A year after Michael Jackson's death caused a worldwide outpouring of shock, tears and tributes, the anniversary of his passing was being marked Friday on a quieter scale, as fans remembered their fallen King of Pop with vigils, prayer and, of course, music.
"Michael has just always been a part of my life," the 40-year-old Thomas, who has a tattoo of Jackson's dancing feet on her left wrist, said Thursday night. "I'm just hoping to embrace the fans from everywhere."Friday, DJ Jon Quick was to spin Jackson tunes at the club Taj in Manhattan for a festive affair.
Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at age 50 as he was preparing for a series of comeback concerts in London. Dr. Conrad Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death for administering the powerful anesthetic propofol to Jackson to help the pop star sleep.
At Jackson's final resting place at Forest Lawn in Glendale. Calif., hundreds of fans, some weeping, filed past barricades to get close to the mausoleum where Jackson is interred Friday morning. Some carried bouquets, others were armed with cameras to document the moment.
"We are really honored to have played a part in launching Michael's musical career and to serve as a gathering place for people to come and celebrate his lifetime of achievement," said Jonelle Procope, Apollo president and CEO.
Yugi Aoki, 33, of Tokyo, came with 13 other Japanese fans of the pop star. They were all wearing sparkling gloves and fedora hats, one of Jackson's signature looks. Aoki smiled as he described how Jackson influenced him: "Michael Jackson changed myself. We love his dancing and songs."
Jackson's family members were expected to arrive at the cemetery later in the day, said his brother, Randy Jackson.
