Signing an MJ poster outside Staples Center

rondapenrice - July 8, 2009 at 12:25 AM

Like about a billion people around the world, I was glued to the Michael Jackson Memorial. As with everything musical, Atlanta was not without a presence. During the pre-show, Roland Martin recounted how Marlon Jackson, a one-time co-owner of the now-defunct Major Broadcasting Company turned Black Family Channel who still lives in Atlanta where the network was based, learned of his brother's death through television. Not believing it, he called Michael's manager and confirmed the worst. His very emotional comments at the ceremony’s end tugged at your heart. Former Atlantan John Mayer picked “Human Nature” to perfection on his guitar. Bravo. Usher really brought home the moment when he sang "Gone Too Soon" and touched Michael Jackson's golden casket. If you were still in denial before then, Usher made it clear that this great talent was truly no longer with us in the physical form. Fortunately his music lives on for us all to enjoy.