“I want his children to know there was nothing strange about your daddy, it was strange what your daddy had to deal with, but he dealt with it.”

Rev Al Sharpton – family friend

“I’m lost for words, I was his voice, his backbone. I had his back, so does the family. We thank you very much,”

Jermaine Jackson – brother

Then Marlon Jackson spoke:

“I hurt. I stand here trying to find words of comfort and solace… trying to understand why the lord has taken our brother to return home from such a short visit here on earth. When you left us, a part of me went with you and a part of you will live forever within me, but also… within all of us.

Michael, I will treasure the good times, the fun we had, singing, dancing, laughing. I can remember we would come home from school and grab a bite to eat and we would try to watch ‘The Three Stooges’, and mother would come in and say it was time to go to the recording studio.”

Marlon also said:

“I also remember a time Michael, when I went into the record store and there was this man purchasing a lot of CDs. He was an old gentleman, short afro, buck-crooked teeth and his clothes were rumpled. I walked up behind him and said ‘Michael, what are you doing in this store?’ and he turned to me and said ‘Marlon, how did you know it was me?’ I told him ’You’re my brother, regardless of your makeup. I know your walk, I know your body language, and the shoes did not help. Michael wore the same shoes wherever we went but I guess that was his way of trying to experience what we take for granted.

We would never ever understand what he endured. Not being able to walk across the street without a crowd gathering around him. Being judged, ridiculed, how much pain can one take? Maybe now Michael they will leave you alone.

Michael I love you, I will miss when we said our goodbyes. I would hug you and say I love you and your response was ‘I love you more’.

You have finished your work here on earth and the lord has called you to come home to him… I have one request Michael, I would like for you to give our brother, my twin brother, Brandon, a hug from me. I love you Michael and I’ll miss you.”

Marlon Jackson – brother

The family’s speech was completed by Michael’s daughter Paris:

Michael Jackson's siblings, from left, Tito Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson, Janet Jackson, LaToya Jackson and children Paris and Prince Michael Jackson stand on the stage at the memorial.

How can an African American media icon like Oprah ignore what has been the largest media event in history? Is it because she thinks Michael is guilty of some of the accusations made of him? Is it because she is embarrassed about snubbing him in the recent years? I guess only she knows and whether she bothers to explain her lack of response or not will yet to be seen.

It is not as if Oprah has not been interested in Michael Jackson before. Many will remember the 90 minute Primetime interview from February 10, 1993, with Oprah Winfrey at the Neverland Ranch.

If you go to the the Oprah website today you will see that a lot of the top searches are about Michael Jackson.

Oprah.com top searches 07 July 2009

Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jackson

Smile – lyrics

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, youll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

“Gone Too Soon” Lyrics

Like A Comet
Blazing ‘Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon

“I just wanted to say, ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine! I just wanted to say I love him so much.”

Paris Michael Katherine Jackson – Michael Jackson’s daughter

Paris Michael Katherine Jackson addresses the crowd at the Michael Jackson public memorial July 7 2009

“I’m here representing millions of fans around the world who grew up listening to Michael, being inspired and loving Michael from a distance. … Somehow when Michael Jackson sang and when he danced we never felt distant. Michael was the biggest star on Earth. … we felt he was right there. … He made you believe in yourself.”

Queen Latifah – signer, actress

“Whenever we were out together and a picture was taken there would be a caption of some kind, and the caption usually said something like, ‘an odd couple’ or ‘an unlikely pair.’ But but to us it was the most natural and easiest of friendships.

“I was 13 when we met and from that day on our friendship grew. Michael always knew he could count on me to support him or be his date, and that we would have fun no matter where we were. We had a bond.”

“Michael always knew he could count on me to support him or be his date. … We had a bond and maybe it was because we both understood what it was like to be in the spotlight from a very, very young age. I used to tease him and say, `I started when I was 11 months old. You’re a slacker. You were like 5?’ Both of us needed to be adults very early, but when we were together, we were two little kids having fun. … M.J.’s laugh was the sweetest and purest of anyone I’ve known.”

Brooke Shields – actress and former girlfriend

Michael Jackson & Brooke Shields

“When he did his iconic moonwalk, I was shocked. It was magic. Michael Jackson went into orbit and never came down. Though it ended way too soon, Michael’s life was beautiful. Sure there was some sad times and maybe some questionable decisions on his part, but Michael Jackson accomplished everything he dreamed of.

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.”

Berry Gordy - founder of Motown

Berry Gordy, Michael Jackson and Suzanne de Passe

“I never thought I’d be here today. This is my little brother over there (in the casket) and you just don’t think that you’re going to … live to see him gone. But he will never really be gone. He is going to live forever and ever and ever and ever.

The world will never, ever forget Michael Jackson. I love you my brother. I celebrate your life. I’m proud I had the chance to know you.”

Smokey Robinson – singer