Thousands packed the Staples Center July 7 at an emotional memorial service for Michael Joseph Jackson, the "King of Pop."
There were tears of sadness, joy and laughter as each speaker and singer took to the stage to bid farewell and pay their last respects to the musical giant.
After the opening prayer, and as Michael Jackson's flower-draped, gold casket was rolled into the Staples Center, the crowd stood to its feet as a choir sang gospel singer Andrae Crouch's 1980s hit song "Soon and Very Soon."
Mariah Carey's singing, in part, prompted audience members to cry as she sang one of Jackson's early hits, "I'll Be There," while a slide show of Jackson and his family played on giant screens.
Throughout the crowd — an estimated 20,000 filled the Staples Center — came repeated screams and shouts of "We love you, Michael."
The crowd, a diverse mix which came from many cities, states and countries, wiped tears from their red eyes as they clutched memorial picture books given to everyone in attendance. Picture and cell phone cameras flashed incessantly as fans tried to capture whatever memories they could, one last time.
Queen Latifah, one of the first speakers in the memorial, talked about what Jackson meant to her and how his "Dancing Machine" was one of the first records she and her brother ever purchased.
"Michael was the biggest star on earth," Latifah said to roaring applause. She also read a tribute, "We Had Him," from poet Maya Angelou, who was not able to attend the service.
Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, who first brought the Jackson 5 to prominence, told the crowd that, "I think 'King of Pop' is not big enough to describe Michael. I think he is simply the greatest entertainer who ever lived."
Brooke Shields drew hearty laughs as she talked about the bond she shared with Jackson and how he once tried unsuccessfully to teach her to dance.
"Michael loved to laugh," she said.
Former Motown label mate Lionel Richie sang "Jesus is Love" and Stevie Wonder, before singing, said of Jackson's passing, "This is a moment that I wish that I didn't live to see."
Academy award winner Jennifer Hudson led a choir in a version of Jackson's "Earth Song."
One of the most emotional moments came when Usher, who has made it known that the King of Pop was a big influence on his career, sang "Gone Too Soon." Choking back tears, Usher sang as he walked off the stage and down to where the family was seated. It was an emotional gesture for many in the audience.
Family friend and activist, the Rev. Al Sharpton, brought the crowd to its feet on several occasions as he spoke of Jackson's genius and love for people.
"Michael made us love each other," Sharpton said. "Every time he got knocked down, he got back up."
The crowd went wild when Sharpton encouraged Michael's young children, telling them: "There was nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what he had to deal with."
The service was closed with the songs "We Are the World" and "Heal the World," as many of the celebrity participants and family members, including Janet, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, and Randy appeared together on stage.
As the crowds started to stir, Jackson's young daughter, Paris Katherine Jackson, took to the microphone to try and put into words what her dad meant to her and how much she will miss him.
"Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine," the 11-year-old said, crying. "And I just wanted to say I love him so much."
As Paris cried and was consoled by family members, people in the audience cried.
Many felt the memorial was a fitting tribute to the King of Pop. And as actor LeVar Burton said privately just before the service started, "It's a beautiful day, and we're going to send Michael home right."
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* The Michael Jackson I Knew
* Filipinos Mourn Jackson
* Philippine 'Thriller'-Dancing Prisoners Honor Michael Jackson
Pat Munson is a writer for the L.A. Watts Times.
Photos from Michael Jackson Memorial by Marty Cotwright; photo of Michael Jackson's family on stage by Monica Almeida/The New York Times.
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