Michael Jackson Memorial Service

Michael Jackson’s Memorial Service went down as one of the biggest events that have occurred in the past 30 years. There were breath taking performances from people the legendaries music genius’ like Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, and Mariah Carey, R&B sensation Usher, and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Shaheen Jafargholi. Other celebrities like talented basketball player Kobe Bryant, actress and singer Queen Latifa, and long time friend Brooke Shields made heartfelt speeches including family friends like Reverend Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King III.

The Memorial ended with a few words from 2 of his brothers and a teary goodbye from his daughter Paris saying, “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.” She was crying too much to be able to say anymore and was escorted off stage by the very own Janet Jackson.

There were tears and laughter among everyone there, whether it was from the audience, performers, or speakers. It was without a doubt a beautiful ceremony.

Sony Comments on Michael Jackson's Passing

NEW YORK, NY – June 25, 2009 – Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.

Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation, said: “Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him.”

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: “Michael Jackson's unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly.”

Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: “Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences.”

Five of Jackson’s solo albums – “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Dangerous” and “HIStory,” all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label – are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and “Thriller” as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the epic “Thriller.” Jackson’s sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.

Paris & Prince Michael II - Michael Jackson's Kids?

Is this a photo Michael Jackson's children? All reports indicate they are 9 year old Paris Katherine and 5 year old Prince Michael II. I've always believed that MJ's attempt to hide his children was a misguided effort to make them 'normal.' Misguided because I think that alienating them from the outside world and other 'normal' children would be bad for their growth and development. I recall often reading about some 70s-80s popstar who didn't lead a 'normal' life growing up; he had very few chances to meet and play with other children. He was very sheltered from the outside world.
That popstar, obviously, was Michael Jackson himself, and we all know how that turned out.
Some bloggers have said that the above rare photo of his children, without headgear, is a weak publicity attempt by MJ to garner a little bit of the attention into his life. I don't believe that. I think he is, and has been, honestly raising the kids in the best way he knows how. We can mock him for the monkey, the elephant man bones and his personal oxygen tank bed. It's what we do with our celebrities.
But, we should let him off with the hook with his kids. If you ever see the children in the photograph above, leave them alone.
If you make eye contact, give a small smile and or a nod as you pass them by.
Let's hope that they do get a chance for some kind of 'normal' life. It will much more likely if we don't come across another picture like this one.