Michael Jackson fans gathered at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, July 7, 2009 as Jackson took the final curtain call of his glittering career in a star-studded farewell that culminated with a heartbreaking tribute from the tragic King of Pop’s daughter.

Some 18,000 fans, family members and friends took part in a public memorial for Jackson in the Los Angeles sports arena where the singer had rehearsed the day before his death for a highly anticipated series of comeback concerts.

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy who signed The Jackson 5 to a recording contract in 1968 said “The more I think about Michael, and talk about Michael, the more I think that ‘King of Pop’ is not good enough, I think he is simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived.” after that statement, the crowd gave standing ovation obviously in the same mind as Gordy.

Actress Brooke Shields spoke and shared her fun memories with the King of Pop since she met him at age 13. Though her voice was cracking she managed to deliver and let the people know the humorous side of Michael. Tributes to Jackson from friends and associates were punctuated by performances from Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and Jennifer Hudson among others as Jackson’s family looked on approvingly.

Jermaine Jackson emotionally sang “Smile” Michael’s Favorite song.

NBA Superstar Koby Bryant was present also and spoke in the ceremony along with former NBA star Magic Johnson who shared his story of amazement when he found out that the King of Pop loves Kentucky Fried Chicken.

On the later part of the ceremony Michael’s daughter Paris, in tears, took the microphone to say: “Ever since I was born my daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine and I just wanted to say I love him, so much.”

The two-hour memorial focused on Jackson’s musical achievements, overshadowed in the last 10 years by the darker side of the singer’s life, including his humiliating 2005 trial and acquittal on charges of child sex abuse. It focused on Jackson’s 45-year musical career in which he was awarded 13 Grammys, his charity work for childrens’ groups and his role in opening the mainstream pop and celebrity world to African-Americans.

The public memorial was broadcast live on U.S. national TV networks and Internet company Akamai, which handles 20 percent of the world’s Web traffic, said it was the most widely viewed event on the Web since the inauguration of Obama in January.

Jackson’s family and close friends held a brief private ceremony earlier Tuesday at a Los Angeles cemetery before the memorial and were reported afterwards to have gathered at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

But the destination of the singer’s body remained unknown with speculation that he could yet be laid to rest at his beloved ranch, Neverland, in central California.

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama, on a visit to Russia, said he was “one of the greatest entertainers of our generation, perhaps any generation,” and added: “I think like Elvis, like Sinatra, like The Beatles, he became a core part of our culture.

Michael Jackson’s brothers (L-R) Randy Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, and Jackie Jackson carry his casket at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The exact location of Jackson’s final resting place remained shrouded in mystery, with the family declining to comment.

“Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly.” added the family.

Access Hollywood says there might be a public memorial to be held for Jackson in Los Angeles on Monday. Details are currently being worked out, their source said.

E! Online has claimed that the pop star is expected be buried at Forest Lawn cemetery in Burbank, which is coincidentally the final resting place of Ed McMahon, who died just days before Michael. However the spokesperson of Forest Lawn would not comment on the news.

Private and Public services will be held in honor of the King of Pop. A public memorial will be held at Neverland Ranch on Friday, July 3.

Then on Sunday a private funeral will be held at Jackson’s famed estate in Santa Barbara for the family. It has not been announced where Michael’s body will eventually be buried.

Earlier today, fans gathered at the Apollo Theater in NYC to pay tribute to Michael — a place where he performed as a child.

Fans and supporters of Michael Jackson gathered Satruday at the Hollywood Walk of Fame and left flowers, pictures and messages for the King of Pop who apparently died with Cardiac Arrest at 50.

Stars also expresses their sympathy and grief over the loss of such a gigantic and phenomenal music artist.

“It’s so sad and shocking,I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones.” – Sir Paul McCartney

“I send my deepest sympathy to his mother and the whole family and to his countless fans all around the world.” “My heart … my mind are broken. I loved Michael with all my soul and I can’t imagine life without him,” Elizabeth Taylor, 77

Taylor further added that Jackson “will live in my heart forever, but it’s not enough. My life feels so empty.”

“I don’t think anyone knew how much we loved each other. The purest, most giving love I’ve ever known. Oh God! I’m going to miss him. I can’t yet imagine life with out him.

“I guess with God’s help … I’ll learn. I keep looking at the photo he gave me of himself, which says, ‘To my true love Elizabeth, I love you forever.’ And, I will love HIM forever. “

As the authority and the Jackson family searched for answers to this sudden loss, the question as to who might have been responsible for his death is being investigated. Dr. Conrad Murray the personal physician to Michael Jackson is being questioned. Though it is made clear by Murray’s lawyer, Matt Alford, that Murray is NOT considered by cops to be a suspect, and at this point it is not a criminal investigation.

This is what LAPD statement after they interviewed Dr. Conrad Murray.

“Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician who was with Michael Jackson at the time of his collapse, voluntarily contacted the Los Angeles Police Department. Detectives assigned to Robbery-Homicide Division met with Dr. Murray and conducted an extensive interview. Dr. Murray was cooperative and provided information which will aid the investigation.”

TMZ first reported on Thursday afternoon that the star was picked up at around 12:21 PM PST by paramedics, who then administered CPR in the ambulance. The site further reported that Michael had suffered from cardiac arrest.

LA City Fire Department received a 911 call to Michael’s Holmby Hills neighborhood on Thursday afternoon.

The Los Angeles Times reported that according to Capt. Steve Ruda with the Los Angeles Fire Department, Jackson was not breathing when they arrived. Ruda confirmed the report that CPR was administered.

According to several outlets, including the LA Times, TMZ and KABC, Michael had been taken to UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, Calif., where he arrived in what the LA Times called a “deep coma.”

The star had been scheduled to headline 50 sold-out shows at London’s O2 Arena beginning in July, billed “This Is It” – his supposed final London performances.

Michael Jackson is truly a big loss to the music industry. His contribution will forever be remembered and he will be the one and only “King of Pop”. RIP Michael.

Source: accesshollywood.com