NEW ORLEANS—
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The opening night of the Essence Music
Festival was all about music and remembering Michael Jackson.During a concert Friday that included performances by Beyonce,
John Legend, Ne-Yo and Salt-n-Pepa in the Louisiana Superdome, the festival saluted Jackson with a picture and video montage and a traditional New Orleans jazz funeral procession.
With their heads bowed, brass band musicians played a mournful "A Closer Walk With Thee," on the trumpet, trombone and tuba. Then Jackson's unique voice wafted throughout the Louisiana Superdome as photos flashed of him as a young boy singing with his brothers.
More tributes for the fallen pop star are expected Saturday but plans have not been officially announced.
