Goodbye to King of Pop
NBC News
LOS ANGELES — A long day of goodbyes to the King of Pop began at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills.
Michael Jackson's family, including his three young children, were joined by a small group of friends for a quiet, private service.
The private mourning soon turned very public.
A 30 vehicle motorcade, including a hearse carrying Jackson's casket, wound through Los Angeles to the Staples Center, where a quiet and respectful crowd waited.
Fans both ordinary and famous gathered together for Jackson's final curtain call.
To the strains of an old gospel standard, the King of Pop was moved to a place he was so familiar with in life, and perhaps most comfortable: center stage.
The reverence of a church service gave way to a concert and video tribute.
Those closest to him say it's exactly what the consummate showman would have wanted.
"He simply was the greatest entertainer that ever lived," said Motown founder Berry Gordy.
Jackson's brother Jermaine joining the tribute with an emotional and heartfelt performance of one of Jackson's favorite songs..."Smile Though Your Heart is Breaking".
HE'S SMILING NOW.........BUT THOSE KIDS AREN'T!
LXUS
9 months agoI can remember loving music from the day I was born. I was blessed with gifted and talented musical parents so music was a very normal thing in and around our home. My memories of Michael are extensive and go back to the late 70's when Michael and his gifted brothers were making headlines. I had a cassette of the album Destiny and the wonderful thing I remember about the album was this incredible and almost angelic voice. "Gimme the simple life, I'm gettin' away from here, let me be me..." This was Michael's Destiny, to get away from here and to finally be himself. He deserves the peace that he now has.
I am in awe of how he is FINALLY given the accolades and respect that he deserves. I am inspired by how the true person that he is and was came to light in spite of this terrible tragedy. I love hearing of his kindness, compassion, gentleness, friendship, loyalty and love for children and the world. This IS who Michael was, not what the media portrayed or wanted the world to believe. If I had ever had the opportunity to meet him, I would simply want to laugh with him and tell him how much fun it has been watching him do great things.
It's truly sad when people make fun of things they don't understand. I think many of us know now that Michael was just trying to be loved and share his love to the world and his family. His generosity and talent has changed an often dark world in many ways. He has made our planet smile for a long, long while... Craig Barlow
Craig Barlow
9 months agoMan in the Mirror by Michael Jackson was my favorite song. It shows his own humbleness. How could he ask anyone else to change if he wasnt willing to change himself first..Michael, I'm going to miss you..even tho I never knew you personally, I grew to know you thru your music. May you rest in peace.
Leslie Guerra
8 months agoIt was a beautiful service. May he rest in peace.
Ellen
8 months agoPost new comment