Dear Bloggery

The undisputed “King of Pop” who died last month at the age of 50, once said on his interviews that his own funeral would be the “greatest show on earth”. I bet he would not have been disappointed as music royalty turned out at a memorial service fit for a “King”.

Last July 7, 2009, family, loyal fans and friends gathered together to honor the ‘King of Pop’ at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. There were around 20,000 people attended at Michael Jackson’s tearful memorial service.

Family and friends gathered at the Jackson's house in Encino, California

More pictures after the jump:

'In Loving Memory: Michael Jackson King of Pop 1958-2009

Michael Jackson's brothers and friends carrying his casket

Michael Jackson's casket

Words from Michael Jackson’s family and friends

Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, his 11-year-old daughter: “Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine and I just wanted to say I love him so much.”

Marlon Jackson: “We will never, never, understand what he endured. Not being able to walk across the street without a crowd gathered around, being judged, being ridiculed, how much pain can one take?”

Queen Latifah: “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 felt he was right there … He made you believe in yourself.”

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy: “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.”

“He is quite simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived.”

Stevie Wonder: “This is a moment that I wish that I didn’t live to see come. But as much as I can say that and mean it, I do know that God is good and I do know that as much as we may feel – and we do – that we need Michael here with us, God must have needed him far more.”

Brooke Shields, recalling a moment she shared with Jackson at Elizabeth Taylor’s 1991 wedding: “We snuck in and took pictures of ourselves next to her dress. We always seemed to revert to being little kids.”

“He was often referred to as the King but the Michael that I knew was always the little prince.”

Smokey Robinson, reading a note from long-time Jackson friend Diana Ross: “Michael was a personal love of mine. A treasured part of my world … ”

Mariah Carey, after singing I’ll Be There: “We miss you, Michael.”

President Barack Obama, asked about the outpouring of emotion related to Jackson’s death during an interview in Moscow: “There are certain people in our popular culture that just capture people’s imaginations. And in death, they become even larger. Now, I have to admit that it’s also fed by a 24/7 media that is insatiable.”

The Rev Jesse Jackson, on how the Jackson family is coping: “They’re holding up well in part because they’re a strong family … a big family, religiously devout family. Therefore, they have a sense of insulation of their faith.”

Nelson Mandela, in a message read out by Smokey Robinson: “Michael was a giant and a legend in the music industry and we mourn with the millions of fans worldwide.”

Pastor Lucious Smith: “To millions around the world, Michael Jackson was an idol, a hero, even a king. But first and foremost this man before us today was a brother, a son, a father and a friend.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee: “We are the world and we are better because Michael Joseph Jackson lived. On behalf of myself and the people who are here, Michael Jackson, I salute you.”

Photo Credits: Ready2Beat