--- title: Goodbye to the King of Pop description: Goodbye to the King of Pop --- [1-858-228-3771](tel:1-858-228-3771) [![SpeakInc](https://blog.speakinc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/speakinc-logo.png?width=197&height=48&name=speakinc-logo.png "SpeakInc")](http://speakinc.com/) - [Speakers](http://speakinc.com/speaker) - [Individual Speakers](http://speakinc.com/speaker) - [Speaker News](http://speakinc.com/speaker-news/) - [About](http://speakinc.com/about) - [Our Team](http://speakinc.com/our-team) - [Careers](http://speakinc.com/about/careers) - [Blog](https://blog.speakinc.com/our-blog) - [FAQ](http://speakinc.com/faq) - [Contact Us](http://speakinc.com/contact-us) - [Request Consultation](http://speakinc.com/contact/request-consultation) - [Become a SpeakInc Speaker](http://speakinc.com/contact-us/become-a-speakinc-speaker/) # SpeakInc Blog # Goodbye to the King of Pop by [Chris](https://blog.speakinc.com/author/chris) | July 8, 2009 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) The farewell to Michael Jackson started yesterday with a private service at Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills.  It was followed by a memorial program in Los Angeles with celebrities, family and friends in attendance. Here is a recap of the event: Smokey Robinson (reading letter from Diana Ross) Andrae Crouch Choir, “We Are Going to See the King” Pastor Lucious Smith Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz, “I'll Be There” Queen Latifah (reading a poem from Maya Angelou, "We Had Him") Lionel Richie, “Jesus Is Love” Berry Gordy, founder, Motown Records Stevie Wonder, “Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer” Kobe Bryant and Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jennifer Hudson, “Will You Be There” Rev. Al Sharpton John Mayer, “Human Nature” Brooke Shields (recalling how they “laughed”) Jermaine Jackson, “Smile” Bernice King and Martin Luther King III Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
Usher, “Gone Too Soon” Smokey Robinson Shaheen Jafargholi (Britain's Got Talent), “Who's Lovin' You Now” Kenny Ortega (director of Jackson's London concerts) Jackson's concert singers, “We Are the World” and “Heal the World” Jermaine Jackson Marlon Jackson Paris Michael Katherine Jackson Goodbye Michael, you will be missed ... but your music will live on forever! Topics: [Blog](https://blog.speakinc.com/topic/blog) ### Written by [Chris](https://blog.speakinc.com/author/chris) [![Need more information? Let our experts take the guesswork out of planning this key element of your next meeting and find the right keynote speaker for your event.  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/421388/interactive-209241923181.png)](https://blog.speakinc.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLSzvwQADo2CP4sJdv1WXy0p8Q3X4ztWD%2BeZ1PVVYgwUe5yQ1kF6KX1OdY4xAUu%2FtDmHVhh1zeG817nl4pK3jB8DrlxeSgCNmcGz4AUDP2GXPmrry5Opqcj80rcZ8SsVqQT42m3Coq1T6L0QROETQo%2FMFkXmK6Qtd1jIBU23dDWsdoTmLN%2BEagVXCrYaPlkgCd7zeoqflm4&webInteractiveContentId=209241923181&portalId=421388) Name/Category Search ### **Don't Miss Out!** Get monthly email notifications of our latest articles that include: - Keynote Speaker Highlights - Conference & Event Planning Tips - Free Resources - Industry News [1-858-228-3771](tel:1-858-228-3771) **SpeakInc.** 10680 Treena Street, Suite 230 San Diego, CA 92131 - [Home](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/) - [Privacy Policy](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/privacy-policy/) - [Terms & Conditions](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/terms-conditions/) - [Live Chat](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/creating-complete-well-done-conference-website/#live-chat) - - - - ### Sign Up for Industry News Disclaimer: Speak Inc. Speakers Bureau is not responsible for errors, omissions or outdated information on this website. The material presented on this site is provided by the speakers who are accountable for any copyright information including licensing fees if required. Speak Inc. Speakers Bureau has permission to post the biographies, topics, photos and videos with the understanding from the speakers that the information presented is legally owned by them. © 2026 SpeakInc. All rights reserved.