A Michael Jackson fan gets emotional at a hall to exhibit "the Official Michael Jackson Life Time Collection" in Tokyo, Friday.
Junji Kurokawa, Associated Press
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.
The electric, enigmatic and troubled icon 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., about 500 fans filed past barricades Friday to get close to the mausoleum where Jackson is interred. Some wept, while some carried bouquets; others were armed with cameras to document the moment.
Erick Dominguez, 37, a sales representative from Victorville, Calif., wore a black shirt with Jackson's photo that read: "In Loving Memory."
"He's been my idol all my life since I can remember. I feel like I haven't had closure," he said, starting to weep from behind dark sunglasses.
Yugi Aoki, 33, of Tokyo, came with 13 other Japanese fans. 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."
Members of the Jackson family appeared to arrive at the cemetery, as black SUVs and luxury cars entered the area. Jackson's brother, Randy, had said family members would be there.
Across the country in Harlem, pictures of Jackson hung on a wall outside New York's Apollo Theater, where Jackson and his brothers won amateur night in the late 1960s. A sidewalk plaque honored the singer alongside such other legends as James Brown and Smokey Robinson.
Since the Apollo helped launch the Jackson 5, it has had a strong connection to the late singer. After Jackson's death, it became the de facto gathering place for New York fans. It was an emotional though more low-key scene on Friday morning, as Jackson's music blared from boom boxes and passing cars.
"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.
Procope placed Jackson's black hat and sequin glove, both from the theater's collection, beside his plaque.
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