600 award, which legally classifies Michael Jackson as “The King Of Pop” and “Music Legend.” Non-denominational Pastor, Lucious Smith of Friendship Baptist Church in Pasadena, delivered the opening words and closing prayers. The highlight of the service however, was the final words and closing statements of Jackson's 11-year-old daughter Paris --“daddy, you were the best father ever! I love him so much!”

Guest performances began with a rendition of “I'll Be There” by Mariah Carey, a music tribute of “Jesus Is Love” by Lionel Richie and a piano tribute of “Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer,” and “They Won't Go, When I Go,” by Stevie Wonder. Even at nine-months into her pregnancy Jennifer Hudson could not pass up her invitation, she did a dance and musical rendition of “I'm Only Human,” while John Mayer serenaded the memorial with a guitar rendition of “Human Nature!” Usher wowed the crowd by stepping off stage during his tribute “Gone To Soon” to share a last moment with the music icon, and “Britain's Got Talent” star Shaheen Jafagholi, who was sheduled to perform during the “This Is It,” tour topped off the afternoon with a perfect rendition of “Who's Loving You” before Kenny Ortego, Director and Choreographer of “This Is It,” introduced the tour's cast for the groups final live performance of “We Are The World” and “Heal The World.”

Before the closing prayer the Jackson family memorialized Michael with final words from Jermaine, Marlon and Paris, and the family ended the ceremony in a family hug.

Michael Jackson is a music great and his memories and works will live on forever!