I don’t know how many historic events will take place during my lifetime.
But, I feel so honored to have been a part of the Michael Jackson Memorial.
Although MJ’s personal life has been controversial, it is just that, his personal life.
I didn’t know Michael personally. Therefore, I have no right to judge him or make accusations or assumptions based on…???
I realize there is a lot we don’t know about Michael Jackson the person.
But, I do know Michael’s music.
I know every time I hear PYT or Wanna Be Starting Something, I have to get up and move.
I know when I was a little girl I ran home from school to see the Thriller video debut on MTV only to cover my eyes during most of it, because I didn’t want to be the only one at school the next day that hadn’t “seen” it.
I know many years later, when Morris was 3 he was so infatuated with the same Thriller video he would watch it up to 10 times a day as if it were his first time viewing it.
I know when Morris was 4, he had his entire preschool class saying, “FUCK IT” because he misinterpreted the lyrics to Beat It…
“No, mommy. They say show them how fuck it, strong is your fight, it doesn’t matter who’s wrong or right so beat it…”
I know Human Nature and Rock With You are two of the sexiest songs ever recorded.
I know Remember The Time is one of the best music videos ever made.
I know that songs like You Are Not Alone, Man In The Mirror, and Black Or White will be enjoyed (and probably remixed) many years from now.
And I know that the music of Michael Jackson transcended race, religion, gender, and generation.
This is the person I went to the Memorial to honor. A great musician and entertainer who has given us many memories. I went away from the Memorial having learned that he was also a human being with a heavy heart, shy side, and a father, son, brother and friend to many.
Being a part of the Memorial service was an experience I will always treasure and remember. I was only feet away from the greatest entertainer of my lifetime. It was an honor to celebrate his greatness with his family and close friends.
Many people have asked what it felt like to be there, inside the Memorial. I had no idea what to expect and was shocked by the amount of unspoken respect and admiration there was for Michael. You could see it in the way people dressed: folks were either dressed so “clean” as if they were attending their own grandmother’s funeral, or their attire was emotionally connected to Michael- a MJ tshirt, a single glove, shades of black, red, and white. You could hear the respect in what was NOT said. Fans weren’t screaming relentlessly during the ceremony as I had expected. There were even prolonged periods of silence where upon a crowd of thousands, time seemed to halt. There was no noise, only reflection and respect.
The mother in me was deeply moved by 3 particular parts:
1. Brooke Shield’s speech-It was so genuine and personal. It gave me insight into the human that MJ was from someone that was very close to him. Knowing that she is a mom, I thought she could relate to how the Jacksons felt to lose their son. And her words seemed very comforting and uplifting.
2. Usher’s performance- You could feel his raw emotion in the room. You could hear it in his voice when he sang and see it in his eyes when he removed his sunglasses. His body language even told his story of great sorrow and respect. Even though there were thousands of people there, it was like he was having a private moment with MJ. And as a father of 2 sons, I’m sure knowing the Jacksons lost a son, father, and brother resonnated with him.
3. The speech from Michael’s daughter- It was heart wrenching to watch and imagine a child growing up without a parent. Having only seen a few public encounters of Michael with his children, her devotion and professed affection to her father is a testament of his good parenting and positive impact on them as a father.
Obviously, MJ made a great impression on his family and close friends. We as fans never knew him on that level, and that’s ok. It wasn’t his job or responsibility to that. His job was an entertainer. A performer. And he excelled very well at it. It reminded me that we know Michael, The World’s Greatest Entertainer, and that’s how I want to remember him.
I will not judge someone I don’t know. I can only continue to enjoy what he chose to share with me, and that’s his music.
The King of Pop will reign forever on dance floors, ipods, and airwaves. At least in my house.
What an amazing experience for you have. Thanks for sharing.
Some of the criticisms about mj have been very malicious. I always ask myself if these people really knew him. It’s so unfair to make those kind of judgements. He seems like he was a very complex person and im just glad he shared a piece of his musical talent with us. i was also moved by his daughter’s words and really enjoyed the Stevie Wonder performance as well as his brother’s song. the whole program was very touching. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I am laughing so hard picturing a room full of preschoolers saying Fuck it! I’m sure they didn’t know what they were saying, but it’s still pretty funny.
I’ll admit, when i first saw Usher Raymond’s performance, I thought it was an act. Then I watched it again and it was really touching. You never can judge another person’s human connection. I also enjoyed Congresswoman from Houston’s tribute. MJ’s effect is so worldly in more ways then we will ever understand.
All the performances were extremely heartfelt. I enjoyed them all and it was interesting to see some of the best performers show so much emotion. We’re all human.
well written/said Nora! What an experience for you. Thanks for sharing. xo.
What beautiful words about a true American legend. I too, remember racing home to see the Thriller video, and every michael Jackson video. He truly changed our music and opened so many doors for others.
It was definitely a very memorable experience and I’m glad I could be part of it too. You described it just as I expereinced it.
I watched the Memorial Service on T.V. and kept watching for Mona and Nora among the audience. I felt inspired by the sincerity, respect, dignity, and love that family members and fans have for MJ. MJ left a great legacy for the world to keep on and “Smile” no matter what obstacles that we may encounter during our journey. He was definitely one of the greatest humanitarian and artist ..
Thanks Nora for the inspirational writing.
human nature is one of my all time favorite songs. I was somewhat disappointed with the performance of it at the Memorial.
That’s one of my favorite MJ songs too. I thought it was a little weird they only did it with a guitar solo. And John Mayer said he never met MJ, so I was sort of wondering why he was performing. He was the only one I wasn’t crazy about.
here! here! well said, nora! i’ve been listening to mj since the memorial…human nature gets me every time!! heal the world, gone too soon, you are not alone, will you be there…ohh! so, so good!