July 7 2009 edition

I have an off day today - which means I will be working on Saturday this week (usually a boring day as always). At least I can get several things done here and relax a bit too and get ready for the next four days.

I'm watching the MJ Memorial Service which is airing on Channel 5 - the service is just incredible. Almost everyone in the music industry is there - as well as the surviving members of the Jacksons. Earlier, Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder performed, and Berry Gordy Jr, the founder of Motown, spoke - and made a very strong statement, claiming that Michael Jackson was the greatest performer that's ever lived. Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson also spoke a short time ago, and Jennifer Hudson, who herself endured tragedy, performed. Now the Rev. Al Sharpton is speaking. A bit more to follow, which I will cover a bit later.

It's plain and simple, friends - and say what you will about the negative - but this man has touched the lives of generations of every color, race, man, woman and child. Other than perhaps John Lennon and Bono from U2, I can't think of anybody else that attempted to bring the world as one other than MJ. For 41 years, he has entertained everybody - from the Jackson Five to his own career. I have to say that I grew up with them, just like I grew up with Donny & Marie Osmond, with Journey, Styx, Stevie Wonder, New Edition and others during my youth.

The music world won't be the same again - I'm sure that was said when we lost Elvis in 1977 and John Lennon in 1980; not to mention Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper over half a century ago.

John Mayer performed just a moment ago, and now Brooke Shields is on stage speaking.