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Huge tributes were created outside the memorial service. (Photo credit: Shon Smith/L. A. Sentinel) |
by Kenneth MillerNNPA News ServiceLOS ANGELES – Proclaimed “the greatest entertainer that ever lived,” Michael Jackson made a final jaw-dropping and tear-drawing appearance Tuesday as the Andrae Crouch singers ushered his gold-plated coffin into the Staples Center to the melody of “Soon and very soon, we are going to see the king.”
It was an emotional memorial July 7, televised to billions around the world. But for the estimated 20,000 on hand inside the same arena where Jackson rehearsed for the final time just days before his death, his celebration of life brought home the harsh reality that the most generous entertainer the world has ever known is gone.
It was a well-crafted and fitting testimonial for a barrier-breaking entertainer who was often scorned and openly criticized for accusations unproven. It was a testimonial that began with long moments of awkward silence before the first words were spoken.
That is when longtime friend and former Motown Records colleague Smokey Robinson read a passionate statement from cherished Jackson friend Diana Ross, then another former South African President Nelson Mandela.
It was then that Crouch’s gospel group sang, “We’re Going to See the King” as Jackson’s platinum and gold-coated casket was carried from the tunnel and near the stage to the response of abbreviated applause and gasps of silence.
The King of Pop had finally arrived. And while many have been aware of his sudden death since June 25, this time it was carving its way into the depth of our hearts and souls.
An oversized screen behind the stage reflected a sideshow of Jackson’s life through photos and videos. And above what would be the Lakers’ basketball court, the scoreboard read, “Michael Jackson—1958-2009!”
It was a homegoing ceremony befitting an African-American and world-renowned King as a galaxy of African Americans from the music and sports industry paid the ultimate respect to the ultimate game changer. Former Lakers great and NBA Hall of Fame basketball star Earvin Magic Johnson and current Lakers star and world champion Kobe Bryant graced the stage as a pair to share reflections. A teary-eyed Johnson remembered the time he first met the pop icon and went to meet him at his home.
“He asked me what I wanted to eat and I ordered some grilled chicken and then Michael came out with a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken,” he said to a spatter of laughter and applause.
Johnson credited Jackson with influencing his career on the basketball court after touring with him and watching his performance on stage.
Just as the two hoop stars spoke for the sports community, multi-talented Queen Latifah shared of a life where she too grew up, inspired by Jackson and his brothers’ songs and dance. Latifah read a poem from great poet Maya Angelou.
“No clocks can tell our time. No oceans can rush our tides. With the abrupt absence of our treasure, though we are many each of us is achingly alone, piercingly alone. Only when we confess our confusion can we remember that he was a gift to us. And we did have him. He came to us from the creator, trailing creativity in abundance. Despite the anguish, his life was sheathed in the mother love and family love and survived - and did more than that. He thrived with passion and compassion, humor and style. We had him,” Latifah read.
She was among many who attended who were influenced by one who is now described as the number one showman in the history of the world. Others in attendance were Chris Brown, Usher, P. Diddy, Lil Kim, Mariah Carey, Lionel Richie, Berry Gordy, and the Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.
Legendary boxing promoter Don King flew from Florida to be with the Jackson family and mourn his friend.
King said after the ceremony, “The same laws that govern the nation were applicable to Michael Jackson. And he was not proven guilty of anything in a court of law and his fitting tribute should not be scarred by that. His legacy will live forever.”
It was Jackson who, as Rev. Al Sharpton so eloquently stated, put on one sequined glove and pulled up his pants and brought down the curtain that would open a world of opportunity for African Americans.
While it may have begun with him being the first African-American artist to have his videos played on MTV, it would also challenge a nation and world who were not comfortable enough with African Americans to embrace them and keep an open mind about their culture long after Jackie Robinson integrated professional baseball.
The Staples Center was packed to the rafters. His legion of fans, those who grew up with him, and those who came to know him as he established and broke his own stratospheric barriers, frequently displayed a fierce loyalty that even in his demise could not be altered.
Expectant mother Jennifer Hudson, who has experienced her own personal family tragedies, sang another of Jackson’s hit tunes, “Will You Be There?” And arguably the most touching moment came when Stevie Wonder told the audience, “This is a moment that I wished I didn’t live to see.”
It was Wonder who was also a child act with Motown before Jackson and his brothers arrived. Motown founder Berry Gordy said that calling Jackson the “King of Pop” was not high enough accolades. He received a standing ovation when he told the audience, “I think he’s simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived.”
Longtime Jackson childhood friend Brooke Shields was choked with gripping emotion and struggled with sharing her moments with her friend. But she told the crowd that Jackson’s favorite song was one by Charlie Chaplin, a tune that he never recorded called “Smile.”
Afterwards, his closest sibling brother Jermaine Jackson stepped on stage to sing, “Smile”. And despite his fighting back tears, he made it through the moment, touching the hearts of thousands inside the arena and the billions that watched by television.
The person who drew the most animated applause was Rev. Sharpton who eulogized, “Every time he got knocked down, he got back up. Every time you counted him out, he came back in. Michael never stopped. Michael never stopped. Michael never stopped!”
The crowd roared to a standing ovation that interrupted his speech for at least two minutes. To Jackson’s children, Sharpton implored, “There was nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with.”
Sharpton told the audience that many of the fans who grew up with Jackson ultimately voted and brought about the first African American president in America – Barack Obama.
Moments of sustained applause were plentiful. U. S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) told the crowd, “As a member of Congress we understand the Constitution and a man is innocent until proven guilty.” She received rousing applause as she referred to the defeated charges of child molestation against Jackson.
Rep. Lee and the House of Representatives will be voting on a resolution that will classify Jackson as an American legend and icon.
Sharpton was one of several noted clergy in attendance. The Rev. Lucious W. Smith of Friendship Baptist Church in Pasadena was the first of the pastors to speak. Noted civil rights leader and family friend Rev. Jesse Jackson was not on the program.
Rev. Smith said, “As long as we remember him, he will always be there to comfort us.”
The brothers of Michael Jackson served as pallbearers, each wearing a sequined glove on their hand in tribute to their brother, who was famous for the sequined glove. His sisters, Rebbie and Janet, mourned alongside them.
Michael Jackson’s death, at the age of 50, has created a storm of controversy as to what caused him to die abruptly. Five doctors who may have treated or prescribed medications to the star are currently being questioned by law enforcement.
Singers, family members and speakers all filled the stage at the conclusion of the ceremony and sang “We are the World” - a song Jackson co-wrote with Richie. But the most powerful moment came at the absolute end when his 11-year-old daughter, Paris Michael Jackson, was encouraged by brother Marlon to give last thoughts.
Before weeping and clinging to her Aunt Janet, she stated clearly the words that resonated with many as the most heartrending moment of the memorial program:
“I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just want to say I love him so much.”
