Here is the Michael Jackson Memorial Service video, photos; full video from July 7, 2009 and pictures. The MJ Memorial service took place at Staples Center in Los Angeles before an audience of 17,000, and was broadcast worldwide.

Rev. Lucious Smith opened and closed the ceremony. “He is never really gone at all,” he said at the beginning of the ceremony. Berry Gordy, Motown founder who first discovered the Jackson 5 declared Michael Jackson “the greatest entertainer who ever lived” as he concluded his recollections of meeting the music legend and his brothers.

Mariah Carey sang Jackson 5 hit “I’ll Be There” with Trey Lorenz who recorded with her the cover version in 1992. Lionel Richie performed the Commodores song “Jesus is Love.”

Stevie Wonder performed a very emotional rendition of his 1971 song, “I Never Dreamed You’d Leave in Summer” along with “They Won’t Go When I Go.” Jennifer Hudson performs “Will You Be There” with backup singers and an audio track of Michael Jackson’s voice. Guitarist John Mayer performed a stirring rendition of Human Nature.

An emotional Brooke Shields recollected memories of her friendship with Michael Jackson and introduced the song his brother would sing Smile, the Charlie Chaplin song which was Jackson’s favorite, and a cover version appears on his HISTory album. Jermain Jackson delivered an emotionally touching rendition of the song.

Al Sharpton delivered a powerhouse speech reminding people of the achievements of Michael Jackson: “Michael brought blacks, whites, Asians and Latinos together”.. He went on to address Jackson’s children directly, saying: “I want his children to know there was nothing strange about your daddy, it was strange what your daddy had to deal with’.

Martin Luther King III and Bernice King, children of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr delivered speeches as well. Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant both shared recollections, with Johnson telling an amusing story involving his surprise at Jackson’s fondness for KFC chicken.

Also performing, the 12-year old Shaheen Jafargholi, from Swansea, Wales, a finalist from the “Britain’s Got Talent” whose rendition of the Jackson 5 hit, Who’s Loving You drew international notoriety, and, according to Kenny Ortega, speaking at the memorial service an invitation from Michael Jackson himself to perform with him at what would have been his This Is It 50-concert residency at O2 Arena in London.

Usher performs the Michael Jackson song, originally written for Ryan White, who died of AIDS in the 1990s. “Gone Too Soon” breaking down in tears near the end, as he stood next to Michael Jackson’s casket.

At the end, in a surprising move, Michael JAckson’s daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson spoke. The eleven-year old, fighting back tears just long enough 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.”

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(source:-www.shallownation.com)

WORLD NEWS

MICHAEL'S 200 SECRET SONGS FOR HIS FAMILY

GIFTS: The extent of Jackson's accomplishments is being revealed

MICHAEL Jackson left his three children a £60million secret treasure chest of unpublished songs to save them from financial ruin, it emerged last night.

In his final weeks, the pop superstar arranged to bequeath them a hoard of original music – said to be up to 200 songs – as the threat of bankruptcy loomed.

The legacy, a rare act of shrewdness from a star legendary for his disastrous finances, means the songs cannot be touched by the many creditors lining up to reclaim their debts from his estate.

It ensures that Prince Michael, 12, Paris Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II, seven, will be well taken care of following his sudden death at the age of 50 last week.

And it means that tens of millions of Jackson fans around the world can look forward to hearing more of their hero’s music.

Jackson’s father Joe said: “Michael was the biggest superstar in the world and in history. He was loved by everybody, whether poor or wealthy or whatever may be.”

(source:-www.dailyexpress.co.uk)

Michael Jacksons brother Marlon and daughter Paris speak

Paris Jackson speaks to the public for the first time

Paris Jackson is supported by her family after speaking about her father during the memorial service for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Tuesday, July 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, Pool) Marlon Jackson comforts his niece and daughter of Michael Jackson, Paris, at the memorial service for the late pop star Michael Jackson in Los Angeles on Tuesday, July 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Gabriel Bouys, Pool)

Towards the end of the Michael Jackson Memorial service,Michael’s brother Marlon spoke. He was visibly upset and choked on his words as he began to speak. Following Marlon’s tribute, he turned to their sister, Janet Jackson, and asked her if she wanted to say something. Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris said that she wanted to say something. For a nation that has only seen Michael Jackson’s children behind blankets and masks it was visibly stirring. With all of the rumors and allegations that have circled Michael Jackson and his children, there before the world, was a beautiful girl, looking for the words to say good-bye to her daddy.

Here is the account of Marlon Jackson’s tribute, followed by Paris’.

I hurt. I stand; I stand here trying to find words of comfort and solace, trying to understand why the Lord has taken our brother to return home from such a short visit here on Earth.

Michael, when you left us, a part of me went with you. And a part of you will live forever within me, but also a part of you will live forever within all of us.

Michael, I will treasure the good times, the fun we had, singing, dancing, laughing. I can remember when we used to come home from school and we would grab a quick bite to eat and we tried to watch the "Three Stooges" as much of it as possible before mother would come in and say, it's time to go to the recording studio.

I also, Michael, remember a time when I went into the record store and there was this man purchasing a lot of C.D.s. And he would go and grab another batch of C.D.s. He was an older gentleman. He had short afro, but crooked teeth, and his clothes were rumpled. I walked up behind him and said, "Michael, what are you doing in this store?"

He turned to me and said, "Marlon, how did you know it was me?" I told him, "You're my brother. I can spot you anywhere, regardless of your makeup. I know your walk. I know your body language. And those shoes did not help."

Michael wore the same shoes wherever we went. But I guess that was his way of trying to experience what we take for granted. We would never, never understand what he endured, not being able to walk across the street without a crowd gathering around him. Being judged, ridiculed, how much pain can one take.

Maybe now, Michael, they will leave you alone.

Michael, Michael was the voice of our angelic trumpets, and he will continue to be the voice, that angelic voice in heaven, nearest to our Creator and waiting on us when our day comes to pass. Michael, I love you. I will miss when we said our goodbyes. I will hug you and I say I love you. And your response was, "I love you more."

You know, the Lord has a purpose for everything. And sometimes we just can't see it or understand it but it will be made clear to us when we reach that ultimate, ultimate reward of being in his presence. And, Michael, you are there. You are right there. You have finished your work here on earth. And the Lord has called for you to come home with him.

So I thank you, Michael. I thank you for all the smiles that you've placed in many people's hearts and I thank you for everything that you've done for others across this globe in the Lord's name. And I have one request, Michael -- one request. I would like for you to give our brother, my twin brother, Brandon, a hug for me. I love you, Michael. I'll miss you.

It is here where Marlon turns to his sister Janet and says, “ I think Janet wants to say something.”

Paris interrupts and Janet is comforting and supporting Paris. “I just want to say ...Janet speaks to a visibly shaken Paris, “Speak up, sweetheart, speak up.” Paris continues, “Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much.” Janet grabs Paris who is in tears and hugs her. Jermaine Jackson then speaks to the fans; “We want to thank you all for loving my brother and supporting our family. Thank you and good night.”

(source:-www.examiner.com)

" Statement by Diana Ross at the Michael Jackson memorial service "

The Michael Jackson Memorial service started late. When it began, Smokey Robinson read several prepared statements. The first was from Diana Ross, long time friend of Michael Jackson. The statement read:

“I want you to know, even though I am not there at the Staples Center, I am there in my heart. I've decided to pause and be silent. This feels right for me.

"Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my world, part of the fabric of my life, and the way that I can't seem to find words to express. Michael wanted me to be there for his children, and I will be there if they ever need me. “

"I hope today brings closure for all those who loved him. Thank you, Katherine and Joe, for sharing your son with the world and with me. I send my love and condolences to the Jackson family.

"Diana Ross."

Nelson Mandela: 'Michael Jackson Was Part Of Our Family'

Nelson Mandela has paid tribute to Michael Jackson, describing the star as “a close member of our family”.

The former South African president also paid tribute to how Jackson had managed to “triumph over tragedy on some many occasions in his life”.

Mandela’s comments about Jackson were read out at the star’s public memorial service in Los Angeles by Smokey Robinson.

You can read the full letter below:

“Dear Jackson family,

It is with great sadness that we learnt of the untimely death of Michael Jackson. Michael became close to use after he started visiting and performing in South Africa regularly.

We became fond of him and he became a close member of our family. We had great admiration for his talent and that he was able to triumph over tragedy on some many occasion in his life.

Michael was a giant and a legend in the music industry and we mourn with the millions of fans worldwide. We also mourn with his family and his friends over the loss of a dear friend. He will be missed and memories cherished of him for a long time.

Be strong,

Nelson Mandela”

(source:-www.gigwise.com)