On July 7, 2009, the world held its breath.
Millions of devastated fans gathered to watch Michael Jackson’s public memorial service. The atmosphere inside the Staples Center was overwhelmingly heavy. The Jackson family, seated in the front row, was visibly shattered by the sudden loss of their beloved brother and son.
Then, Michael’s older brother, Jermaine Jackson, slowly approached the microphone. He wore a single shiny white glove on his left hand as a poignant tribute to his little brother.
He gazed out at the vast crowd, took a deep breath, and began to sing through his tears.
Jermaine Jackson – Smile (Live Performance at Michael Jackson Memorial)
He chose to sing a beautiful, melancholic piece called “Smile.” The performance was so heartfelt and profound that it brought tears to over a billion people worldwide at that very moment.
Many may not know that “Smile” was Michael Jackson’s all-time favorite song. It wasn’t a pop hit, nor was it written by him.
This iconic melody was originally composed in 1936 by the legendary Charlie Chaplin. It served as a gentle instrumental theme in his classic film, Modern Times. Years later, in 1954, poignant lyrics were added. Michael cherished the song so much that he recorded a stunning version of it in 1995 for his HIStory album.
Michael held Charlie Chaplin in high esteem, regarding him as a creative genius who could evoke powerful emotions with mere silence. He even donned Chaplin’s famed “Little Tramp” outfit for a special series of photos, showcasing his admiration.
Michael Jackson Singing His Favorite Song – Smile
However, the true reason Michael held this song so dearly was the profound message embedded within its lyrics.
The song encourages listeners to persevere, to mask their pain, and to maintain hope even in the darkest times. The opening lines capture it perfectly: ‘Smile though your heart is aching.’
This theme resonated deeply with Michael. Throughout his adult life, he felt intensely misunderstood by the public. He lived under a relentless, harsh media scrutiny, often feeling lonely and despondent. Yet, he understood the necessity of presenting a brave face for his millions of fans. The song became his personal refuge, a beautiful reminder to keep smiling through the suffering.
When it came time to bid farewell, Jermaine intuitively knew that only one song could honor Michael’s spirit. He didn’t want to perform a chart-topping hit or a song celebrating fame; he aimed to gift his little brother one last meaningful present.
Singing that particular song was the most challenging thing Jermaine ever faced. The lyrics implore the singer to smile despite their heartbreak. As he stood on that stage, his voice trembled with raw emotion, embodying the very essence of the words—concealing profound grief to deliver a message of love.
It was a tragic yet perfect tribute. Michael dedicated his life to using music as a balm for the world, and in his final moments, his family returned the favor using his beloved melody to try to heal him right back.
