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July 7th, 2009
08:02 PM ET

Michael Jackson's memorial program cover

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/07/07/img100.jpg caption="The program cover for Michael Jackson's memorial" width=292 height=320]

Editor's Note: This is the program cover for Michael Jackson's memorial, earlier today. For the latest on the King of Pop’s death and for coverage of his memorial , tune in to AC360° tonight 10p ET.


Filed under: Michael Jackson
soundoff (204 Responses)
  1. Diane

    There is a lot of talk about "letting Michael Jackson rest"....about how he was hounded in life and treated unfairly and "thank goodness that is over and we wish him peace." And then on tonight's coverage they report details on his body including the fact that "the skin on his entire body skin was as white as a sheet" and that he was "bald". Truly these are not details that need to be publicized. Truly this is NOT letting him rest in peace. Looks like the hounding continues.....

    July 8, 2009 at 1:00 am |
  2. John Edward P/ NC

    The best at what he was. Did his job very well.Michael Will be missed. God can only love you to a higher ground from this life.
    RIP

    July 8, 2009 at 12:57 am |
  3. 1netka

    The brief peek shared by his friends and family showed a real person – doubtful, seeking love, laughter and a normal life. I am saddened that he only experienced fleeting moments of fun, laughter and normality. The world lost a great talent. But he has left a body of work that will be enjoyed by many many generations.

    July 8, 2009 at 12:57 am |
  4. Amanda Walton Fort Erie, Ontario

    Always tears the earth lost another beautiful soul, sometimes I think we're short of them in the world today. Grateful my life was spent growing up with him, Thankful God brought him to us, Blessed he made a world of difference and will continue to do so

    Rest in Peace Michael Jackson - You will live on forever and when it's my time, I will meet you in heaven where man is created equal

    July 8, 2009 at 12:55 am |
  5. Eileen

    That is beautiful, as was the service.

    July 8, 2009 at 12:51 am |
  6. C. Nicole "The PR Girl"

    MJ was truly inspirational for people in all walks of life. He made music over 3 generations and he was able to touch the lives of billions of people. I'm sad that my children will have to learn about Michael like I had to learn about MLK in history books. I know he's in a better place where noone can judge him or cause him harm. My heart goes out to his family especially those three children!

    July 8, 2009 at 12:49 am |
  7. Jim

    Please preserve Michael jackson's remain for he will be alive forever.

    July 8, 2009 at 12:48 am |
  8. candi

    michael's memorial was so touching,watching Usher sing 'Gone too soon" I couldn't stop crying, then also Stevie singing Never thought you'd leave in summer, Jennifer Hudson's voice was like an angel, and of course, Marlon, Jermaine, Brooke and Al were wonderful, but most of all, Paris was the most heartrending, we will try to carry on Michael's love for the world, we will love him forever,he was a special musical angel and pray his children and all his family will be blessed and know how he touched all of us with his gift of Love.

    July 8, 2009 at 12:45 am |
  9. Sam

    Good-nite Anderson,
    As i watched Micheal J. Jackson memorial service live, i cried everytime someone give a tribute. I wished i knew Micheal the way his closed friends knew him, but never the less i have his music and his moves. I am happy that i got a chance to see Micheal memorial live, thanks to all the networks.
    I wished Micheal Jackson dad would have said something but i guess he loved his son so much that no words could ever describe how he feel about his son. I am so proud of Paris Jackson she made me cried, i wished i knew how she felt but i think i have an idea, i never loss a dad. Lots of love to they Jackson's family as they go through this difficult time, FOR YOU'RE NOT ALONE, I'M HERE WITH YOU. Love you Micheal J. Jackson

    July 8, 2009 at 12:44 am |
  10. Lorraine Williams

    My prayers are with the Jackson family, especially his kids. When will we be able to get the whole program? I love you MJ.

    July 8, 2009 at 12:36 am |
  11. Julie Bumgarner

    I truly believe- that when a loved one dies
    they come and tell us goodbye.....

    These lyrics are dedicated to the Jackson Family..

    I came by to see you- but you were sleeping
    I didn't want to wake you-so I whispered in your
    ear... Something that I should of told you more
    everyday while I was still here....

    I want to say I love you and I always will- I wish
    I could explain the way I feel.. But now it's time
    for me to go away- you don't know how much
    I – wish that I could stay

    So, if you don't see me in days to come don't
    worry- celebrate my brand new life-don't you
    cry... For I am home now safe from harm- I won't
    ever really be gone- I'm resting peacefully-
    In Jesus's arm....

    I know it's hard for you somtimes to sleep at night
    cause I know that I am always on your mind- but
    I don't want to see tears shining in your eyes- no
    you don't have to worry- no please don't cry...
    If you don't see me in days to come- don't worry
    celebrate my brand new life- don't you cry- for I
    am home now safe from harm- I won't ever really be
    gone- i'm resting peacfully-
    In Jesus's arms..
    Just remember all the smiles- times we laughed until
    we cried- and remember in the end- we will be together
    again......
    If you don;t see me in days to come don;t worry
    celebrate my brand new life- don;t you cry
    for I am home now safe from harm- I won't ever really be gone
    i'm resting peacfully in Jesus's arms ..
    ... yes in Jesus's arms

    Copyright © julie bumgarner
    All Rights Reserved

    http://www.myspace/juliebumagrner

    July 8, 2009 at 12:31 am |
  12. Rev.

    Hi to the jackson family my prayers and heart and all my love goes out to jermaine and the 3 kids today's service was beautiful the song was beautifulit they brought me to tears because i have bean watcher you all sent we all was kids me and my family so may god bless you and your family for micheal his memory,will allways be in my heart i'm crying as i'm writing this i will miss you R.I.P Micheal Jackson.

    July 8, 2009 at 12:30 am |
  13. Bettie Tyree

    "America's Little Boy"

    Most of us did not comprehend the life and times of Michael Jackson simply because he was unlike the common person...Michael Jackson was a "thinker", a kid at heart and a man in his art, a person who cared about and loved the world where most of will never experience that feeling for a "cross-the-street" neighbor! Michael Jackson's innocent demeanor brought him much pain and almost caused him a career but with his forgiving child-like heart, he was able to forgive all who made an attempt to harm him. As Barry Gordy put it saying that Michael Jackson beheld two different personalities...and this is true, Michael was from two separate worlds...one where he was shy and subdued and in the other world, he was a "SUPERMAN" on the stage! He "moon-walked" his way into most of our hearts and he even stole our hearts when he was only nine years old. I understood Michael Jackson along with his Mother Katherine Jackson...yes Michael Jackson may not have had a childhood like you or me simply because he was either performing on stage or rehearsing at home or in some remote place where he could perfect his art but most of us would trade our right arm to have been in his successful childhood shoes.
    Michael Jackson grew up so fast while attending his career and then when he "got there" and had mastered his art, it was time to be a kid and have some fun with children... all this was very innocent to him and the media misguided the intensions of Michael Jackson where his attempt to be nice to children that led him in search of a childhood like most of us were accustomed too, that's where the media tainted his acts of love and caring towards children with illicit publicity. He was made to feel "ugly" while most of the populace thought that he was the cutest kid in America!!!
    When you are between stages in life such as childhood into adolescence and finally into adulthood...there are often strange and unprecedented transitional phases. Michael Jackson honestly believed that all the world loved him...his demeanor was so innocent and so carefree and to the point where the very ones that he loved and trusted who had also watched him grow and mature into hisstardom , deceived him and left him hurt and confused.
    We have all experienced less than normal and some dysfunctional transitioning into adulthood...so "Leave Him Alone" and let him rest in peace. Respect his legacy and the joy that he gave to the world through music...and all the monetary gifts that he gave to the less fortunate, the hospital visits and the poor villages or towns that he visited. Know that if all our skeletons were out of the closet and made public, there would be some that would have to explain his or her actions to more than a few!! Michael Jackson's life may have been far different from your or mine but that is what made him popular and a noted figure. He went out on the limb where most of us are afraid to branch out.
    "SMILE" Michael we will continue to love and we will truly miss you.

    July 8, 2009 at 12:30 am |
  14. Julie Bumgarner

    In Memory of -Michael Jackson

    God called for a special angel-
    One who could sing and dance.
    ...As the band started to play-
    the king of pop- made his way to
    God's heavenly stage...
    Singing and dancing better
    then ever-and he was
    as happy as can be

    As we mourn his death- here on earth-
    we must remember-
    That at last- Michael Jackson is finally free.

    Copyright © 2009 Julie Bumgarner
    All Rights Reserved

    Written by : Julie Bumgarner..
    .

    July 8, 2009 at 12:12 am |
  15. Mary

    I watched the Memorial service for Michael on CNN today and was moved and totally impressed. It was a beautiful, elegant service, fit for the King that he was. The euologies really gave us so much insight into what a beautiful person Michael was. The coverage by CNN was terrific and most of the commentary was polite and respectful. I know many of the pundits were expecting the event to be a "circus", and I think some of them were dissapointed that it was dignified and so well orchestrated. But of course there are always the small-minded, negative, petty, detractors who had to get in a few nasty shots.; and unfortunately, a few of them are regulars on CNN.

    Having lived in Detroit in the 60's and 70's, we were all devoted fans of the Motown sound and especially the Jackson Five. It was great to see Smokey, Barry Gordy and Stevie Wonder again and of course the Jackson brothers. Their music will always hold a special spot in my heart and bring back wonderful memories. .

    Mary
    Michigan

    July 8, 2009 at 12:09 am |
  16. Sorry!

    Michael Jackson; I owe you an apology for judging you in my heart without knowing the facts about you! You rarely defended yourself in public. I never knew that your scalp was so badly scarred from the Pepsi commercial fire that you could never again grow your hair, that is why you wore wigs. I never knew that it wasn't just your face that was strangely turning white. Now it is known that the skin of your entire body was thin and Lily White! You did have some strange disease. I never knew WHY you had your kids wear veils...now I learn that is because you were protecting them so that when they went out with other families and their children they could not be identified, and they could play as normal kids. I never knew your entire family suffered from Insomnia! I never knew about all the accidents you suffered in your body, I judged you for all the medications you took. I never understood how much pain you lived in day to day. And, I didn't know how desperate you were just to "SLEEP!" And lastly, I never knew you were the "Best Father That You Could Ever Imagine." "Forgive me – I'm sorry for judging you!"

    As they lower your casket into the ground today I am reminded that God has granted you that deep desire....TO SLEEP...only this time it is for Eternity. Now you will meet the ONE AND ONLY TRUE KING OF KINGS! GOD THE FATHER & JESUS/GOD THE SON AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. They will show you their Kingdom and you can rest from all your labors. I hope to meet you in Heaven some day and tell you I'm sorry.

    July 8, 2009 at 12:06 am |
  17. Priscilla Seigler

    Dear Mr Anderson,
    Michael Jackson lived his life from the inside out, which is where we all should live from. He was able to harness his visions, aspirations and faith and see his dreams come true. What a gift we had among us. Michael showed us how to continue with our dreams inspite of our troubles,pain and fears. Michael obeyed what he was sent to do and that is to make the world a better place than what he found it. We can take his love for people, and determination to be the best in the world and go for our dreams. He is a trailblazer in more ways than one but quite a few. I honored and was extremely proud of him when he was in the earth and I know he is being honored in the heavens.
    Thank you for allowing me to voice my comments.God bless CNN

    July 8, 2009 at 12:04 am |
  18. sandra

    I was amazed at how beautiful the memorial turned out to be considering that it had to be put together so quickly. Props to the ones who made it possible and thank you to MJ's family for lettings us be a part of it. I would especially like to congratulate the fans who attended and those that waited outside hoping to catch a glimpse. I applaud them for their self restraint and proper behavior. I was afraid this was going to be turned into a circus and have the police get involved. Michael must very pleased with everyone!

    July 8, 2009 at 12:04 am |
  19. dana

    To Michael Jackson's family and children may God be with you and get you through this time in you life. I just want to Thank You for your family and your son Michael for showing everyone how to be a strong black wonderful family. I grow up loving Michael Jackson and his wonderful god sent talent, he will forever be missed but I do feel like he will live in my heart for ever. Stay strong and keep God first. I am glad I got to see all the wonderful, kind and inspiring things he did for the world and the youth especially. He was a sexy, strong adorable man to me and I can't help but constantly keep watching everything I can about him and showing my kids this great man. Love you always Michael!!!!!!

    July 8, 2009 at 12:03 am |
  20. Cynthia in Washington

    The memorial service was great. An appropriate tribute to Michael. But it is unfortunate that he had to pass for all of us to get a clearer understanding and appreciation of him as a person. I wish peace and blessings for his children as they go through life.
    RIP Michael.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:54 pm |
  21. Ashley

    This is It!!!!
    Michael you will be truly missed by your family, friends, and your fans. Your legacy will live on forever. We will continue to keep your family in our prayers.
    Remember to SMILE even when your hurting! We are hurting, but we have something to smile about. Thank you for all the memories.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:53 pm |
  22. Clarise Bradley

    Michael loved his fans and they loved him. This is a call to the political leaders of Los Angeles, to re-write the laws necessary to bury Michael at Neverland , and turn it into the type of museum that the greatest entertainer in the world deserves to have. Larry King, Anderson Cooper, Marlon Brando, Berry Gordy, Stevie Wonder, Al Sharpton, and Usher, please take the lead role in leading the campaign and getting the petition started. Clarise Bradley, Brooklyn, NY

    July 7, 2009 at 11:52 pm |
  23. Sumera-Maryland

    CNN is the best!. I became a CNN big fan after watching 2008 election coverage, but Wow! what a superb coverage on Micheal Jackson. No other channel can beat CNN, specially Larry King Live and AC360!!!!!

    July 7, 2009 at 11:48 pm |
  24. silvia

    im so sadd....
    but...RIP michael jackson...
    u still live in our heart forever..

    July 7, 2009 at 11:43 pm |
  25. chastoms

    Michael Jackson will forever remain the Messenger of Love for our generation. He will forever be our 'soul brother' for all time. If there is an afterlife, I hope to meet him there one day! He may be out of our lives, but he will forever remain in our hearts. A gift to humanity, an inspiration to all.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:43 pm |
  26. Irma Williamson

    May God Bless and keep the jackson family
    peace & blessings

    July 7, 2009 at 11:38 pm |
  27. Larrisa

    Some people can be so IGNORANT! Like FRANKI LIND. When your worthless behind dies we will be sure to get on with the "real news". I hope your local news doesn't waste time on trivial matters such as your death or the death of your loved ones. Retard.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:38 pm |
  28. Brenda

    Michael was my childhood sweetheart, the most significant influence on my vocal development that I had and one of the world's greatest humanitarians. I mourn his passing and I celebrate his life. This globe has significantly evolved because of this one man's contributions. And I imagine that Michael wants all of us to do what we can do to also make this world a better place. He was our role model and what an amazing role model he was!!! I will use this opportunity of inspiration to stop playing small, because playing small doesn't serve anybody. Michael always played a big game. He delighted, moved, touched and inspired us all.

    Jackson Family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Paris, you are a very brave soul! Your father is so proud of you! Blessings to all of you.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:37 pm |
  29. David Greene

    With all due respect to Michael, I am a mourning fan. However, due to the cost of this memorial I don't think the taxpayers should be burdened with this issue. I think the city should send a bill, when all is said and done, to the estate for whatever the cost ends up being. Yes, the estate has debt, but this estate stands to grow enormously. As Elvis is worth more now, so will be Michael. God Bless you Michael. You were our "Thriller!".

    July 7, 2009 at 11:35 pm |
  30. Tracy

    Michael Jackson...he had such a beautiful soul which flowed into everything he did. People wonder how he got to be where he was in our society, it was because of the fact that everything he did came from his heart and his beautiful soul, he put everything he was, is and ever will be into it and then gave it to us. This is a man that will never be forgotten, he certainly did change the world in so many ways, different ways to different people. There will never be another like him. My heart goes out to his family, especially his children, God bless them. Thank you Michael Jackson, for everything and may the angels hold you and bring you home. We will love you for eternity, rest in peace.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:34 pm |
  31. ald1968

    Dear Mr. Cooper, i very much appreciated your coverage of the Memorial Service for Michael Jackson. I have always loved Michael Jackson's music, his record"Off the Wall" was my first record. His older stuff( "Off the Wall, "Free Willy Soundtrack" and "Thriller") were the same. I truly appreciated the comments by Berry Gordy, Rev Al Sharpton, and Rep Lee, as MJ was not strange, he just was not understood. I could not agree with Marlon and more, maybe people will leave MJ alone. I never thought MJ did anything he was a shy guy who was a kid at heart with some religious beliefs different than others. Paris is a cute girl and definitely a daddy's girl.

    God Bless the Jackson family.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:32 pm |
  32. Robin

    In the mist of this tradedy, Michael teaches us that we do not know the day or hour but our day will come as well. Therefore we must love and respect each other on a daily basis. Thank you being the best.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:31 pm |
  33. Kim

    We the staple center sell the memorial program? This will help the city with the cost.

    Thanks

    July 7, 2009 at 11:30 pm |
  34. Suzanne from Windsor, Canada

    Kudos to you Anderson, to put the negative stuff away. Isn't it sad he had to die to show the world what a giving soul he was. Thankyou for having educated professionals on your show that together had only good to say about him. Now even the nay sayers are quieted..

    July 7, 2009 at 11:04 pm |
  35. Tony

    I wouldn't have gone as far as Mr. Gordy today in promoting MJ to the dubious position of best entertainer. Jackson, loses out to so many who came before him, who had so much more class than he ever had (Astaire, Fitzgerald, et al).

    July 7, 2009 at 11:03 pm |
  36. Aliyah

    To the family., im sorry you have to deal with all this nonsense.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:03 pm |
  37. May

    Michael – I love you like my brother. I will miss you like my friend, i will remember you as a legend. God bless you and trust that he will protect your children.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:03 pm |
  38. lizzie

    What a lovely tribute for Michael Jackson. When the Jackson 5
    sang for the first time, I lived in Detroit, and enjoyed their music.
    and to see Michael went to higher heights. How we will miss
    you Michael and your giving to others. May you rest in peace
    and I hope we all find peace that Michael Jackson worked
    hard for starting with his 3 children. lizzie

    July 7, 2009 at 11:02 pm |
  39. monica

    Michael Jackson was loved by many and adored by many more. He will live on simply because of that…love. Love never dies. We may cry tears of sorrow now but those tears will be replaced with tears of joy when we meet again.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:02 pm |
  40. Aliyah

    Michael Jackson deserves to rest in peace and for news reporters asking ridiculous questions like " how much is the coffin" WHO CARES ! the poor man is dead and all you care about is why his skin is white. i watch your series man in the mirror.. may i say that it was HORRIBLE , the poor man passed and all you talk about are the "negative" things how do you know it is true ? honestly you get random sources , instead of having the "negative" things we should be honouring his life. Im only thirteen..and i can't believe the way you treat people , Michael's Legacy will forever live on. Rest In Peace Michael Jackson.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:01 pm |
  41. Marcela

    It was a pity Michael leaves us so young, but anyway we can still enjoy have the talent he shared with us along his life and left here, I will never forget him I love his songs, and videos his dance, all. I would likw to get the memorial booklet, do you know if possible and how? I live in Buenos Aires. God gives his family the strenght to carry on.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:01 pm |
  42. Mark S. Allen

    Is there some legal reason as to why the major media does not openly mention the original beginning of Michael Jacksons legacy.? EVerybody seems to start with Motown, but Motown originally denied signing Jackson's so it was a big deal when Gary Indiana Record company Steeltown produced Michael and The Jackson's first hit single called "Big Boy," with the help of Chicago radio station WVON. It was the success of that song that convinced Motown to finally audition and sign The Jackson Five.

    So if we are going to properly document Michael's legacy, then I think that you and others should properly recognize Michaels first manager named Gordon Keith and his record company in Gary called Steeltown and that first hit song, "Big Boy," got the final attention of Motown, THEN the rest of his history followed.

    I think Don Lemon did small piece on this and had the audio of the song. The world deserves to know the true foundation of Michaels legacy which is more than just being born in Gary, but his first hit reord was also made and produced in Gary.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:00 pm |
  43. genevieve columbus mcintyre

    king micheal you are alredy in the arms of god we all will miss you so much. to your kids please keep your heads to the sky, and your hearths open and full of love, for youre family . you need them but they need you more like god needed your dad.r.i.p mike and keep dancing and singing with the angles.

    July 7, 2009 at 11:00 pm |
  44. Terry Simeone

    What a wonderful tribute to Michael. All my thoughts and love go to his family and to his beatiful children . He will be in our hearts forever. Michael is now an angel , looking down on his children, he will always be guiding them and protecting them. We will miss you Michael.

    July 7, 2009 at 10:57 pm |
  45. Chrystal

    I enjoyed seeing clips of the service today. It was really nice. Micheal was in my life from a very young age. I saw him at the Spectrum in Philly I know my mother must have loved us. Spending money on tickets for 4 kids and a cousin. Thanks mom.... I know he had a hard personal life but to see see his daughter today made it even harder to realize he is gone and won't see his kids grow up. I know the Jackson family will do there best to take care of the kids.
    May peace and blessing be with the family,

    Michael.. Enjoy yourself now, you have all the time to dance on the stars and clouds.

    July 7, 2009 at 10:55 pm |
  46. Dave Clarke

    i'am a big country music fan but i even liked his music. music is music love your fans and they will love you back

    July 7, 2009 at 10:55 pm |
  47. Thelma Allen

    The memorial services for Michael Jackson could not have been better everyone was so respectful of his life. The whole service brought tears to my eyes, rest in peace Michael. God bless and keep his family safe and remember no one can hurt him now.

    July 7, 2009 at 10:53 pm |
  48. Reinhold Puetz

    The Best always Rest in Peace. Will miss You but not Your Music.

    It was the Justic what did Him to too all this ....proven innocent till fund guilty..He never was fund guilty..So leaf Him rest in Peace....

    July 7, 2009 at 10:53 pm |
  49. Sandra

    I used to plaster my walls with all of the Jackson Five pictures. We were born in the same year and he is more human than anyone can imagine. He will be missed. This world was his land and all the people in it loved him. For what is is worth Anderson, can you find a way to get the "Land" added back on the end of Hollywood? Charlie Chaplin and Micheal would love to see that again:)

    July 7, 2009 at 10:52 pm |
  50. Cheryl

    MJ will never be forgotten. I pray God will give strenghth to his children and family they are in my prayers..... He is at peace at last...

    July 7, 2009 at 10:51 pm |
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