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Campbell Brown
Remembering Michael Jackson
Aired July 07, 2009 - 20:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CAMPBELL BROWN, CNN ANCHOR: (voice-over): Tonight, a farewell fit for a king of pop. His friends and family say goodbye with hundreds of millions watching around the world. We will show you everything you missed, the music, the star-studded eulogies, his family's last goodbye.
MARLON JACKSON, BROTHER OF MICHAEL JACKSON: Maybe now, Michael, they will leave you alone.
PARIS MICHAEL KATHERINE JACKSON, DAUGHTER OF MICHAEL JACKSON: And I just wanted to say I love him so much.
BROWN: And we will talk to some of the people who were there.
AL SHARPTON, CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST: I want his three children to know, there wasn't nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with, but he dealt with it.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANNOUNCER: This is your only source for news. CNN prime time begins now. Here's Campbell Brown.
BROWN: Welcome back, everybody.
We begin with something very fitting tonight for the king of pop, a sort of greatest hits collection. We begin, as we always do, with our "Mash-Up." Again, this is some of the key moments from today. Take a look.
We're going to bring you again some of those key moments from the memorial service in just a moment.
We also have people who were there in L.A. who were in the room. "LARRY KING LIVE" is -- or Larry King is going to be joining us as well. He was in the room with the family. He will be sharing some of his thoughts, as he watched the service today.
And you can see there, these are the moments, the coffin being brought in. We have wrapped it all up for you. We have got a panel here joining us as well.
But, again, first, here's a look at some of the best moments of today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KATIE COURIC, HOST, "CBS EVENING NEWS": And from the Staples Center, today part church, part concert hall, for the final goodbye to Michael Jackson.
CHARLES GIBSON, ABC NEWS: There's no model for this. I don't think we have ever seen anything like this, 20,000 people, a service, the kind of speculation and outpouring and whatever we have seen in recent days. We didn't know what we were going to get.
COURIC: Michael Jackson's brothers were his pallbearers, all wearing his trademark white glove. This would be the last time the Jackson 5 would share the stage together.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The fans and the curious gathered to say goodbye, dancing in Harlem, crying in London. Jamilla Abdullah (ph) flew from London on her own without a ticket to the memorial. Finally, someone gave her one.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It was great to be amongst the other fans and to just share the grief and the loss, but also to celebrate Michael and his life.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Brian, today's final tribute to the king of pop was something of an international spectacle, wasn't it?
BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It sure was, Wolf.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: To give us a sense of what this all means for us here in India, you know, it's our top story.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In the dark of Australia's winter night, with balloons in Moscow and makeshift shrines in London.
MICHELLE KOSINSKI, NBC CORRESPONDENT: Early viewership estimates have been estimated at above a billion people.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROWN: And, again, you're seeing a wrap-up of much of the news coverage from earlier today.
We're having some technical problems. We apologize for that, this as you can imagine about as close as it comes to a cultural happening these days. It was moving, it was captivating, a little bit strange at times, but obviously something that we're going to be talking about for a very long time.
Traffic on the Internet surging, nearly 33 percent today. And the ceremony itself, this was a true Jackson-worthy production, a showbiz spectacle that if you really watched at times felt surprisingly intimate. Again, let's take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) BERRY GORDY, MOTOWN FOUNDER: I feel the king of pop is not big enough for him. I think he is simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
QUEEN LATIFAH, ACTRESS: Somehow, when Michael Jackson sang, when he danced, we never felt distant. We felt like he was right there, right for us.
STEVIE WONDER, MUSICIAN: 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, ACTRESS: Today, although our hearts are aching, we need to look up, where he is undoubtedly perched in a crescent moon, and we need to smile.
MARLON JACKSON: Being judged, ridiculed. How much pain can one take? Maybe now, Michael, they will leave you alone.
SHARPTON: I want his three children to know, there wasn't nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with, but he dealt with it.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROWN: Throughout the next hour, we're going to take you inside that service tonight. We're going to bring you more of the very best moments.
But, of course, for all the star power in the room, for all the glowing tributes, the soaring harmonies, this was the moment that really hit home for a lot of people.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PARIS MICHAEL KATHERINE JACKSON, DAUGHTER OF MICHAEL JACKSON: 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.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Little Paris Jackson, obviously a totally unscripted moment, as we just heard.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT: Oh, broke your heart when she started to cry to say, my father is the best father.
Oh, it just was absolutely -- it was the closing words of the memorial.
COURIC: I think 11-year-old Paris Jackson, I think, just reminded the world that this was a man, and not just a musician or a dancer or a performer.
GIBSON: There's been so much curiosity surrounding the children.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What a life they have already led and so much ahead with so many questions left unanswered.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROWN: Jackson's three children are now living with their grandmother Katherine. No word yet on where or when their father will be buried. We will have more on that later as well.
Traveling in Russia today, President Obama called Michael Jackson the greatest entertainer of perhaps any generation.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I think, like Elvis, like Sinatra, or like the Beatles, he became a core part of our culture.
You know, his extraordinary talent and his music was matched with, I think, a big dose of tragedy and difficulty in his private life. And I don't think we can ignore that. But it's important for us to affirm what was best in him, and that's captured by his music.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROWN: The president has called Jackson's music an iPod staple.
And that's perhaps the best way to remember Michael Jackson, through his songs, his moves on the dance floor. After all, who hasn't sung along to "Billie Jean" or danced to "Thriller." Take a cue from these British schoolkids, who seem to know what they're doing. Now, that is a tribute. How cute is that?
And that is our "Mash-Up."
Again, apologies for the technical problems we were having.
Larry King has been following Michael Jackson's story since Michael was a child, and he was there at the memorial today. He's been talking to the family as well.
Larry King joining us live from Los Angeles right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BROWN: Millions of people around the world watching Michael Jackson's memorial today, and the stage at the Staples Center was filled with celebrities.
The most touching moments, though, came from Michael's family. And listen to his brother, Jermaine, and daughter, Paris. This is from earlier today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARLON JACKSON: I stand -- 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.
Michael, when you left us, a part of me went with you. And a part of you will live forever within me, but also a part of you will live forever within all of us.
We will never, never 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.
And I have one request, Michael, one request. I would like for you to give our brother, my twin brother, Brandon, a hug for me.
I love you, Michael, and I will miss you.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think you or Janet want to say something.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
PARIS MICHAEL KATHERINE JACKSON, DAUGHTER OF MICHAEL JACKSON: I just wanted to say...
JANET JACKSON, SISTER OF MICHAEL JACKSON: Speak up, sweetheart. Speak up.
P. JACKSON: ... 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.
(APPLAUSE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We -- we want to thank you all for loving my brother and supporting our family. Thank you and good night.
(APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROWN: That, of course, was Michael's daughter, Paris, and then his brother Marlon a little bit earlier.
Larry King was inside the Staples Center today. He was sitting very close to the family. And he's joining me right now from Los Angeles.
And, Larry, you know, a lot of people thought this could have turned into something really over the top, really very much a spectacle. And it wasn't, was it?
LARRY KING, HOST, "LARRY KING LIVE": No, it wasn't.
The fear was -- you know, the circus opens there tomorrow. In fact, they brought elephants in last night. And a lot of pundits were saying this would be a circus preceding a circus. It was anything but.
It was a brilliantly produced memorial service. It might have ran 15 minutes too long, but I think that's petty. It was well done. The crowd was terrific. Even those that were yelling out at times seemed very appropriate.
The casket coming in was a surprise to me. I had no idea. Maybe you knew it was coming. I didn't know it was coming. I was sitting right behind Berry Gordy, two rows behind the family, very proud to have been invited by the family.
It was an extraordinary two hours. You will -- I will never see anything like it again, because there will never be anyone of his stature dying again.
(CROSSTALK)
BROWN: Talk to us about the family. I mean, you were sitting right there. How were they reacting throughout the service?
KING: They took it all in. They were very emotional. As each speaker, as each entertainer would finish, they would come down and embrace every member of the family. And the family was extremely moved.
They -- I -- there's no way to express in words how touching it was, how well done it was, and how much I think they all appreciated it. I think there was a great appreciation there, especially when moments or statements were made to the fact that Michael got some bad deals in life, and maybe he wasn't treated as well as he should have been.
The family would be the first to rise up and cheer that. And I think when that wonderful "Smile" song was rendered, and, of course, when Usher came down, "Gone Too Soon," I think that took -- that took everybody's breath away. The family was -- deeply touched would be the words.
BROWN: All right, Larry King.
And, of course, Larry's going to have a full hour, I'm sure, with...
KING: Yes, we sure are.
(LAUGHTER)
KING: We're loaded.
(CROSSTALK)
BROWN: ... with many of your personal insights, as well, coming up at 9:00 Eastern time.
Larry, we will see you in a few minutes.
Brooke Shields delivered a powerful, emotional eulogy today. We will have that, as well as Jennifer Hudson singing.
Also tonight's download -- there was some other news today that you may have missed, President Obama in Russia, Sarah Palin on why she really quit.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GOV. SARAH PALIN (R), ALASKA: So, no, it's not a matter of retreating or quitting. It's a matter of progressing and forwarding a good positive agenda in an unconventional way. And I think that's what caught people off guard.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BROWN: And a look now at some of the other must-see stories of the day.
Erica Hill with us right now with the download.
ERICA HILL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And, Campbell, we begin with the president's day, President Obama capping off his two-day summit in Moscow with a speech calling for a reset in relations between the U.S. and Russia.
He also sat down with CNN's Ed Henry. That conversation included what it's like to have his family, including daughters Sasha and Malia, along on the trip.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OBAMA: The girls are just a joy.
Sasha, this morning, at around 4:00 a.m., wandered into our bed and plopped down and started chatting. That was sort of a highlight, although I am a little groggy now as a consequence.
But, having her and Malia be able to see the world and then report back to us on what they're seeing is just extraordinary. And then Michelle is just -- she's always -- she's a star abroad and a star at home.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HILL: The president heads to the G8 Summit in Italy tomorrow.
There is something soon-to-be-former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin wants all of America to know. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) PALIN: I'm certainly not a quitter. I'm a fighter, and that's why I'm doing this, to go out there and fight for what is right without the constraints that have been surrounding me in these final months.
And anybody in Alaska will tell you, of course, our administration has been paralyzed. We spend most of our day fending off frivolous lawsuits.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HILL: CNN's Drew Griffin caught up with Palin on a family fishing trip in Alaska. She says she hopes to do some form of public service when she leaves office at the end of the month.
Politico.com reporting former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove was deposed today in the House investigation of the firing of nine U.S. attorneys by the Bush administration. The House Judiciary Committee first subpoenaed Rove back in 2007. The Bush White House, though, citing executive privilege, refused to allow him to talk.
The cost of war never limited to the battlefield, and there is new information now about the toll of children of U.S. troops tonight. Pentagon documents show the number of kids seeking mental health treatment doubled to two million from the start of the war in 2003.
And at the same time, the Associated Press notes the military is dealing with a shortage of therapists, Campbell, not a good combination.
BROWN: No, absolutely not.
Erica Hill -- Erica, thanks.
Reverend Al Sharpton got some of the loudest applause today with his controversial message to Michael Jackson's children at the memorial service. He's joining us next.
Plus, Brooke Shields' powerful eulogy, we will play it for you when we come back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BROWN: Another one of the highlights from today.
Of course, one of the speakers at Michael Jackson's memorial service, the Reverend Al Sharpton today, walking a very fine line between paying tribute to the superstar, while also addressing some of the controversies that followed Jackson's life. And he did it by speaking directly to Jackson's children.
And Reverend Sharpton's joining us right now from Los Angeles.
Reverend Sharpton, welcome to you. Let me start first off just asking you about the family, because I know you were with them today. How are they holding up?
SHARPTON: They're holding up.
Clearly, they are very much devastated, but very determined to hold up Michael's legacy. I think that they were very proud that they did a very dignified and, I think, a beautiful service committed to his memory. And I think that they were satisfied that there was the outpouring all over the world of love for Michael Jackson, and it means so much to them.
BROWN: Reverend, there was a very strong response in the hall to your message to Michael Jackson's children today. Let's listen to a little what you said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHARPTON: I want his three children to know, there wasn't nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with, but he dealt with it.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROWN: Why did you say it? What were you trying to accomplish with those remarks?
SHARPTON: Well, if you listened to the whole speech, I talked about the social inequalities he had to deal with, how he had pioneered breaking down certain race and social barriers in the music industry, how he had tried to be one that set a stage of social comfort between the races, and that there are those that would, I feel, in years to come try to distort to his children just some style image, and not understand that the real challenges that Michael Jackson had to seriously face and did face and make a difference.
And I thought it was very important that you put in context for his children what he dealt with in history and what he was able to do. One day, they will review their father's funeral. And I want them to understand the context in which he lived in.
BROWN: Go back to what you said about race, because you spoke about him today as a trailblazer in race relations. But do you think that he was really viewed that way in life?
SHARPTON: Well, I mean, it's according to who's doing the viewing.
I'm out of the civil rights movement and have fought in that area. I certainly view him that way, and so do many others. And I think that -- I even think that some of the leaders of this country have said that about him today.
There is no question that Michael Jackson was the first African- American to get videos on MTV, which opened the door for others. There's no question that Michael Jackson was able to cross African- Americans over into pop culture, and therefore begin to break some of these walls down. I don't think that's a fact that can be disputed.
BROWN: All right.
And, Reverend Sharpton, before you go, I do want to ask you. There's so little we know about burial plans from the family. Do you have any information about what they're planning to do?
SHARPTON: No, I have no idea about the burial plans. No, I could not shed any light on that.
BROWN: Something they're obviously trying to keep very private, given the publicity surrounding today.
But we appreciate your time tonight, Reverend Jackson (sic). Thank you.
SHARPTON: Thank you.
BROWN: Reverend Sharpton.
They shared life under the microscope of fame from the time they were children. They also shared a very long, close friendship. And you're going to hear from Brooke Shields as she remembers Michael Jackson.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JERMAINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON'S BROTHER: Smile though your heart is aching. Smile even though it's breaking when there are clouds in the sky.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROWN: One of the most powerful moments of the day was Brooke Shields' tribute. Fighting back tears, she reminisced about her long friendship with Michael Jackson, a friendship that began when she was just 13 years old.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BROOKE SHIELDS, ACTRESS/LONGTIME JACKSON FRIEND: Michael was one of a kind. I am thinking back to when we met and the many times that we spent together. And whenever we were out together and there would be a picture taken, there would be a caption of some kind and the caption usually said something like an odd couple, or an unlikely pair. 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 that 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. And maybe it was because we both understood what it was like being in the spotlight from a very, very young age. I used to tease him and I'd say, you know, I started when I was 11 months old, you're a slacker. You were what, 5? Both of us needed to be adults very early. But when we were together, we were two little kids having fun.
We never collaborated together. We never performed together or danced on the same stage, although he did try in vain one night to unsuccessfully teach me the moonwalk. And he just basically just shook his head and crossed his arms at my attempt.
We never filmed a video or recorded a song, but what we did do was laugh. It was always a competition to see who could make the other one laugh more or be sillier.
Michael loved to laugh. His heart would just burst out of him when he was laughing. He adored it when I did silly imitations or told him stories about my life.
M.J.'s laugh was the sweetest and purest laugh of anyone's I had ever known. His sense of humor was delightful and he was very mischievous.
When he started wearing the glove, I was like, what's up with the glove? And look, look if you're going to hold my hand, it better be the non-gloved one because sequins really hurt me. He'd dig in.
He'd just shake his head and he would just smile. He loved to be teased. Seeing him smile made you feel like everything was going to be all right.
To the outside world, Michael was a genius with unchallenged ability. To the people who were lucky enough to know him personally, he was caring and funny, honest, pure, non-jaded, and he was a lover of life. He cared so deeply for his family, and his friends and his fans.
He was often referred to as the king. But the Michael that I knew always reminded me more of the little prince. To his family, his brothers and sisters, Katherine, Joe, and to his children, Prince, Paris, Blanket, my prayers are with you.
Michael's favorite song was not one of the countless masterpieces that he gave us, but it was a song that Charlie Chaplain wrote for the movie "Modern Times." It's called "Smile."
There's a line in the song that says "smile though your heart is aching. Today, although our hearts are aching, we need to look up where he is undoubtedly perched in a crescent moon and we need to smile."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BROWN: That's, of course, Brooke Shields. And when we come back, Paris Jackson's very tearful tribute to her father. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MUSIC: People dying. If you care enough for the living, make a better place for you and for me. Heal the world, make it a better place.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROWN: That was "Heal the World." That was the final number at today's tribute. For all the production, for all the planning though, the moment that clearly stole the show for so many people was wholly unscripted. And it came from Michael Jackson's 11-year-old daughter Paris.
Today, the world heard her voice for the very first time. Listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
PARIS JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON'S DAUGHTER: I just want to say 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.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROWN: Earlier today, I spoke to Kenny Ortega. He was the director of today's memorial, the choreographer. And I asked him if he had any idea that she was going to speak today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KENNY ORTEGA, DIRECTED JACKSON'S MEMORIAL: No. No, not at all. In fact, none of us were aware that they were even coming. I didn't even think they would come. They couldn't have loved their dad more and little Paris was his biggest fan.
And so, firstly, it was a surprise that they were there. All of us that knew them, that know them were just so delighted that they were strong enough to be able to come and to feel this love and this great outpouring for their dad.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROWN: In Los Angeles with me right now to talk about today's event is Jim Moret, who's a former CNN anchor and chief correspondent for "Inside Edition." He's been with us for much of the past week. And CNN contributor Bryan Monroe, the former editor of "Ebony" magazine. Also joining us here in New York, I've got NPR contributor John Ridley and CNN senior analyst Jeff Toobin.
And let me just ask you all, obviously, that moment with Paris was just a killer. Heartbreaking. But what was it beyond that for each of you that was really the most moving or really stayed with you?
Jim, for you? JIM MORET, CHIEF CORRESPONDENT, "INSIDE EDITION": Well, I was lucky enough to get a seat inside the Staples Center, and I was really struck by the humanity of this person.
We know of him as an icon and entertainer, a criminal defendant at some point in his life, but you know what? He was humanized today. He was revered, he was honored for his artistic brilliance, and by his family, people who love him. And we were told stories that made him like us. And we got to see a side that perhaps we never knew before.
BROWN: Bryan?
BRYAN MONROE, FORMER EDITOR, "EBONY" MAGAZINE: You know, that scene with Paris really got me. I was sitting there watching it on the monitors and my daughter is about the same age, her name is Shawna (ph). And I could see Shawna saying to me, daddy, father, I love you. And it touched something deep in my soul. But also at the same moment if you look afterwards, the hug, the whole family getting together, deep inside that hug was little Blanket.
I remember when I met Blanket during the interview. And today, he was tucked inside around all of the family, inside, inside that circle of love. And that circle of love was where, I think, those children belong.
BROWN: John?
JOHN RIDLEY, NPR CONTRIBUTOR: You know, for me, I think it was Queen Latifah reminiscing about being young and going out and getting the Jackson albums and trying to do the dance moves upstairs, because that was my childhood...
BROWN: Yes.
RIDLEY: ... getting the albums, trying to imitate what you saw, and your parents they're (INAUDIBLE) what are you doing about all that? And, you know, so much of this wasn't merely about Michael Jackson the person, but about how he made us feel in our memories and that was really powerful.
JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN SENIOR LEGAL ANALYST: My favorite was the video montage of all his great hits and his dancing.
BROWN: All right. Good, because that's coming up, actually.
TOOBIN: Oh, good. Well, no -- but, you know, it was a reminder that for all the incredible talent on display there, Stevie Wonder...
BROWN: Yes.
TOOBIN: ... Lionel Richie, the genius there was Michael Jackson, the one who changed how music was received by the American people and by the people of the world. It was him. And that great segment when there's from the 25th anniversary of Motown, when he did the moonwalk for the first time and the audience even in the Staples Center gasped. It was just great. I loved that. BROWN: Not everyone who was close to him was there today. Liz Taylor wasn't there. Diana Ross wasn't there. And, obviously, Debbie Rowe, the mother of his two oldest children, also wasn't there. I mean, moving beyond this memorial, custody issues, still outstanding, aren't they?
TOOBIN: They are although you have to say that the Jackson family seems to be moving towards a consensus on this. That in terms of the money stuff, it looks like John Branca is going to be uncontested as the executor of the will, the supervisor of the empire.
And on custody, it's going to be very hard for Debbie Rowe even though she is the biological mother to the two -- to Paris and to Prince. The fact that they have lived with Michael, that Michael wants the grandmother, Katherine, to have them, that Katherine wants them, that everybody seems to think that's the right solution, the fact that Blanket would want to stay with his two siblings, it seems to me that that is probably not going to be that controversial.
BROWN: Jim, apart from the custody issues, the investigation into what really happened continues.
MORET: It sure does.
BROWN: We're going to be hearing about this for a long time, aren't we?
MORET: Well, you think about the Anna Nicole case and you saw criminal charges handed down a little over a year after her death. You could see a similar situation here because you really have two different tracks.
You've got what caused his death and then you have the separate investigation into all of these -- all of these prescription medications. And the DEA, the attorney general, they're going to be looking into those doctors as well as the cause of death. You're right, this is going to be a long, long term story.
BROWN: A year of Michael Jackson, John Ridley?
RIDLEY: You know, I think there is going to be at least a year of Michael Jackson. You know, one of the things that was brought up, Berry Gordy said this was not just the King of Pop, this was one of the greatest entertainers ever.
Very few people in Hollywood have had this amount of sway for this long over this many people. And quite frankly, for the good and the bad it's fascinating. We're going to be talking about this a year from now.
TOOBIN: I believe several people. He didn't say one of the greatest entertainers. Several people said the greatest entertainer ever. And I was doing, you know, that's a big --
BROWN: That's a feat.
TOOBIN: That's a feat. I was trying to, you know, Elvis, you know.
BROWN: All right.
TOOBIN: Beethoven.
BROWN: Thanks, guys, appreciate it.
Maybe not Beethoven.
Amid all the sadness today, there was a moment of pure joy. Jeff referenced it -- this unbelievable video retrospective of Michael Jackson's career and the moments that made him the King of Pop, perhaps the greatest entertainer ever. Some of which you've probably never seen before. It is incredible. We're going to show you the whole thing.
First, listen to some of Stevie Wonder.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEVIE WONDER, PERFORMING "NEVER DREAMED YOU'D LEAVE IN SUMMER": You'd leave by summer. But my quiet nights will be spent alone.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
BROWN: Today, the full spectacle that was Michael Jackson played out for the world to see. His family, the emotions, the throngs of adoring fans. But when it all fades, we will still have the music and the dancing.
The crowd at the Staples Center got a little taste today in a video tribute spanning decades. It was amazing. Check it out.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, VIDEO MONTAGE TRIBUTE FOR MICHAEL JACKSON)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The American Music Award is given to Michael Jackson.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Man in the mirror. Michael Jackson.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Best selling American artist.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This video award is given to Michael Jackson.
MICHAEL JACKSON, KING OF POP: Again, I say thank you. Thanks to God.
In the past, I've gone from where is he to here he is again.
ELIZABETH TAYLOR, ACTRESS: I love you, Michael.
JACKSON: But I must confess it feels good to be thought of as a person, not as a personality.
Fame, fortune, they're all illusions.
MUSIC VIDEO: "Bad"
MUSIC VIDEO: "You Are Not Alone"
You are not alone. I am here with you. Though you're far away, I am here to stay.
You are not alone. You are not alone. I am here with you. I am here with you. Though you're far away, though you're far away, I am here to stay. You are not alone.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(END VIDEOTAPE)
BROWN: The music and the moves of Michael Jackson. Now throughout the hour, we've been playing you the best of today's performances.
Still ahead, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson. She's the amazing voice singing "Will You Be There." Here is a taste. You're going to hear the whole thing coming up in just a moment.
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JENNIFER HUDSON, PERFORMING "WILL YOU BE THERE"
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BROWN: "LARRY KING LIVE" is coming up at the top of the hour. We're going to leave you tonight with one more song from the memorial. Here right now, Jennifer Hudson.
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JENNIFER HUDSON, PERFORMING "WILL YOU BE THERE"
Like the River Jordan, and I will then say to thee, you are my friend.
Carry me, like you are my brother, love me like a mother would you be there?
Yeah, yeah. Everyone's taking control of me. Seems that the world's got a role for me. I'm so confused. Will you show to me you'll be there for me and care enough to bear me.
Hold me. Hold me. Lay your head slowly. Show me. Softly and boldly. Yeah. Carry me there.
Lead me. Lead me. Love me and feed me. Feed me. Kiss me and free me. Free me. I will feel blessed. I'm only human.
Carry. Carry me. Carry me boldly. Carry me. Lift me up slowly. Carry me there.
Save me, save me. Heal me and bathe me. I will be there.
Lift Me. Lift me up. Lift me up slowly. Lift me up high and low. Carry me boldly. Lift me up. Show me you care.
Hold me. Hold me. Lay your head slowly. Hold me. Softly then boldly. Hold me. Carry me there. Carry me up. Carry me up.
Lead me. Lead me. Love me and feed me. Love me and feed me. Kiss me and free me. I will be there.
JACKSON: In our darkest hour, in my deepest despair, will you still care? Will you be there?
In my trials, in my tribulations, through our doubts, and frustrations, in my violence, in my turbulence, through my fear, and my confessions, in my anguish, and my pain, through my joy and my sorrow, in the promise of another tomorrow. I'll never let you part. For you're always in my heart.
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