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Final Farewell: Michael Jackson's Memorial Service

• 8th Jul 2009

Yesterday saw the Memorial service for Michael Jackson. Family, friends and fans gathered in the Staples Center in L.A to celebrate and pay tribute to the life of Michael Jackson. Smokey Robinson began the service by reading tributes from Diana Ross & Nelson Mandela. Diana Ross, Elizabeth Taylor and Quincy Jones who were all close friends of Michael throughout his life were not in attendance, as it was far too emotional for them, and they choose to grieve privately.

After a short delay, the Andre Crouch Choir took to the stage as they sang ‘Soon and Very Soon’ Michael’s coffin was then brought into the Staples Center, his brothers were the pallbearers and as a mark of respect they all wore one white glove. His coffin was then placed in front of the stage, watched on by those closest to Michael, his friends and family including his parents Joe and Katherine, his brothers and sisters and his three children.

Pastor Lucious Smith, also a family friend of The Jacksons, then gave a speech; he was followed by Mariah Carey who sang a duet with Trey Lorenz in a performance of ‘I’ll Be There’. Queen Latifah then took to the stage. As well as sharing her own memories of Michael she read a poem written especially for Michael on behalf of Maya Angelou called ‘We Had Him’. This was followed by a performance from Lionel Ritchie who sang ‘Jesus Is Love’.

Founder of Motown Records and close friend Berry Gordy then spoke, describing how he felt that Michael had been like a son to him. He spoke of his memories of the Motown 25 concert in which Michael performed Billie Jean and unleashed the Moonwalk for the first time, saying that was the point he ‘went into orbit and never came down’. Continuing that ‘off- stage Michael was shy, soft spoken and child like, yet on stage he was a master, a take no prisoners showman’. Finally stating that he was ‘The greatest entertainer that ever lived’ to which he received a standing ovation. It was a very heartfelt speech from a man who had known Michael since he was ten years old.

There was then a video montage spanning Michael’s career, this lead into a performance by Stevie Wonder, himself a Motown prodigy since the age of thirteen. Before he sang ‘Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer’ he said this was ‘a moment he’d wished he’d never lived to see’ . He was followed by LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson and current star Kobe Bryant. They spoke of how Michael had opened doors for African Americans and how he held the record for most charities supported by a pop star. Most heart-warmingly Magic Johnson spoke of how he was friends with the Jackson family and told a story of how he once had dinner with Michael at his home and was amazed that he ate KFC.

After her recent heartache of losing three members of her own family Jennifer Hudson bravely took to the stage to perform a moving rendition of ‘Will You Be There’. Civil Rights Leader and family friend Reverend Al Sharpton give a passionate speech talking of how Michael ‘never let the world turn him around from his dreams’ and those dreams went on to ‘change culture all over the world’ breaking down the barriers between black and white. Of course Michael was the first Black artist to be played on MTV and opened the doors of equality for many black artists after him. The Reverend very poignantly finished by saying to Michael’s children that there was ‘nothing strange about your Daddy, it was strange what he had to deal with’.

John Mayer played an instrumental version of ‘Human Nature’, and was followed by Brooke Shields who gave an extremely emotional speech. Visibly upset she choked back the tears as she recalled her friendship with Michael, saying they were two people who understood the pressure of being childhood stars and they shared a close friendship. Recalling memories of her time with Michael it was clear he was a very precious friend to her, describing him as ‘caring funny and honest’. She then read a passage from ‘The Little Prince’ (for those who don’t know the book, it is a beautiful story by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. The story works on two levels, it’s exquisite and gentle and if you’ve never read it- you should) the passage read highlighted Michael's sensitive side and Brooke said his ‘sensitivity was more extraordinary than his talent’. Brooke finished by saying his favourite song was ‘Smile’ by Charlie Chaplin which lead into Michael’s brother Jermaine performing 'Smile'. Jermaine managed to soldier through even though clearly upset.

Next to take the stage was Martin Luther King III and Doctor Bernice A. King – the son and daughter of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. They talked of how Michael was ‘thoughtful and selfless’ and saw beyond the individual to help others. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee spoke of Michael in high regard, stating a person is innocent until proven otherwise, probably the first person to directly address the accusations he had faced. She spoke of how the House of Representatives had held a period of silence upon hearing of Michael’s death out of respect. She then presented a humanitarian award to him on behalf of the House of Representatives.

Usher sang ‘Gone to Soon’, he walked over to his hero’s coffin and only just made it to the end of the song before breaking down in tears. Smokey Robinson then gave a final speech and talked of how Michael was like a ‘little brother’ to him and he was ‘proud to have known him’ He also spoke of his amazement at Michael’s talent when at the tender age of 10 he sang a song which Smokey had penned about heartbreak called ‘Who’s Loving You’. Amazed at how a ten year old could sing a song with so much meaning and soul, a true testament to Michaels talent. This led to Britain’s Got Talent finalist Shaheen Jarfargholi Performing his take of the classic song, himself only 12 years old.

Finally, Kenny Ortega who was working with Michael on the This Is It tour introduced some of the musicians from the concert. They sang ‘We Are The World’ with everyone joining them onstage, including the Jackson family, friends and of course Michael’s children Prince, Paris and little Blanket. They then sang 'Heal The World'. At this point Michael's brothers Jermaine and Marlon said a few words and very poignantly said that after the judgment and ridicule he suffered maybe now he would be left alone. His daughter Paris then said an emotional goodbye, saying how much she loved her Daddy before bursting into tears.

It was an extremely emotional service and very personal as the world got a glimpse into the world of Michael Jackson from the people closest to him. People who had known him all his life gave us the chance to share their memories of an extremely talented and tender man.