By Wally Kennedy
wkennedy@joplinglobe.com
Candles were lit one after another as a boombox blasted out a foot-moving rhythm that only Michael Jackson could create.
Despite an overwhelming sense of loss, the 20 fans of Jackson who turned out Thursday night were groovin’ to the music in Spiva Park in Joplin during a candlelight remembrance for the King of Pop.
Even George Spiva, the park’s statuesque resident, got into the act. Some balloons with messages to Jackson, which later were released, were tied to his hand. One of the messages: “We loved your music.”
As the fans of the fallen pop star got acquainted, the stories of how he had made a difference in their lives began to emerge. That was exactly what the organizer of the remembrance, Beverly White, of Joplin, wanted.
“I wanted to bring Michael Jackson’s fans together so we could grieve together,” she said. “He meant so much to us. He tried to make a difference in the world, and he did. We loved him.”
Neighbors Elizabeth English and Carolyn Theil, both of Joplin, were unaware until Saturday morning that they were both fans of Jackson, who died June 25 at age 50.
“She came over Saturday morning, and we cried together,” said Theil. “You should see the big Michael Jackson posters we have in our yards.”
English, who had some photos of Jackson with her, said: “It was a huge loss. It was personal to me. He always will be the King of Pop and one of the most misunderstood people in the world.”
As the 20 or so fans in the park talked, it became apparent that the pivotal moment in their relationship to Jackson was his performance at a concert for the 25th anniversary of Motown Records in 1983.
“It was unbelievable,” said English. “When he moonwalked to ‘Billie Jean,’ the music world changed forever. It was an historic moment.”
White said she was born and raised in Detroit, Mich.
“I grew up on soul music in the Motor City,” she said. “We would get together and play our records, including Michael Jackson. Even today when I hear ‘I’ll Be There’ and I am depressed, it will make me feel better.”
As she handed out candles, White said: “The people here tonight grew up with Michael Jackson and his music. We still can’t believe he has gone. We miss him.”
The balloons were released as “We Are the World” was played.
Other gatherings
According to The Associated Press, Michael Jackson gatherings are taking place in the most unlikely places. Here are some examples:
n In Kettering, Ohio, more than 500 people visited Routsong Funeral Home to sign a book that will be sent to the Jackson family.
n In Dallas, hundreds of people packed Golden Gate Funeral Home on Sunday for songs and celebration.
n In Richmond, Va., hundreds of people, including the mayor, attended a memorial at a park, singing and dancing along to “Rock With You” and other songs.
n In New Hampshire, the M/S Mount Washington next week will devote one of its dinner-dance theme cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee to Jackson’s music.
Joplin Metro
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Fans turn out for tribute to King of Pop
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