When I saw Michael Jackson, he was dancing down the steps of the Lincoln Memorial singing with an ease, skill and grace that was so incredible, so Michael. The crowd of hundreds of thousands including me surged forward toward him in a collective embrace that I will never forget. His appearance at the Memorial had been a well kept secret.

It was January 1993, the Sunday before the Inauguration of President William Jefferson Clinton. Michael was performing in an amazing concert produced by Quincey Jones in honor of the new President. It was bone chilling cold. I was part of the advance team for the show, wearing battery-powered heated socks.  Michael was soon joined on the stage by a svelte Aretha Franklin, who looked stunning in a short red dress and a fur coat that matched her hair. She sang her heart out and stepped ever so carefully and gingerly down those mighty steps. As great as all the performances were no one else matched Michael's brilliant entrance that glorious afternoon!

Long live the King of Pop. May he rest in peace.

Believe in you,

Nell