I started to write up a story about how the MJ concert was filled with too many people from his early past that didn’t really know him, but then the family came out to speak briefly and you can tell why no one very close to Michael gave eulogies earlier on – it was too painful and raw for them. I was starting to get cynical at the end of the memorial, when his backup singers and dancers came on stage for “We Are The World.” That wasn’t the end, and his family tried their best to give their remembrances afterwards and it was heartbreaking and meaningful. Especially touching was Michael’s brother Marlin asking him to hug his twin brother, Brandon, in heaven for him, and Michael’s daughter Paris calling Michael “the best father you could ever imagine.”
Here’s a recap of the events tonight in order, along with the highlights. I took notes and these quotes are only approximate transcriptions as I had to type while the ceremony was in progress.
–Smokey Robinson opened by reading a condolence letter from Nelson Mandela, a personal friend of Michael’s who had met him several times.
– They then had a pause of over 25 minutes due to an audio problem with the Staples Center.
– A gospel choir sang “We are
PoisedGoing to See The King”– Jackson’s family members put his casket in the front of the stage lit by lights. It’s gold but looked platinum under the lights and was adorned with roses
– Pastor Lucious Smith then came on and spoke about Jackson:
“To millions around the world, Michael Jackson was a hero, an idol and even a king but first and foremost, he was a… brother…. a friend. Today we gather those who know and love Michael best and those who know and love him through his good works…”– Mariah Carey then sang a duet with Trey Lorenz to “I’ll Be There.” She held her chest at times and you could tell she was struggling with grief.
They changed the words at the end to “Just say my name – Michael. We’ll never say goodbye. Even through the pain and heartache we will be right there. We miss you.”
– Queen Latifah told a cute anecdote about growing up as a fan and trying to do the robot
“I’m here representing all the fans… Michael was the biggest star on earth.”– Latifah read a poem Maya Angelou written specifically for Jackson titled “We Had You.” (I took notes, but MTV has the full poem already)
– Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, talked about Jackson’s talent and said Jackson was like a son to him. He said “We all knew he was special” from a young age.
“I think he was simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived.” The crowd then stood up.
– A video montage of Jackson then played
– Stevie Wonder played “Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer.”
“Why Didn’t You Stay.”He tried to make sense of Michael’s death:
“This is a moment that I wished I didn’t live to see come, but as much as I can say that and mean it I do know that God is good and I do know that as much as we say… that we need Michael here with us, God must have needed him more.“Michael I love you and I’ve told you that many times, so I’m at peace with that… I never imagined that I would write a song that would be sent to Quincy Jones… and you would do this song, and so… incredibly you did this song.”
– Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant came on stage. Magic talked about going to MJ’s house to talk about being in his video “Remember the Time” and
seeing Michael Jackson eat Kentucky Fried Chicken. “We had such a great time, sitting on the floor, eating that bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken.”– Pregnant Jennifer Hudson came out to sing Michael Jackson’s “Will You Be There”
It featured a very sad reading at the end by Michael of some of the lyrics and it came across as a little schmaltzy.– Rev Al Sharpton talked about Michael’s family and how he broke barriers for African Americans
He said he wanted to say to his children:
“Wasn’t nothing strange about your daddy, was strange what your daddy had to deal with, but he dealt with it anyway.“Some came to say goodbye to Michael. I came to say thank you. Thank you because you never stopped… Thank you because you eradicated barriers… Thank you because you gave us hope. Thank you Michael.”
– John Mayer played guitar and made his O face to “Human Nature” while a choir sang behind him.
– Brooke Shields talked about her friendship with Michael from a young age.
“It was the most natural and easiest of friendships…. Micheal loved to laugh… he adored it when I did silly imitations or told him stories about my life…
MJ’s laughs… was the purest of anyone I’ve ever known.”She read a passage from the book The Little Prince about the sleeping prince and his love of a flower, and talked about Michael’s favorite song, “Smile Though Your Heart is Aching” from the Charlie Chaplin film Modern Times.
– Jermaine Jackson then came on to sing that song, “Smile Though Your Heart is Aching”
– Martin Luther King III, MLK’s son, and Bernice A. King, his sister and MLK’s daughter came on. Martin said “Michael Jackson was truly the best of what he was,” while Bernice told a story about how Michael once called their mom after she suffered a stroke and a few months before she died. “My only wish is that he could have seen the glow on her face.”
– US congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee then came on and gave a rousing speech.
“We understand the Constitution, we understand law, and we know that people are innocent until proven guilty…
“Michael never stopped giving and he touched those whose lives could be reconstructed.” She said they have a new bill to honor Michael Jackson and had a moment of silence on the House floor in honor of MJ.– Usher then sang “Gone Too Soon” and walked offstage to stand next to MJ’s casket. He touched it gently and started to cry at the end. He was wearing sunglasses so you couldn’t see much though.
– They then played a clip from MJ’s performance on The Ed Sullivan show with The Jackson Five
– Smokey Robinson came on and joked “I wrote that song, I thought I sang it….
“Two later, here comes this little kid, he’s ten years old…. I could not believe that someone that young could have that much feeling and soul… You have to know something to sing a song like that.“I never thought I would be here today. That’s my little brother over there…
“When I have concerts I sing “Who’s loving you”…. young kids come up to me and say ‘Hey you’re singing Michael Jackson’s songs.”
– Shaheen Jafargholi from Britain’s Got Talent sang “Who’s Loving You”
– Kenny Ortega, the choreographer for Michael’s comeback concerts, said that Shaheen was invited to sing with MJ for his 02 shows
“We were here a little less than a week ago and Michael was with us…
“We were all here and we were a family and this was our house…
“When the Jackson family invited us to do a memorial we knew we had to do it here…
“Michael and I were here and we were in the final stages of mounting what… I promise you was his triumphant return.“Musical and Magical, this is for him, his living legacy. His care, his concern… for the planet.
“Michael, we love you.”
– Michael’s backup singers and dancers then sang “We Are The World” and the family and all the speakers joined them on stage.
[Roughly transcribed from Michael Jackson’s memorial, aired 7/7/09]
I thought hat was the end and I was thinking “where were the people who really knew Michael?” It turns out they were too choked up to speak, and when they did talk about what he meant to them it broke my heart.
– Jermaine Jackson: “I would like to thank everyone for coming out. I am lost for words. I was his voice, and his backbone, so was the family… we thank you, we thank you very much.”
– Marlin Jackson: “I’m hurt. I stand here trying to find words of comfort, solace, trying to understand why the lord has taken our brother to return home after such a sort time. Michael when you left us, part of me left… a part of you will live forever in all of us. Michael I will treasure the good times, singing, loving, laughing.”
He told a story about Michael dressing up like an old dude trying to buy CDs.
“We will never, ever understand what he endured, not being able to walk across the street without a crowd… being judged, ridiculed. How much pain can one man take?
Maybe now Michael they will leave you alone… Michael I love you.”He said he had one request, “Give our brother, my twin brother Brandon, a hug for me.”
Paris, Michael’s daughter, then came on crying and said “I just want to say, ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could every imagine. I just wanted to say I love him so much.”
Then the family carried the casket off stage.
[Roughly transcribed from Michael Jackson’s memorial, aired 7/7/09]
I remember Princess Diana’s funeral vividly, and I will remember watching Michael Jackson’s funeral for decades. I just wish we knew more about this enigmatic man and that we could have somehow reached out to him when he was alive. People cherished him and will enjoy his music for generations to come. RIP Michael, you will never be forgotten.
Photo Credit: WENN.com
Does anyone know who the woman who led the singing of “We are the world?” She sang right before and after a very strange appearance by Avril Lavigne and then sang out the rest of the song.
I was so moved by the ceremony may Michael Jackson the king of pop rest in peace.
I was surprised the casket was there, but the Jackson family was very gracious to allow so many fans to attend. Two moments choked me up and brought tears, Jermaine singing “Smile” and Michael’s daughter Paris. Parts of it, were incredibly moving, and it’s still hard to come to grips he is gone. I will certainly miss him.
I haven’t heard where MJ will be buried though. Has anyone heard? TIA.
Happy & sad.
I had tears in my eyes when Usher sang to MJ’s casket. And when Paris spoke about her daddy..so sad.. We miss you MJ..
I found it a bit odd that they in fact had MJs cascet there with them. I really didn’t expect that. And though I really felt the whole ceremony was rather decent and well done – and not just a big party or other rip off like most expected – I did find it weird that they let Paris speak in the end. I don’t know why. She seemed to be detached during the ceremony and even on stage and then, she was suddenly in front of the micro, crying so heartbreakingly while speaking, that I got the creepy feeling someone of the the family must have convinced her to say something. I totally felt for her, and it was such a heartbreaking moment, but really, it was strange…
On a rather random side note… Oddly enough, from all tv stations there are and that ran the program in total including TV5 and BBC News, it was CNN who showed the complete ceremony without any commentary or interruption. Stupid German TV had commentators annoying the crap outa me (like they always do on huge events!), and the BBC made their commentator start babbling right after the end of “Heal the World”, cause they thought this is the end, and therefore missing the first few words of Jermaine. So kudos to CNN for being the most decent station in this scenario (you see what I mean with odd, right?).
RIP MJ, you’ve been indeed the greatest entertainer! Thank you for your music. It will live on forever.
What a beautiful and respectful tribute to MJ. There were so many tearful parts. Usher choked me up, and I was glad when he removed his sunglasses at the end of the song. He looked truly heartbroken, like a true fan.
Just looking at the children with the Jacksons totally convinced me that they are where they need to be.
It had many components, spiritual, memories, family, friends, musical tributes, documentary style visuals, and messages to the media.
Memorable, Usher’s singing Gone Too Soon and Brooke’s playful girlhood memories were my favorites.
I think they asked the kids if they wanted to say something and she said yes. I remember one of the brothers motioning for Janet to speak and she said Paris wants to speak. Charlie Gibson said Barbara Walters ,who was sitting near the family, said Paris was crying throughout the memorial but the boys weren’t showing emotions
Michelle, that blonde chick was Avril Lavigne?
Oh my God. Did she made any plastic surgery besides killing that beautiful song “We are the world”!?
I heard now that MJ’s body was without brain cause the doctors still needed it to make the final autopsy. Creepy, geezz!
By the way, where was Joe Jackson? I didn’t saw him during the memorial.
I thought the tribute was nicely done too. The spotlight on the empty microphone at the end was touching.
Brooke Shields did a good job. Her hands were shaking.
I wondered at the absence of Quincy Jones.
In the US, TV Guide channel appears to be re-airing the entire tribute without commentary.
When Paris spoke, I cried..I also didn’t think having Michaels casket on display was very appropriet.
I missed the memorial due to work, so I tried to catch some recaps of the event when I got home. And I just want to say that when I saw Paris atempt to speak about her dad, tears started streaming down my face before I could even register what was going on. As a mom, I truely feel for his children, and I wish them the best in the future.
nelly,
I mean the woman who sang right before Avril and then right after her. She was a beautiful black lady with big hair. She led the singing for the rest of the song.
We should be so blessed as to have so much love, smiles and tears from so many!
i couldnt take some of the people on stage like rev al sharpton. the ceremony was ok. i mean theres no comparison to make a judgement. not even Dianas funeral.
thought i saw joe jackson sittin in the first row.
i TOO want to know who the female singer (african asian)was, singin “we are the world”. her voice just blew me away.
gonna buy a record of her for shure.
That black girl is not famous. She is, or was, one of the background singers of MJ and would tour with him during the 50 concerts in London. And that blonde girl was the guitarrist and not Avril Lavigne. And no Ray, you’re not idiots.
That was NOT Avril Lavigne, you idiots.
@6 – Sarah, I can say that when I was a young girl and attended my mothers funeral, I hardly showed emotion during the ceremony and was completely still and numb. My sister asked if I was okay and I opened my mouth to speak and went into a complete mess from then on.
I don’t think Paris was forced or coerced in any way to speak. In the moments before she spoke, when she laid her head on Janets arm, made me cry so hard.
I think the entire thing was spectacular, a farewell fit for the King. Still hard to grasp that he’s gone.
To be correct: Stevie Wonder actually played “I Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer” followed by “They Won’t Go Where I Go”
It was an appropriate, fitting tribute to the legendary music MJ created. I was born and raised in a large family of Motown lovers. Michael’s music, from a very young age, filled our home with joy and dancing. I am thankful for that.
@Samsam… yeah, that sounds reasonable. I agree, it might have been her choice eventually. I’ve seen the scene meanwhile a couple of times more and I don’t find it that odd anymore as I found it during the live show.
Oh and… at least 3 of the background singers who performed “We are the world” have been already with Michael on his Dangerous tour back in 92/93. I’ve just seen the concert on dvd and you could clearly spot 3 of them (the two black men who started singing and the asian woman who was taking the lead later on. I am not sure about the white woman (“Avril”) to be his guitarist, cause her hairstyle on the dvd is really crazy (actually a wig) and she doesn’t sing at all. But the other singers are definitely confirmed!). The amazing thing is, all of them still look the same as time has not passed them at all. Terrific! I really liked this part, cause it shows that MJs team never let him down, even though his last live show was about a decade ago and a lot of ppl abandoned him during the 2005 trial. I am amazed about this crew!
We all need to know who the asian/black lady is that started we are the world, and get her a recording contract, my goodness what a great voice and tall and attractive woman,i’d buy her music
Regardless of the memorial, a family lost their brother and son and three children lost their father too soon and it’s heartbreaking. When Paris spoke and then flew into Janet’s arms it really brought it all home. I wish them well.
Tomasina,I am with you as far as OTT-I expected something tasteless and borderline disprespectful.
I was okay until Usher touched the casket,and I cried.As soon as Jermaine spoke,I lost it.Paris was heartbreaking and I turned into a puddle.
What a feeling it must be to know that your brother and son was so loved worldwide by so many people that his death has seemed to touch everyone in some way. I hope for his 3 kids his legacy will be of the great things he did for charities,and they know how loved he was. He seemed like he had a heart that was enormous,loving,and genuine.
I oftened wondered how his family felt about the years of ridicule he endured over his looks. I wondered if they may have been embarrassed by some of the odd and questionable behavior he displayed.It would be so painful to see your brother and son be put on trial for something(guilty or not),but to have to hear and read the things that he was accused of and the constant jokes made about it would be just as bad.
I agree with his brother-how much pain can one man take. I hope the custody battle won’t be the circus we all know it will be.It was obvious those kids were loved,wanted,and most likely his greatest achievement,and I hope his wishes for their care are granted.
Black Asian singer in backup group is Judith Hill. She has her own site, on MySpace etc. Spectacular singer. She’s from LA; was going to London w/tour. I learned all this from web today. She’s great looking and what a voice.
Michelle: The woman who was singing is named Siedah Garrett. She wrote “Man in the Mirror” and did a lot of collab work with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones. She was also one of the lead singers for “The Brand New Heavies”
Who was the blonde backup singer/dancer featured in several of the numbers?
mikaila:
That was NOT Siedah Garrett. She did write Man in the Mirror. But she was not singing today.
Overall, the tribute was fitting. I thought Usher’s performance came across fake. Mariah Carey must have rehearsed too much because she was extremely hoarse. I know John Mayer is a bit of a douche. But his performance was wonderful! It was my favorite performance of the day. I pray MJ’s family finds peace.
It appeared to me that Paris wanted to speak. Right before you can see her pull Janet’s arm and whisper something to her. I felt she seemed like such a little lady, watching out for Blanket (who looked simply heartbroken and confused) and putting her kerchief into her purse at the end. Michael raised them well. I don’t understand the comment ‘I thought hat was the end and I was thinking “where were the people who really knew Michael?”’ I felt all of the people knew Michael in their own way. Each had a unique story to tell describing their connection with him, how they met, the time the shared: Magic & the Kentucy Fried Chicken story; Congresswoman Lee and witnessing MJ discuss Aids relief with African heads of states and seeing him visit the wounded veterans at Walter Reed; he was friends with Brooke and of course Berry Gordy, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson all knew him from a very young age. If these folks didn’t know him I don’t know who else (besides family) did.
I thought it was sad and very telling when one of the brothers (I think it was Marlon) described rushing home from school to play a little basketball before their mother called them to go the the studio… not much time for childhood when you have to rehearse and such. But listening to the Jackson 5 and his early music (when he was still young) you can just hear how he poured his HEART into those songs!
I always believe that GOD calls us home when we’ve completed our work here on earth. Now MJ can really RIP.
I started crying a bit when Paris said, her daddy was the best father in the world.” And I’m thinking the kids could really be his bilologically…Especially Blanket. That would be cool if it were true. But either way they are his kids. I hope Debbie Rowe will have visitation rights to them on a weekly if not monthly basis.
re: Avril Lavigne look- a-like.
The blond guitar player is an Australian musician he hired for the London concerts.
P.S.
May his beautiful soul live on in his children and in our hearts. It will always be found in his words and music.
May they let our soldier of peace finally rest in peace.
The Andre Crouch song was “Soon and very soon we are GOING to see the king”. . .not “poised”. This was a great intro as someday we will all see the King of all Kings!
Usher gets on my nerves, but I don’t think he was faking it, for once. . .
Other than Lionel Ritchie hitting “Jesus is Love”, I’d have to say John Mayer did a wonderful job with Human Nature and him NOT singing was Genius on his part. He even said, he doesn’t have a great range and he knows his limitations on Larry King today. I would’ve been mad if he butchered my favorite MJ song by trying to sing it. I miss MJ already. . . RIP
Oh, and for the comment of where Michael’s real friends were: I don’t think we needed to see the Golden Girls: Diana Ross, Liza Minelli and Elizabeth Taylor. . . they were probably still hungover from the weekend. If they were “on the wagon” surely MJ’s passing threw them for a loop.
Magic, Stevie, Smoky, Berry, and Lionel are all people who knew MJ; Nicole Ritchie was MJ’s Goddaughter for those care.
The memorial was amazing. I was glued to the tv through the entire thing. I really expected a circus but it was tastefully done.
I have been saddened by the news of MJ passing, but had not really cried about it until today. My mom died when I was the same age as little Paris & when she got up to speak, I lost it. Those kids are precious, I just hope the media leaves them alone so they can grief with their family.
I have to give John Mayer his props. The guy may be an asshole, but he’s an awesome talent.
I agree with Sarah #6 about Paris. I too noticed how she seemed to be detached, but not only at the service, but in many of the home videos that have been shown through the media in the past week.
I believe she was strongly convinced to speak the words that were most likely already prepared for her. The way Janet seemed to really pay attention,to every word, like she was praying she’d (Paris)say the right words, then the overwhelming look of relief on her face when Paris was finished. There was no words coming from anyone saying its alright Paris, you don’t need to finish. She was coaxed to carry on.
you were really GREAT PERFORMER. TALENTED TALENT. YOU can infuse LIFE INTO DEAD MAN. SO you can not die. we love u. we should stop this nonsense of commenting on her daughter. she was her daughter and he loved his kids. please leave them in their privacy.
The children were always very protected from the whole media ordeal, and I don´t think that NOW it would be any different.
She is old enough to want to speak out and you could truly see a bit of her personality coming out when she spoke.
If my father was MJ, I would want to say something too! You people should be ashamed of yourselves for saying it was “fabricated”, as if losing your father wasn´t hard enough already!
during We are the world she was smiling the whole time, and am sure she had enough reasons for that.
show some respect, for once!
Surfing2day, that was rather cynical. I didn’t see anything rehersed. Indeed Paris’s farewell seemed rather impromptu.
But whatever, I thought the whole thing was beautiful, not tacky at all. Very respectful, touching and above all, it celebrated a great man. Michael Jackson can now be remembered not for his whacko but his genius.
I cried so much!! All the time. But when his daughter spoke, that was the part that really broke my heart.
Do you think that the part that he speaks at the music will you be there is sort of autobiographic? The music was used for Free Willy (that kid’s movie bout a whale) but sounds like his own life specially the part about his trials and tribulations and asking about if people would still care..
this morning a german tv commentator said she felt a bit odd having the kids on stage at the end ( so did i): “it shows the jacksons are a true showbiz family”.
the brother speaking at the end was the one that really got me.
There was a piece on one of the news channels saying that prior to the memorial Paris said she wanted to speak,and the family was divided over letting her do it. Supposedly half thought it was okay if she wanted to,and the other half didn’t think she should.
I have to say, a very preggo Jennifer Hudson is what got me emotional. I’m preggo like her and for her to sing with so much life, was really inspiring. I’m usually so out of breath most times.
Is it me, or does Little Blanket look too much like Miko Brando??? HMMMMM….
The blonde guitarist/singer whom some of you said looked like Avril Lavigne is Orianthi Panagaris, an extremely talented 24 year old guitarist from Adelaide, South Australia who had been hired to be the lead guitarist on Michael’s tour.
Here is her website for more info: http://www.orianthi.net/bio.htm
I think Blanket looks exactly like MJ. After he turned into a white lady, but still. Same big brown eyes.
RIP, Michael.
Heelloooo!!!
Whos the girl with blonde hair and sun glasses?!!! can not be avril and is not Orianthi is the other girl with blonde and straight hair, she perfom on we are the world …….. Thanks
Bless Paris, how difficult it must have been to stand up there and speak so soon after the death of her father but how wonderful that she had the strength to do it, she is a very courageous young woman.
It was very touching seeing the children with the family and I think they are in the right place.
What really pisses me off is that when the child molestation charges came up, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS and all the networks were jumping all over MJ and everyone made accusations left and right and finally, Jordan Chandler admits he lied about Michael Jackson of indecency, finally came forward to tell that the case was based on lies.
WHY DOESN’T THE MEDIA COVER THAT STORY AND CHASE JORDAN DOWN????
The asian lead singer to We Are The World & Heal the World is Judith Hill.
Her name doesn’t sound asian though. (mixed race),
ciao
A tasteful memorial for an immensely talented man.
My mother commented on the inclusion of the casket, thinking that it wasn’t entirely appropriate. I think that it was a little strange, but in the end, given how much Jackson adored his fans, I think that it was something he would have wanted. He would have wanted to be present with them as a human being (albeit a nonliving one), rather than a detached, absent “force”.
Brooke Shields’ anecdotes made my eyes well up. Marlon made me whimper. But I, like many others, totally lost it when Paris spoke. What a way to break her 11 years of silence. I don’t think that she was encouraged by the family to say something on behalf of the children. Even though she hesitated during the middle of her brief statement, it would appear that she wanted to finish it (as she held the mic), hence why no one insisted that she stop. To those saying that she seemed detached throughout the whole thing, the girl is only 11. My funeral attendance didn’t begin until I was getting into my teen years. I suppose that by then I was more entrenched in the events, but when I think back to my younger cousins at the time, I could say that they too seemed pretty “detached”. Kids just handle these things differently. And it’s not as though one could not see that these children were truly saddened. But at funerals and memorials, the tears come in waves. You’re okay for a bit, but then you say something about the deceased, and the tears start to flow.
The family may be unconventional, but I was so touched by how soft and tender the LaToya, Janet, and the Jackson brothers were with the kids at the end. I would not have thought otherwise, but actually seeing them together convinced me that they need to stay with the Jacksons. Joe Jackson is a jerk, but Paris, Prince, and Blanket are fortunate enough to have a huge group of aunts and uncles who love them very much, and I know that they would look out for the little ones.
I just pray that the children’s privacy is respected, and that they don’t end up like the Lohan girls, the Hilton sisters, or any other young Hollywood trainwrecks. If they choose to make names for themselves in the entertainment industry somehow, I hope they contribute something special and worthwhile to the world. We don’t need anymore Heidi Montags, Spencer Pratts, or Megan Foxes. We need purity and sincerity. I hope MJ passed on those virtues to them.
The blonde singer and guitar player was Orianthi Panagaris.
The Adelaide-born musician sang We Are the World during the service.
Panagaris, who sang a solo, said she cried after Jennifer Hudson’s rendition of Will You Be There.
“I started bawling – that’s why I had the sunglasses on.”
Michael Jackson: A Rose By Any Other Name…
The world is plagued by many troubling events; nonetheless, the world chooses to focus on Michael Jackson. That in itself should convince us of just how important Michael Jackson was/is to humanity. It can only serve as a tribute of the highest magnitude. The world knew Michael as a “gentle soul.” However, in predatory circles (in a Darwinian sense), those two words are a signpost of weakness and an open invitation to exploitation. By stark contrast, a global consensus believes that nothing could be further from the truth. Michael’s strength of character came from his personal convictions; he believed in the humane mechanisms that which cause our world to turn, social justice, diversity and peace. Michael was a true Chomskyite! Nobody knew that. [NOTE: A Chomskyite – named after MIT icon and globally renowned intellectual Noam Avram Chomsky – is an individual who brings balance to the human condition.] Michael’s songs were filled with messages of hope and balance, utilizing powerful lyrics and harrowing images. Case in point: “Earth Song.” Watch it. Listen to it. Then, watch it again. One begins to understand what Michael was about. Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song,” “Man In The Mirror,” “Heal The World, ” “Black Or White” and “We Are The World (co-written with Lionel Richie)” are on point. Let the world continue to celebrate what Michael was and let it never endorse any momentary lapses of reason by entertaining America’s new climate of fear, where unfounded allegations, urban mythologies and phantasmagorical media images or notions prey upon our collective or individual conscience. Allow “we the people” to commit to Michael Jackson’s memory/legacy by NOT falling into the counterproductive abyss of facts don’t matter; perception is reality. Let the world pedestalize Michael Jackson as the icon he really was; his lifelong commitment to people and performance excellence warrants nothing less from us. In Michael’s passing, the world remains plagued by troubling events. Those too should come to pass. However, let us not rely on time as the remedy or solution; instead, relying upon “we the people” to make a difference. Michael Jackson made a difference, now it’s your turn.
Condolences,
Frank “Kohnstein” Kontos
CANADA
The memorial concert was really good and I love the voice of Judith Hill.
Btw. who was the other blond girl without sunglasses?
I guess her name is Tyne Stecklein.
I watched it. everyone sang his songs beautifully, but not like how Michael sang them. It was sad when Paris came up and made her speech, and when she cried that was really touching. When shaeen sang that was amazing, but that’s also sad cause he was gonna go on tour with him but he cant cause of Michael’s death. when brook shields made her speech i never knew they were friends when they were little so that made me smile. Michael had friends family and fame but i think the reason he wasn’t happy was because people never really showed him love. his dad never showed him love when he was a kid only hurt and pain. His dad never even went to his funeral now that’s sad and so unforgivable i never liked his dad and for him not going this definitely didn’t make me like him much more. Michael will be missed very much.
“Whos the girl with blonde hair and sun glasses”
Second raw ? Maybe MJ
Bring back all the motown classics, the songs that was best in the good old days.
The memorial concert was wounderfull and good to see some old singers still have a fantastic voice.