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Remembering Michael Jackson; Obama Meets German Chancellor Merkel; Clunkers, Closings and College; GM Plan for Subcompact to Save 1,200 Jobs; Reconciling Jackson's Pop Success, Personal Life

Aired June 26, 2009 - 10:59   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning, everyone. It is Friday, June 26th, and here are the top stories in the CNN NEWSROOM.

The world watched him morph from precocious to preeminent to -- well, the pictures speak for themselves. The formal investigation into the sudden death of American icon Michael Jackson begins today. The autopsy to begin in minutes.

We will hear live from President Obama this hour. He is meeting now with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Ominous signs of what happens next in Iran. A leading cleric urges protesters face a strong and cruel punishment, one he says that shows no mercy.

Good morning, everyone. I'm Tony Harris. And you are in the CNN NEWSROOM.

He sold three-quarters of a billion albums, earned 13 Grammy Awards, made a solitary glove a fashion statement, and shaped a generation of American music.

We will devote much of this hour to the sudden death of Michael Jackson at age 50. Here is the latest information we have for you.

The Los Angeles coroner, Los Angeles County coroner, plans an autopsy today. We learned just moments ago, it is set to begin in minutes to determine exactly what caused Jackson's heart to stop.

A former Jackson attorney tells CNN he had warned the family the singer may have been abusing prescription drugs. Jackson spent the night before his death at the Staples Center rehearsing for his upcoming London concerts.

Jermaine Jackson announced his brother's death.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JERMAINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON'S BROTHER: Upon arriving at the hospital at approximately 1:14 p.m., a team of doctors, including emergency physicians and cardiologists, attempted to resuscitate him for a period of more than one hour, and they were unsuccessful.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Let's begin our coverage now with CNN's Don Lemon at the coroner's office in Los Angeles.

And Don, we just heard moments ago that the autopsy is set to begin any minute now.

DON LEMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It is. And I was just questioning -- if you can just pull out here -- I was just questioning the chief back here of some questions after he came out and addressed the media. He is there talking to some of the members of the media, about to go back across the street, Tony, to perform that autopsy, but moments ago, I will tell you what he said.

He said that the autopsy has not started yet, but it should get underway soon. Performing that autopsy, he said, will be the chief medical examiner here for L.A. County, also the assistant pathologist, and then a member of law enforcement may have a presence. He's not sure of that.

He said it should take several hours before they know anything. And maybe six to eight weeks before they get complete toxicology reports back.

Now, I asked him about some of the reports that are out in the media, some of the things that are being reported on the wires. Michael Jackson may have a problem with prescription drugs. We have heard that from people who said that they were close to the family and had warned Michael Jackson and the family about that. The chief said he couldn't speak about that.

Also, there was a report, and I asked him about it. There have been reports that Michael Jackson had possibly gotten a shot, maybe a Demerol shot, shortly before his death. The chief said he had only heard that through the media. Again, that is unconfirmed.

But what we do know, Tony, is that Michael Jackson suffered some sort of cardiac arrest yesterday in his home. According to his brother, the night before, he hadn't been feeling well, so he called the doctor to come see him.

The doctor came to see him yesterday morning, which was Thursday morning. When he got there, Michael Jackson was having problems.

He tried to resuscitate, and they tried for 40 minutes at the home. And then they called 911 and took him to UCLA Medical Center.

Now, just moments ago, the assistant chief here for the coroner's office came to brief the media, and I want to play to you what he said about what they are doing and how long this could take.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LT. ED WINTER, ASST. CHIEF CORONER: Yes, we'll be performing toxicology tests and an extensive exam, and it could take up to six to eight weeks before we have the final results.

(END VIDEO CLIP) LEMON: Six to eight weeks, again, as he said, before they could have the final results. I asked him -- I said, "Well, preliminarily, have you had a chance to look over the body before the official autopsy starts?" And he said, yes, they did.

They examined him at the hospital, they looked at him with the eyes of why they were called. They believed that it was cardiac arrest, so that's what they're looking at. So again, the full results won't come for a while, but they said within a couple of hours, they're going to come out and brief us and tell us preliminarily what they have found -- Tony.

HARRIS: And Don, just very quickly, I'm wondering -- I'm sure that the family is anxious to take custody of Michael Jackson's body. We know that an autopsy takes a few hours to complete.

Will the family get to take custody of Michael Jackson's body at some point today?

LEMON: That was one question here. They said -- the medical examiner, I believe, said he wasn't exactly sure when the family could get the body, because they have got to complete this first before they can answer that question. So first things first.

They want to get through this and make sure that they get the results that they are looking for, or that they need to determine the cause of death and what led to this, and then they will determine what happens with the body. And then the family can make arrangements.

And then, of course, Tony, another question. What happens to those three kids? Who gets those three kids? What are they doing now? And who will get custody of them?

HARRIS: Sure. One of many questions.

Don Lemon for us.

Don, appreciate it. Thank you.

I want to take you to Capitol Hill right now. On the House floor, a tribute to Michael Jackson being led by Diane Watson, Representative Watson of California.

Let's listen in briefly.

REP. DIANE WATSON (D), CALIFORNIA: ... House Resolution 587. Providing for consideration of the bill, HR24, to create clean energy jobs...

HARRIS: OK. We just missed the moment. There was a moment of silence for Michael Jackson from the House floor. We will show you that. We can turn that around and we'll show it to you in just a few minutes.

A former Jackson family attorney says the singer was surrounded by enablers. Brian Oxman told CNN he warned the family Michael Jackson was abusing prescription drugs.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIAN OXMAN, FORMER JACKSON FAMILY ATTORNEY: He had overmedication, and it was a serious problem. And the exact people who were doing this, I'm not going to point any fingers. All I know is that I had warned that this was a problem. And this is my worst fear. It is a nightmare.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Motown founder Berry Gordy called Michael Jackson's sudden death a bad dream.

CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta is looking into the timeline and possible causes.

And Sanjay, what are you learning?

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Tony, as is often the case with situations like this, there may be more questions than answers, even at the end of today.

What we do know and what we are hearing from UCLA and the paramedics who took care of him is that he was found in cardiac arrest, meaning that his heart really had no function. It either stopped beating or quivering in place, unable to pump blood throughout the body.

In situations like that, typically the thing that can help reverse something like that is defibrillation, actually putting some electrical charge on the chest and stimulating the heart with an electrical charge. Don't know if that was done. We don't know if CPR was performed right at the time that he collapsed, or if it took time for the paramedics to get there.

We do know several minutes elapsed between the time that he was found and the time he actually got to the hospital. So that time was very critical.

Also, as far as the autopsy goes, itself, unless there is something really obvious, some sort of structural abnormality of the heart, some sort of blockage of one of the blood vessels going to the heart, it's unlikely there is going to be an exact cause of death, at least today. Lots of other tests are going to be performed, including toxicology tests, where they look at the levels of all sorts of different substances in his blood and in his tissues, trying to piece it all together. But I can tell you as a certified medical examiner, even at the end of all that, to draw a definitive cause and effect relationship between something and the effect being death may be very, very hard to do.

Obviously, a lot of people focused on this, as we will be as well, Tony. When it comes to us we'll bring it to you.

Back to you. HARRIS: OK, Sanjay. Appreciate it. Thank you.

As word of Jackson's death spread, there was an outpouring of grief from fans gathered outside UCLA Medical Center.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The Twitters and the Facebooks just blew up with the news. And we're all devastated. You know, it's kind of like my generation's Elvis.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He is the reason that African-Americans are on MTV today. They refused to play black music until Michael Jackson, and we need to respect that.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I saw him live in concert in India when I was 12. I mean, that's how universal he is. I'm from 21,000 miles away, and I grew up on his music. And the song "Heal the World," you know. "Make it a better place." It just keeps ringing in my ears all the time.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: On the sidewalk where Jackson's star is on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it is piled, as you can imagine, with flowers and notes. Several people have gathered there.

That is where we find our Dan Simon.

Dan, good morning.

You have been talking with fans of Michael Jackson. What are they telling you?

DAN SIMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, I've been talking to a lot of fans. First of all, just let me sort of set the scene for you.

We have been seeing this makeshift memorial grow, and also the number of people here. It is just a crush of people between mourners and the media. Really no room to walk around whatsoever. These are some of the still photographers who have gathered here.

Tony, I want to introduce you to one of Michael Jackson's biggest fans behind me. This is Suzette Jones (ph), who, as you can see, is quite distraught by everything that's happened.

Suzette (ph), you're on live with CNN. And I just have to ask you, what's happening? What's going through your mind?

SUZETTE JONES (ph), MICHAEL JACKSON FAN: Well, I am just in disbelief. I really am in disbelief. I feel like it's a dream, that maybe if I pinch myself, I can wake up, because I have been a fan since the '70s.

I went to my first Jackson Five concert, and Michael Jackson, to me, he is bigger than life. He has been such an inspiration to others, fans and people, and just how he lived his life and who he was. I'm just really in disbelief.

As I said, I grew up with Michael since the '70s. I'm 45 years old. I'm a longtime fan from "I Want You Back," "ABC," all the way to now.

And I just can't believe it. And I have seen you all out here. So I'm told that it might be real, but I just don't want to believe that Michael Jackson, somebody who was such an electrifying performance and his energy -- and when you watch him perform, you just think of him, as my daughter said, just being magical, just being above life, beyond life. And I'm just upset.

And I'm really in disbelief. I think that sums it up. I just can't believe it. I can't believe it.

SIMON: Suzette (ph), thanks so much for joining us.

Obviously, Tony, a lot of upset people out here. And like we said, the makeshift memorial growing here with the candles and the flowers. And we're going to be out here all day long just sort of watching things unfold.

And so we'll go ahead and toss it back to you now.

HARRIS: All right, Dan. Appreciate it. Thank you. I know I sent you a question last hour. Maybe we'll get to some of those thoughts next hour.

Boy, tough to watch.

All right. Dan Simon for us.

You know, I put some personal thoughts about Michael Jackson on our CNN NEWSROOM blog. Take a look. Forgive typos, bad spelling. It was a long night and an early morning.

We want to invite you, as we always do, to join the conversation. We would like to hear some of your favorite memories of Michael Jackson. The address is CNN.com/newsroom.

The world has lost what is perhaps one of the most legendary and controversial entertainers of our time. One of the faces of the story, musician Steve Lukather. He was an instrumental part of the "Thriller" album, and he will join me in the NEWSROOM.

And throughout the next hour, we will look at Jackson's undeniable talent, his iconic status, and, of course, the troubles he faced.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Steve Lukather is a longtime professional musician who has played for a number of artists, including Michael Jackson. You can hear him playing guitar on Michael Jackson's highly successful "Thriller" album. Highly successful -- talk about understatements.

Steve joins us on the phone from Los Angeles to talk about the impact of Michael Jackson.

Steve, appreciate it. Thanks for your time.

STEVE LUKATHER, MUSICIAN: Hey, man. How's it going?

HARRIS: Hey, it's -- we're remembering Michael Jackson. It's a difficult day, but we're happy to be able to do this. And thanks for helping us remember him.

LUKATHER: Yes. I mean, you know, it's kind of a big shock to everybody. I mean, obviously, the phone has been off the hook. Everybody I know is calling each other going, wow, what's up?

And I played on the record. And it's a really terrible shame. And it was a great honor to work with Michael and Quincy on what is to be a legendary record.

HARRIS: Yes, absolutely. I mean, look, we're talking about you in the context of your work on "Thriller," but my goodness. You were part of that supergroup Toto.

LUKATHER: Yes. Well, we had a good run back in the day. You know?

HARRIS: Yes. "Toto IV," a monster LP. "Africa" -- what was the other big hit on "Toto IV?"

LUKATHER: "Rosanna." We had a few of them.

HARRIS: Yes. How did you come to meet Michael, and how is it that you and Steve Porcaro came to work on "Thriller"?

LUKATHER: Well, actually, I had worked on Quincy Jones's "The Dude" record, which was an album of the year. And then our record was album of the year, the next record, "Toto IV," and then "Thriller," Quincy asked us to come in.

Actually, Michael called me on the phone, and I didn't believe it was really him, so I gave him a bunch of grief because he woke me up in the morning. It was kind of funny, and then I found out it was really him.

Quincy's office called and said, "No, that was really Michael," because I kept hanging up on him. But, you know, ,he was really a nice guy to work with, a total pro. And like I said, it was a great honor to be a part of something so huge. You know?

HARRIS: Hey, Steve, what tracks did you play on?

LUKATHER: I played on "Beat It." I played all the rhythm guitar parts and the base. And Eddie did the solo. And Jeff Porcaro did the drums and Michael sang.

And then I played on "Human Nature," which Steve Porcaro wrote, played all the keyboards on. And I played guitar on that. And I did the duet with Paul McCartney as well. HARRIS: Yes, "The Girl is Mine."

LUKATHER: Yes.

HARRIS: Yes.

What do you remember about Michael working in those sessions?

LUKATHER: Just, you know, he was very specific, he was very focused on the work. He knew what he wanted. And if he liked something, you could tell right away. If he was iffy about it, he would let you know. But he was very pleasant.

There was always a ton of people around, so it was kind of daunting, really. But once we got into the work and people kind of disappeared, and it was just Quincy, Michael and myself, or whoever, if we were cutting a track, just the musicians itself, it was really great.

And it was a total -- you know, Quincy is always an ultimate class act. And Bruce Wadine (ph), the engineer. I mean, it was just people I felt very comfortable with because we worked together before.

HARRIS: So, Steve, apart from the tracks you worked on, on "Thriller," is there a signature Michael Jackson song for you?

LUKATHER: Oh, jeez. I mean, you know, that whole record is full of them.

HARRIS: Right.

LUKATHER: You know what I mean? And also, "Off the Wall" was a great record, too.

HARRIS: There you go.

LUKATHER: It was the album to be on if you were, like, a session guy at that time. You know what I mean?

And we were asked because I guess we liked what he did. So I never thought this day would come. I mean, he's my age. So, it's kind of weird. You get just kind of creeped out. You know, the harsh reality of life.

HARRIS: Tell me about it.

LUKATHER: I mean, I didn't really know the guy as a personal friend, per se, just as a working situation. He was very pleasant and a very nice guy.

HARRIS: Well, Steve, thanks for your time.

LUKATHER: Thank you very much. God bless the family. God bless them all, really.

HARRIS: Yes. Thanks for your reflections. Steve Lukather, boy, one of the mainstays of Toto, performed on "Beat It" and a couple of other tracks on the "Thriller" album.

We will have more on the passing of Michael Jackson.

But first, the latest on another major story making news right now, the crisis in Iran.

A leading Muslim cleric today is demanding judges punish the leaders of anti-government demonstrations, in his words, strongly and with cruelty. Iran continues to clamp down on demonstrations over the bitterly disputed June 12th presidential election.

President Obama holds his first talks at the White House with German chancellor Angela Merkel today. A news conference is scheduled at the bottom of this hour.

White House Correspondent Dan Lothian joining me from Washington.

And Dan, let's start with the topics likely to be discussed by these two leaders, I'm thinking, Iran and Afghanistan, clearly.

DAN LOTHIAN, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: That's right. Iran, obviously, the big issue that these two leaders will be discussing. And Angela Merkel, one of the first world leaders to really come out and condemn the disputed elections and to call for a recount.

Also, the German government has been quick to praise the Obama administration, when earlier in the week, Mr. Obama used stronger language in condemning the violence. But as you pointed out, not just Iran, but also Afghanistan, North Korea and the global economic crisis. Those are some of the issues that we can hear them discuss here at the White House today.

These two leaders have not always seen eye to eye, although both sides will sort of try to dampen down any kind of criticism that there is a rift between them. But one of the areas where we heard some criticism from Angela Merkel to the Obama administration was on the stimulus plan. She has not thought in the past that that was the way to fix the global economic crisis, feeling that throwing money at the problem was not the right solution.

So we'll hear them talk about that, and certainly Afghanistan, as well, where Germany has been supportive of the U.S. effort there ramping up in Afghanistan, but not, at this point, willing to send any additional troops there, Tony. So, a lot on the plate.

And, by the way, this is not the first time they have gotten together. They met first at NATO in France, and then, of course, earlier this month in Dresden, Germany, where they did hold a press conference, and also toured the Buchenwald concentration camp.

HARRIS: All right. Dan Lothian for us.

Dan, appreciate it. Thank you.

Michael Jackson's stardom had no borders, his fame was global. The outpouring across the world for an international superstar.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Let's see here. We've got clunkers, closings and college on the menu here.

CNN personal finance editor Gerri Willis is here to answer your questions and to give us her top tips on all three.

Gerri, good Friday to you. Are you ready to dive into the e-mail bag here?

GERRI WILLIS, CNN PERSONAL FINANCE EDITOR: Let's do it, Tony.

HARRIS: All right. This first question comes from Manuel, who writes, "I've heard one of the requirements for the Cash for Clunkers program is that the trade-in vehicle must be no older than 25 years old. Is this true? And if so, why, since the older the car, the more solution it would make? I would really appreciate an official list of all requirements."

WILLIS: All right. Well, Manuel, this program now called the Car Allowance Rebate System was signed into law yesterday. And it's true that the trade-in car must be newer than 1984. Experts say this rule was put into place because the government wanted to make sure the cars coming in were actually cars people were driving.

As far as the other requirements, to get a voucher worth $3,500, the new car must get at least four more miles per gallon than the trade-in. And if you want that full $4,500 voucher, the car you are buying should get at least 10 miles more per gallon.

Your trade-in car must also be insured, and you have to use the darn thing. You just can't pick up some unused vehicle off the street somewhere and try to trade it in.

For more info, go to Edmunds.com.

HARRIS: All right. Our next question, Gerri, comes from Rebecca.

She writes, "I'll be closing on my house next week. I just want to be prepared for what to look for when signing the documents. Are there some tips you have or suggestions as to what to really look for when signing on the closing date?"

WILLIS: Well, first of all, congratulations. But you know, you have to be prepared for a long day. Your hand might cramp you. Here are some things. You sign so many papers, but here are some things to watch out for.

First of all, find that HUD 1 settlement statement. This is a final list of closing costs, and your lender should give that to you days before you sign. Compare that document to your good faith estimate that your lender gave you when you applied for the loan. Lenders may add in additional fees. If these fees were not on the good faith estimate, that they show up on the HUD 1, which is what you're going to see at the closing table, it's time to start complaining.

If you find new fees, you want to negotiate them out. You may be hit up for even gratuities or tips at the closing table. That has personally happened to me. You don't have to pay that.

HARRIS: Right. Right.

OK. Last question if you've got time, Gerri. You got time for one more?

WILLIS: Yes. Yes.

HARRIS: OK. From Clare, Clare writes, "I just graduated college and I am having a very difficult time finding a job. I am thinking about going back to school for either another degree or a Masters degree. What do you suggest?"

WILLIS: Well, you know, Clare, a lot of people think about this. The bottom line here is that you shouldn't go back to school just because you can't find a job. Make sure the career path that you have chosen can support the student loan debt that you would be taking on by going back to school.

Another thing to think about, another option, internships, volunteering. It's a cheaper way of getting your foot in the door rather than adding another expensive diploma to your wall.

And of course, send us your questions to gerri@cnn.com. We love hearing from you.

HARRIS: And Gerri, come on. Can't let you get away without you telling us what we can look forward to. Preview "YOUR BOTTOM LINE" this weekend, please.

WILLIS: Well, "YOUR BOTTOM LINE," 9:30 a.m., Saturday morning, right here on CNN.

Look, if your credit card bills are overwhelming, you still have options. We'll give you the facts on handling debt, protecting your credit score, plus the very latest on the housing market. There is new news you will need to know.

That's "YOUR BOTTOM LINE," Saturday at 9:30 a.m., Eastern, right here on CNN.

HARRIS: Awesome. Awesome. Thank you. Have a great weekend, Gerri.

WILLIS: My pleasure. You as well.

HARRIS: Thank you. Thanks, Gerri. Check out our special report at CNNMoney.com. We love the site. We can't tell you about it enough. The Money Team does a terrific job.

"America's Money Crisis," that's at CNNMoney.com.

We are standing by for a live news conference with President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The president is expected to discuss Iran and North Korea.

We will of course bring it to you live.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: You know, many people are inspired by their parents to do great things with their lives. Ethiopia native Alfa Demmellash was inspired to create a place that helps a lot of other people do great things with their lives, many of them single mothers. She is our "CNN Hero."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: This is "CNN Heroes."

ALFA DEMMELLASH, COMMUNITY CRUSADER: I was born and raised in Ethiopia. My mom, (INAUDIBLE) a brutal dictatorship. To save up for me to come to America, she started making these beautiful gowns as a way to make extra money and save.

Entrepreneurs, they are the heart of what the American dream is all about. My name is Alfa Demellash, and I co-founded an organization that provides business education to women and minority entrepreneurs like my mom. We believe in your dreams and what that makes possible.

We launched a school so that people could go in and really work on the hands-on management side of their business. We focus on providing people quality coaching so that they can take their products and services and sell them.

ROBIN MUNN, FLORIST: So, I was thinking about closing, but once I started taking the classes, I found that the fire come back.

SHAWN WHITE, CLOTHING DESIGNER: To know I can go out here in this world and sell clothes, it's crazy because I would never have had that insight if it wasn't for her.

KIM BRATTEN, ARTIST: They put hope back into the community. Now I'll be able to send my kids to college.

DEMMELLASH: We believe in you that you are on the beginning of your journey. This is really for us a place where the American dream can be realized. The ability to become self-reliant. The ability to have economics hope. That is the fabric of this country. This is something that speaks to people's dreams. We have to fight for it.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Well, an autopsy on the body of Michael Jackson is scheduled to begin any moment now. It may, in fact, be under way. Jackson died yesterday at the age of 50. Paramedics had taken him from his L.A. home to the UCLA medical center, where the music idol was pronounced dead.

Jackson had announced a comeback tour set to start this July. No word yet on any memorial or funeral plans. Way too early. There's hardly a corner of the globe where Michael Jackson's music has not been heard. Here's more on his passing from three of our international correspondents.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Atika Shubert at The O2 arena here in London, where Michael Jackson was due to perform in just about two weeks. He was set to perform 50 concert dates. More than 700,000 tickets had already been sold. And they've been sold out in hours, the fastest-selling concert in history. Now, fans in London are absolutely devastated.

MORGAN NEILL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Morgan Neill in Tokyo, Japan, where Michael Jackson could always count on big crowds of ecstatic fans when he would come to play. The reaction today's been a mix of shock and disbelief. Lots of stores have set up displays like this one for those who still want to remember the music of Michael Jackson. Many have already sold out.

DIANA MAGNAY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Diana Magnay in Berlin. This is the Adlon Hotel, where in a bizarre incident back in 2002, Michael Jackson dangled his little baby son out of a window, the little boy's head covered with a cloth, Michael Jackson holding him just by one arm around his neck.

Now, Michael Jackson always said he really regretted the incident and that he was simply overwhelmed by his fans. But it does remain an abiding image of Michael Jackson's later years.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: CNN is covering all aspects of the sudden death of pop icon Michael Jackson. Tune in this weekend for a special report. CNN presents "MAN IN THE MIRROR: The Life and Legacy of Michael Jackson." That's on Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SAL STEELS, IREPORTER: My dad told me once when I was feeling down, he said, son, if there ever is a time that you stop believing in God, believe in Mozart. And I think to a certain generation, Michael Jackson was their Mozart. Like today, the '80s had a lot of uncertainty. And Jackson's music gave millions of people the strength they needed at that moment.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: That's nice. Another story we're following today, embattled South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford meets with his cabinet less than an hour from right now. The governor's trip to Argentina in which he met with his mistress is expected to be discussed. The governor says he will reimburse the state for an economic development trip to Argentina last year. And for the first time, we're hearing directly from the governor's wife.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JENNY SANFORD, WIFE OF SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR MARK SANFORD: I have great faith, and I have great friends and great family. And you know, the -- we have a good Lord in this world. And I know I'm going to be fine. Not only will I survive, I'll thrive.

QUESTION: Do you think your husband will resign?

SANFORD: I don't know whether he'll be with me, but...

QUESTION: Do you think he'll resign?

SANFORD: ... I'm going to do my best to work on our marriage because I believe in marriage. I believe in raising good kids. It's the most important thing in the world. And I'm going to continue to...

QUESTION: Marriage is the first priority, then his career, obviously? Is that what's going on (ph)?

SANFORD: His career is not a concern of mine. He's going to have to worry about that. I'm worried about my family and the character of my children.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Smart. Sanford says he has no plans to resign.

Some good news for workers in Michigan. Finally, bankrupt automaker General Motors just announced a short time ago a plan to save more than a thousand jobs in that hard-hit state. OK. Susan Lisovicz is on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange with details. Good to see you, Susan.

SUSAN LISOVICZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good to see you, Tony. And we have some positive news coming out of Motown today, so I'm happy to share it with you. A new GM subcompact car will be built in the suburb of Orion, which is a suburb of Detroit -- Orion, I should say, for the folks who are listening from Michigan.

Presently, there are bigger cars being made. One of them is going to be discontinued. Another one of those cars is going to be made in another state. What's going to happen is, smaller cars are going to be made there. It's going to save 1,200 jobs. That factory was set to be idled.

And in a double dose of good news, Tony, General Electric in the last hour announced it's going to build a technology center in Michigan and that will employ 1,100 workers. So, really good news in a state that desperately needs it.

HARRIS: Well, you mentioned that, but Michigan has a long way to go, doesn't it, Susan? Look, isn't it one of the states with the nation's highest unemployment rate?

LISOVICZ: It is the highest. Fourteen -- Just over 14 percent. The national rate is pretty high as well, of course.

HARRIS: That's right.

LISOVICZ: Right now, just under 9.5 percent. But this is something that will affect, you know, when you bring new jobs into a community, it has a trickle-down effect, and that's what Detroit and the state desperately need. What we did hear today in terms of spending, consumer spending, that was one of the major pieces of economic news today, Tony, is that we had a big jump in personal income, but we're not spending it because we're learning our lesson in this recession.

And that kind of restraint is also restraining the bulls after the best rally that we've seen in a couple months. Right now, the blue chips are off 61 points. The Nasdaq is off 28 -- Tony.

HARRIS: All right, Susan, appreciate it. Thank you.

LISOVICZ: You're welcome.

HARRIS: Michael Jackson's life was a portrait of colossal highs and colossal lows. A look at some of his epic problems and legal battles next.

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(MUSIC PLAYING)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAYDEN VALENTINO, IREPORTER: My generation, I am 25, we have never had anything like this, and it's the first time. And it's shocking, and it's unbelievable. But his -- he was beyond a legend. And he was beyond a genius. And just like the music of Elvis and Frank Sinatra and John Lennon have lived on forever and people my age are associated with them and know who they are, the same will be for Michael Jackson.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Nice. Elvis, Michael Jackson, John Lennon, nice, nice, nice.

Our blog is a very busy place today. Thank you. Thank you. So many of you have been eager to share your memories. Pat says, "To me, Michael Jackson was one of the greatest musical talents of all time. I will truly miss him. In my opinion, there is no one in the music world at the moment that can even come close to touching this musical genius. His music will forever live on in my heart and in my mind forever."

And we have this from Tombra: "Michael Jackson was my comfort. There was a time in my life I was in school back in Africa and could only afford one meal a day. MJ's music was what helped me through the hours of absence of food. I would put on his music and play it over and over again. I believe in God. I know he gives chances. I pray he gives MJ another chance."

And this is especially poignant. Terry says, "Part of my childhood history died yesterday. The irony is, he gave up his childhood to entertain ours."

You know, I put some personal thoughts about Michael Jackson on our CNN NEWSROOM blog. Take a look. Join the conversation. We'd love to hear from you, your favorite memories of Michael Jackson. The address is CNN.com/newsroom.

You know, you might call Michael Jackson a tortured genius. As his music grew ever more thrilling, his personal life took a pretty bizarre turn. Our Jason Carroll shines a light on the other side of this superstar.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JASON CARROLL, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): His talent, unquestionable. Michael Jackson was the "King of Pop." But it wasn't his abilities on stage causing him problems over the years. It was his life off stage.

DIANE DIMOND, JOURNALIST AND AUTHOR: Oh, the greatest legal obstacle had to have been himself. The lawsuits didn't come out of nowhere. They came out of bad choices that Michael Jackson made.

CARROLL: In 1993, he was accused of sexually abusing a 13-year- old boy, allegations he denied.

JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN SENIOR ANALYST: Michael Jackson was acquitted, but he admitted sleeping in the same bed with children who were not his own. He was repeatedly accused of improper relationships with children. The acquittal didn't end the sense that there was something wrong there.

CARROLL: In fact, Jackson paid an estimated $25 million in an out-of-court settlement. But his legal problems did not end there.

In the summer of 2002, Jackson hit the streets of New York, publicizing his album "Invincible," and making allegations against Sony, his longtime record label. He accused Sony's chief, Tommy Mottola, of being a racist, and alleged the record company did not treat black artists fairly.

On CNN's "LARRY KING," Mottola was gracious in remembering the legend.

TOMMY MOTTOLA, FORMER SONY MUSIC CHIEF (via telephone): Dealing with any artist is always a challenge. Michael, being the perfectionist that he was, was always challenging.

CARROLL: Also in 2002, Jackson dangles his baby, Prince Michael II, outside of a Berlin hotel window for fans below. Many were outraged. And Jackson apologized, saying he made a terrible mistake.

Then, the following year, Jackson found himself facing child molestation charges once again. It was a different 13-year-old boy. And, once again, Jackson denied all the allegations. After a four- month circuslike trial, Jackson was acquitted of all charges.

But by 2006, his legal problems turned into financial ones. The pop star was about to lose his Neverland Ranch. After reportedly spending so much, he had gone into default on the $24.5 million he owed on the lavish estate. Jackson ended up selling the ranch. But despite all of his legal problems, he remained a revered figure to those in the record industry and to his fans.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm very touched and very hurt by what happened. And he's going to be missed.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You know, you just had fun with his music. I mean, he would always, like, put a smile on our face. So, it's sad.

CARROLL (on camera): Even in death, there may still be legal problems associated with Jackson. He has three children. And there's a question of who will get custody of them. The mother of his two oldest gave up her parental rights some time ago.

Jason Carroll, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: How about this? Take a look at this live picture. Let's take you to Hollywood now. Fans remembering Michael Jackson. It's on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, his star completely surrounded, what, 10, 11 deep, by fans, the curious, obviously, media as well.

Singer Patti Austin joining me next hour to talk about Michael Jackson. That's coming up at the next hour of the CNN NEWSROOM. We're back in a moment.

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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A great entertainer, a great musician. I grew up watching the Jackson Five, so he will be definitely missed by everybody. As a matter of fact, all our motorcycle club tomorrow, we're all going to just wear one glove all day in remembrance of Michael.

(END VIDEO CLIP) HARRIS: Several tributes so far today to Michael Jackson. On Capitol Hill, the House floor, just a short time ago, Jesse Jackson, Jr. remembering Michael Jackson.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. JESSE JACKSON, JR., (D), ILLINOIS: Madam Speaker, if there is a god, and I believe there is, and that God distributes grace and mercy and talent to all of his children, on August 29th, 1958, he visited Gary, Indiana, and touched a young man with an abundance of his blessings.

With that gift, that young man, Michael Joe Jackson would touch and change the world. His heart couldn't get any bigger. And yesterday, it arrested. I come to the floor today on behalf of a generation to thank God for letting all of us live in his generation and in his era.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: Berry Gordy founded the Motown record label. And among the groups on the Motown label, the Jackson Five. Gordy is remembering Michael Jackson as one of a kind.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BERRY GORDY, FOUNDER, MOTOWN RECORDS: Michael Jackson doesn't just come along once in a century or in a lifetime. He only comes along once. And so, we had the benefit of enjoying him while he was here, and we will enjoy him forever through his music.

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HARRIS: Well, Dick Clark hosted "American Bandstand" for years. He, too, calls Jackson a one of a kind star. Clark has released this statement: "I knew Michael as a child and watched him grow over the years. Of all the thousands of entertainers I have worked with, Michael was the most outstanding. Many have tried and will try to copy him, but his talent will never be matched. He was truly one of a kind."

No one knows the Michael Jackson story than the man himself. Here he is over the decades, in his own words.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE, "60 MINUTES": Describe the performance that you put on.

MICHAEL JACKSON, MEMBER, JACKSON FIVE: Well, whatever I sing, that's what I really mean, when, like, I'm singing a song. I don't sing it if I don't mean it.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

JACKSON: I would do my schoolings, which was three hours with a tutor. And right after that, you know, I'd go to the recording studio and record. And I'd record for hours and hours until it was time to go to sleep. So, it would be nighttime.

And I remember going to the recording studio. There was a park across the street, and I'd see the children playing, and they'd be rooting and making noise, and I would cry. It would make me sad that I would have to go and work instead.

Oh, there's a lot of sadness about my past life, and, you know, adolescence and my father, and all of those things. It just made me very, very, very sad.

OPRAH WINFREY, HOST, "THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW": So, he would tease you, make fun of you?

JACKSON: Yes.

WINFREY: Would he -- did he ever beat you?

JACKSON: Yes. He did. Yes.

WINFREY: And that was difficult to take, getting beaten and going on stage and performing.

JACKSON: Yes.

WINFREY: And why would he beat you?

JACKSON: Because he saw me he wanted me to -- I guess -- maybe I don't know if I was his golden child or whatever it was.

JACKSON: Just think, nobody thought this would last.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)

(END VIDEOTAPE)