Stevie Wonder spoke, played a small portion of "I Can't Help It", a song from Off the Wall that Wonder co-wrote, then performed a version of his songs "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" and "They Won't Go When I Go". MICHAEL JACKSON fans around the world were stunned when the King of Pop died in 2009. . The 31-car funeral procession for Michael Jackson arrives at Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks in Glendale. The memorial began a few minutes after 10:30a.m. with music and a eulogy from Pastor Lucious Smith. At the time of his death, he was the longest-living president in United States history. The black hearse was followed by two dozen identical SUVs carrying Jackson's family. Michael Jackson attending Vincent Minellis funeral Rare Footage and photosJuly 30th 1986 - Michael Jackson attends the funeral of film director, Vincent Minn. Fans cover the final resting place in flowers, which security guards put out in memory. Of course, there isn't any unequivocal proof for this theory, leaving fans to rely on hearsay and rumour. Six of the singer's siblings sit together at the funeral. However those in attendance have sparked some rumours within the Elvis community. He found me and (told me) Go to bed'. It's the eternal address for such Hollywood royalty as Clark Gable, Walt Disney, Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis, Jr. Jackson's crypt lies next to replicas of Michelangelo statues and beneath a stained glass window picturing Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper.". Not a public event," she said. "I just don't believe that Michael would want me to share my grief with millions of others. Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz then sang "I'll Be There", a No. Prior to the service, officials amended Jackson's death certificate to reflect the Los Angeles coroner's ruling that his death was a homicide. The R&B star gets choked up as he sings "Gone Too Soon" to the late entertainer. City Attorney Carmen Trutanich said it would be wrong to expect taxpayers to finance a private event. Thank you, Katherine and Joe, for sharing your son with the world and with me. Celebrity families are no exception. Murray's lawyer has said that the doctor immediately started CPR after finding Jackson unresponsive and not breathing and called 911 a half-hour later, but authorities say Murray found Jackson in bed around 11 a.m. and the call to 911 did not come in until just before 12:30 p.m. De Leon stood outside the entrance to the cemetery wearing a single, silver, beaded glove, like his idol. Michael was seen embracing Brown's family and fellow musicians, standing in silent tribute to the late soul singer. His siblings carried the gold-plated casket into the service at Glendales Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The Jackson brothers, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Randy and Marlon wore matching black suits, red ties, black armbands and single crystal-embedded gloves. The doctor also came under fire in the days after Jackson's death after the 911 call revealed Murray had been attempting CPR on the bed instead of the floor, per standard protocol. M.J.'s sister released a tributeto her brother and donated proceeds from the downloads to an AIDS charity. [12] Khadeejay. They all passed through the ornate front gates, up a gently winding road toward the Great Mausoleum. morning, Available for everyone, funded by readers. It can be arranged. All rights reserved. Obituary of Michael Vincent Chieca Michael Vincent Chieca, 30, of Chandler AZ passed . I send my love and condolences to the Jackson family.". Former Florida Gov. Elvis Presley alive: The King was supposedly spotted after his death, Elvis: Lisa Marie most 'terrifying' childhood moments 'Oh, dear God', Elvis Presley funeral: One of The Kings pallbearers responds to THAT heavy casket rumour, The Beatles: George Harrison's UNUSUAL method of writing iconic song, Michael Jackson gave Lisa Marie marriage ULTIMATUM, One Direction reunion could still happen THIS year, Elvis Presley told to GIVE UP music after infamously 'bad' gig, Elvis Presleys favourite TV shows revealed by The King's cousin, Elvis step-brother on Graceland graffiti One of the saddest days. But many of the most famous people in the music world didn't show up to Michael Jackson's memorial Tuesday. Michael Jackson's Memorial: Up to 2.5 billion viewers. what do you think! Michael Jackson's funeral: in pictures | Music | The Guardian Shaheen Jafargholi from Britain's Got Talent then performed the song. READ MORE: Elvis Presley funeral: One of The Kings pallbearers responds to THAT heavy casket rumour. Monday, 1st May 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Jermainewho had earlier performed a tearful rendition of "Smile"gave a brief speech, followed by a eulogy by Marlon, where he tributed his stillborn twin brother Brandon, who died at birth, telling his younger brother to "give him a hug" for himself as a favor. The ceremony itself was held at Westminster Abbey, and lasted just over an hour. The Jackson family arrived more than an hour late to the cemetery in a 31-car procession that included five Rolls Royce Phantoms along with a police escort. Other sources put the final (current) number close to 2.5 or even 3 billion viewers. The publication also reported that FoxNews.com and MSNBC.com combined for 6.4 million video streams. Though Diana's funeral is widely considered to be the most watched televised memorial in history, Michael Jackson's memorial rivalled (if not exceeded) these ratings, but it depends who you ask. The actress and screen legend pays her respects to her longtime friend at the Staples Center in L.A. Screen and stage legend Liza Minnelli, a longtime pals of Jackson's, was also a no-show. Music and video montages traced his life from the beginning of his career to the end. At the time, his executors . Sept. 3, 2009 -- Elizabeth Taylor, Barry Bonds, Chris Tucker, and Quincy Jones were among the mourners who gathered outside the mausoleum where Michael Jackson was laid to rest Thursday evening at . Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50. While her fourth marriage was in 2006 to Michael Lockwood, who she divorced this year. 779 Michael Jackson Funeral Premium High Res Photos The 77-year-old screen icon and longtime Jackson palmaintains a low profile upon arriving for the funeral. 1 single for both the Jackson 5 and Carey and Lorenz. In the eulogy of Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records, he stated, "In fact, the more I think and talk about Michael Jackson, I feel the King of Pop is not big enough for him. John Mayer played guitar on a mainly instrumental version of "Human Nature" from Jackson's Thriller. Streets and highway exits around the Staples Center were sealed off,[12] and 3,000 officers, the largest security effort planned since the 1984 Olympics,[12] were on duty at a cost of $1.4 million to the city.[13]. The participants were Ron Boyd (family friend), Los Angeles Lakers greats Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, fellow Motown Records alumni Berry Gordy, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Andrae Crouch (choir), Queen Latifah, Judith Hill (recruited 'This Is It' performer), Jennifer Hudson (in her first public appearance since the double murder of her brother and nephew), Shaheen Jafargholi (a child finalist on Britain's Got Talent, who sang a Jackson song), Martin Luther King III, Bernice A. When it was over Katherine Jackson appeared extremely weary and had to be helped to her car afterward, a person who attended the funeral told The Associated Press. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Jackson's children placed a bejeweled crown suitable for the King of Pop atop the coffin. Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. Find Michael Jackson Funeral stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. He should have been sent off better than this. "I said I wouldn't go to the Staples Center and I certainly don't want to become a part of it. Today his remains are resting inside the Holly Terrace section of the building. Some of the King of Pop's most famous friends didn't show up at his memorial. A police escort ushered the motorcade of 31 cars, including Rolls-Royces and Cadillacs, to Forest Lawn Glendale on Thursday. 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. Nielson Ratings estimated a 31.1 million viewers watched the funeral live. Tuesday, April 18, 2023. [48], According to Global Language Monitor, the coverage from Jackson's death and aftermath of his funeral tops Pope John Paul II as No.1 media[clarification needed] (noting the longer timeframe and contentious circumstances re the former). Friends and family gathered for the private funeral at Forest Lawn cemetery in Glendale, Calif., Thursday night. [45] According to Internet monitoring firm Akamai Technologies the Global Web traffic ranged from 19 percent to 33 percent above normal during the service. Following this, the song's composer and Miracles lead singer, Smokey Robinson, spoke about and made joking remarks about the Jackson 5 covering his song, and continued with a speech. 10 weeks after the pop star's shock death. [22] Whitney Houston was not able to attend the service either. These services are marked by influential and celebrity guests, musical tributes, speeches, and fans outside the funeral with signs and messages of condolence. Forest Lawn Memorial Park's Hall of Liberty, opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics, "Maya Angelou part of Michael Jackson tribute", "Liveblogging Michael Jackson's funeral and memorial service", "AEG to release Jackson memorial tickets", "Thirteen applications per second for Michael", "Website for Jackson tickets gets 500 million hits in first hour | L.A. Now | Los Angeles Times", "Jackson memorial set for Staples Center", "One million fans expected at Michael Jackson memorial", "1 Million Expected at Jackson's Star-Studded Memorial", "Cost only security problem at Jackson memorial", "Mayor's office: Michael Jackson memorial cost L.A. $1.4 million", "Michael Jackson funeral to take place in Los Angeles", "BERRY GORDY - GORDY BRINGS MOURNERS TO THEIR FEET WITH JACKSON TRIBUTE", "Michael Jackson hailed as greatest entertainer, best dad", http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.RES.600, "Entertainment | Reporters' log: Jackson memorial", "Live Blogging the Jackson Memorial - ArtsBeat Blog - NYTimes.com", "Michael Jackson hailed during emotional memorial service", "Michael Jackson's Memorial Lures A-List Attendees, Participants", "Michael Jackson to be Buried in Famed Hollywood Cemetery", "Intelsat is international satellite carrier for Michael Jackson memorial service", "Jackson's funeral to be one of the biggest televised event", "Broadcast of Jackson Memorial Service to Mann Chinese Six Theatre in Los Angeles, CA to Be Cancelled at Request of Los Angeles Police Department", "Lisa De Moraes Column on Michael Jackson's Memorial Service", "Michael Jackson RIP: One billion people estimated watching for gold-plated casket at memorial service", "Jackson's Memorial a Hit With Viewers but Not Quite Off the Charts", "Michael Jackson Memorial Earns 31 Million Viewers & More TV News - Inside TV Blog", "The 3 Most Watched Televised Funerals in History", https://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/08/jackson.viewers/index.html#:~:text=In%20all%20or%20in%20part,networks%20Five%20and%20Sky%20News, "6 Million-Plus Watch Jackson Memorial in U.K.", "4 million Indians tune in to Jackson's memorial service", "Michael Jackson memorial draws crowds online - CNN.com", "CNN Live Stream of Michael Jackson Memorial: 9.7 Million Views", "Michael Jackson funeral tops Pope John Paul II as No. The actress and former rumored love interest of Jackson offers an eye-opening eulogy, admitting their relationship may have seemed strange but to them, it was "very fun and very real.". Al Sharpton told reporters after the service. The singer-actress reads a piece by Maya Angelou written especially for the occasion. Less than two weeks later a public memorial service took place at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles ahead of a private funeral that September. "[3], Toward the end, the family gathered on stage to offer the final eulogies. Of course, this too has sparked a number of rumours about how Elvis is actually alive. Among those not attending are the singer's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, and his close friend, the actor Elizabeth Taylor. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Casablanca blames the celebrities for that. His ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley was also in attendance. / CBS NEWS, First published on September 3, 2009 / 9:51 PM. In addition to the above persons, ABC News reported, Lionel Richie's daughter Nicole, who was Michael's goddaughter, singer Akon and producer/rapper Sean Combs would attend the services. The Beatles' Ringo Starr slept with just one bandmate while on tour, Freddie Mercury battled 'a**hole' rock star over duet, Michael Jackson funeral: Lisa Maries moment alone by his casket 'I wanted to apologise', Michael Jackson's brothers at his funeral, 'Michael Jackson feared he would die like Elvis' said wife Lisa Marie, Michael Jackson was married to Lisa Marie from 1994-1996. He attended J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson. A heartbreaking and historic occasion, Diana's funeral was one of the most tragic rebukes of paparazzi and the royal family. "The big ones: Diana, Liza, Madonna -- no excuse is good enough," he said. They're hiding behind excuses. He was 79. Mike was a longtime resident of Dallas. Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Randy Jackson attend Michael Jackson's funeral service held at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park on Sept. 3, 2009 in Glendale, Calif. The concerts' chorus singers, Darrell Phinnessee, Ken Stacey, Dorian Holley, Judith Hill and guitarist Orianthi performed "We Are the World" and were joined on the stage by several of the guest speakers and performers as well as the Jackson family for the final chorus. Michael Jackson funeral: Lisa Marie Presley on moment by his casket Ultimately, the musical memorial gave family, friends, and fans the chance to say goodbye one final time. "It's very private and Michael Jackson is a public figure, loved by millions," De Leon adds. Fans of the King have now gone on to suggest this is in fact Elvis in disguise, paying his respects to Jackson shortly after his death. The man who is largely credited with being the brains behind Michael Jackson 's adult solo success has no plans to pay "The King of Pop" respect at his funeral. His remains lie in state in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol, facing west, toward California as per his wishes. That was the last time I saw him alive.". The 53-year-olds first marriage was to Danny Keough, with who she had her late son Benjamin. But Jackson's Neverland Ranch could never offer the star-studded setting provided by Forest Lawn. Most egregiously, the timeline reported by law enforcement was not obtained through interviews with Dr. Murray, as was implied by the affidavit.". Jackson was originally to be buried on what would have been his 51st birthday; however, the services were postponed, and he was instead interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale on September 3, 2009. "I hope, today brings closure for all those who loved him. One of the biggest rumours at the moment focusses in on a funeral. This is when you drop everything.". Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Randy Jackson attend Michael Jackson's funeral service held at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park on Sept. 3, 2009 in Glendale, Calif. King, John Mayer, Omer Bhatti (a Norwegian rapper), Rev. Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Randy Jackson attend Michael Jackson's funeral service held at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park on Sept. 3, 2009 in Glendale, Calif. Demarco DeLeon joined other fans mourning outside Forest Lawn, but said he would like to see Jackson's body moved to Neverland Ranch. "Just show up. Jackson daughter Paris, said to be very composed throughout the service, wept once the casket was moved into the mausoleum. [30] Before the event, the organizers expected an estimated one billion viewers. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Elvis: Cousin Billy Smith says Priscilla and family 'have no contact', was pronounced dead this month on January 12, 2023. How many people were at michael jackson's funeral? I think he is simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived." When the golden coffin arrived, piled high with flowers, the brothers were the pall bearers. The service was broadcast live around the world, from the U.S. to Slovakia to parts of Asia and Oceania, making use of the Intelsat global satellite network. Pictures provided by the family showed longtime friends such as Elizabeth Taylor and Stevie Wonder. Mandalit del Barco/NPR First published on Fri 4 Sep 2009 07.35BST, Photograph: Harrison Funk/The Jackson family/EPA, Photograph: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images, Photograph: Harrison Funk/The Jackson Family / Handout/EPA, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every Michael Jackson death: Lisa Marie Presley's solitary moment 'to "OMG OMG OMG OMG I got tickets to the Michael Jackson . The star takes a break from Twitter to play his guitar on a nearly instrumental version of "Human Nature"backup singers perform only the chorus. She then went on to claim him as an American legend and world humanitarian (House Resolution 600[18]), closing her speech with a military salute as she said, "Michael Jackson, I salute you." According to police reports and phone records, Murray also made several calls on his cell phone between 11 a.m. and the time 911 was called. The actor, who met Jackson back when he was the young star of Home Alone, attends the funeral with his then-longtime partner. After creating an online memorial, you can also publish in print in any of over 6,000 newspapers across North America. ', Can I try to make a phone call? "The greatest entertainer that ever lived was laid to rest tonight, physically but spiritually and musically he will live on forever," the Rev. From left, Janet Jackson, Paris Michael Katherine, LaToya Jackson, Jermaine Jackson and Prince Michael Jackson I attend a memorial service for music. Taj Jackson later said on Twitter that Wade Robson begged to come to the memorial and brought in his family there proving it with screenshots of text messages with Robson.[22]. Jackson's closed, solid-bronze casket, plated with 14-karat gold and lined with blue velvet, which was not originally expected to be at the memorial service, arrived just before 10:00a.m. local time when it was placed in front of the stage. The latter was attended by around 200 of the stars closest friends and family including Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Macaulay Culkin and MJs first ex-wife,Lisa Marie Presley - the only child of Elvis Presley. I really did regret that I didnt.. On This Day In Michael Jackson HIStory - April 30th Jul 4, 2009. Murray told investigators that he had been trying to wean the singer off propofol, which Jackson had been using as a sleep aid. These are incredibly rich people. (ABC's Lisa Fletcher contributed to this report), 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. The statement was met with the longest standing ovation of the night.[15][16][17]. Some of the King of Pop's most famous friends didn't show up at his memorial. Previously listed as "deferred," the certificate now says Jackson's death was caused by "injection by another.". Berry Gordy, Brooke Shields, and Smokey Robinson gave eulogies, while Queen Latifah read "We Had Him", a poem written for the occasion by Maya Angelou. You arrange this big, glittery send off and not all the glitter shows up," he said. DON'T MISSMichael Jackson death: How did Michael Jackson die? The Rush Hour star is among the many famous faces who come out to mourn. Jim was born on February 21, 1943 in Parkston, SD . I have a feeling that's going to happen.". However considering this funeral was in 2009, that would mean Elvis was attending 32 years after his official death. Michael was a personal love of mine, a treasured part of my world, part of the fabric of my life in a way that I can't seem to find words to express. "Nobody can go and visit. The King of Pop's sister arrives at Forest Lawn Memorial Park for the funeral. He came in and kissed me good night after that. The King of Rock N Roll was found in his home in Graceland after he suffered a cardiac arrest. Michael Jackson death: How did Michael Jackson die? A well-respected paramedic who was fatally stabbed while on the job has been farewelled by his devastated family, friends and colleagues. Standing before Michael's casket, the pair provide the first performance of the memorial event, a dazzling duet of his track "I'll Be There.". The memorial of the King of Pop Michael Jackson had approximately 17,500 guests in attendance, as well as the estimated 2.5 - 3 billion viewers watching the television broadcast from home, making it potentially the most watched televised funeral. 2023 E! Jackson's five brothers were his pallbearers. Michael Jackson memorial service - Wikipedia Jackson was presented in a polished solid bronze Promethean casket with gold-plated hardware, furnished by the Batesville Casket Company, which cost roughly $25,000. . The singer and entertainer was killed by an accidental overdose of propofol, which was administered by his personal physician, Conrad Murray. You get escorted in, you get a limo, you don't talk to anybody, you hide behind your sunglasses, you get back on your private jet, you're gone. alone. Jackson's family then addressed the crowd. One alternate juror has a funeral to attend tomorrow and one alternate jury is moving out of state. Her funeral was a royal ceremonial funeral (though not a state funeral), and lasted over six hours. [1], Jackson's brothers, sitting in the front row, each wore a single white sequined glove in tribute to their brother. 9mo ago. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Harvey R. LaClear. For some, said Us Weekly senior editor Ian Drew, there were good reasons: schedule (Madonna and Spears are on tour -- skipping a show could cost them millions), spectacle (Taylor and Ross made it clear they didn't want to steal the show from Jackson) and spite. Gladys Knight's emotional rendition of the "Our Father" hymn, closed the ceremony. Flanked byher aunt and brothers Prince Michael and Blanket, Paris Jackson's farewell to her father is arguably the biggest tearjerker of the already emotional event. Benjamin is now buried at Graceland alongside his grandfather Elvis, great grandparents Vernon and Gladys and great-great-grandmother Minnie Mae. Martin Luther King Jr.'s children, Martin III and Bernice, then stated that Michael Jackson was the best that he could be. Harrison Funk/The Jackson Family via Getty Images. Reward offered as manhunt for Texas shooting suspect reaches "dead end", Louisiana's health care deserts put women, babies at risk, doctors say, How a tall Texan became an unlikely Australian rules football star, Second convoy of U.S. citizens fleeing Khartoum arrives at Port Sudan, ISIS chief killed by Turkey's intelligence agency, Erdogan says, General Mills issues Gold Medal flour recall over salmonella concerns, Investors sue Adidas over Kanye West Yeezy deal, Tornado flips cars, downs trees after touching down in South Florida, Shaquil Barrett's 2-year-old daughter dies in drowning accident. In the United Kingdom, BBC reported that 5.2 million people watched the memorial service on the network BBC2, and 2 million more watched it on the British networks Five and Sky News. His casket cost $25,000, his burial garments came . Michael Jackson's Memorial: Who Bailed and Why. Reclusive screen star Elizabeth Taylor might have been speaking on behalf of all of Michael Jackson's fans when she emotionally lamented the loss of her longtime friend. Michael Jackson died 14 years ago at the age of just 50. Meanwhile, Lisa Marie Presley spoke out about her father's death shortly after it happened. Surrounded by her paternal aunts and uncles, Paris emotionally addressed the crowd before collapsing in tears and being escorted off the stage by her family. There was a public viewing where over 100,000 members of the public paid their respects. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It was attended by notables such as Margaret Thatcher, Hillary Clinton, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Sir Elton John, Richard Attenborough, George Michael, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Or simply a similar-looking bystander? [49], Due to the economic downturn concerns at the time, the city of Los Angeles said the memorial had cost the city $1.4 million for 1,400 police officers, trash pick-up, sanitation, and traffic control. Liz Taylor, Macaulay Culkin and many others say goodbye to Michael Jackson. she has no desire to participate in or attend his memorial. Chandler Obituaries | Local Obits for Chandler, AZ - Legacy.com Forest Lawn has already demonstrated its privacy prowess in the more than two months since Jackson died of cardiac arrest, caused in large part, the L.A. County Coronor says by the use of propofol, a powerful anesthetic typically used only in hospital operating rooms. The legendary producer, who helped Jackson craft his groundbreaking Off the Wall and Thriller albums, is among the mourners. His children, Paris, Prince Michael and Prince Michael II, were among the first of the family to take their seats in the front row next to their grandparents Katherine and Joe Jackson. Under a full moon, hundreds of fans screamed Jackson's name as the motorcade drove by. "There is no access," admirer De Marco De Leon says. but due to Los Angeles' $530 million budget crisis, city and police officials urged fans to stay home. The Princess of Wales' coffin, escorted by Coldstream Guards, near St James' Palace in The Mall on the day of her funeral service, 6th September 1997. Jackson's then-11-year-old daughter, Paris, while unable to give her speech without crying, told the crowd, "I just want to say, ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine, and I just want to say I love him so much. A gospel choir sang Andrae Crouch's "Soon and Very Soon" as Jackson's casket entered (culminating around the line "you will see the King"), followed by statements from Pastor Lucious Smith.