Michael Jackson memorial: Stevie Wonder sings 'Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer'*

Pop & Hiss brings you quick thoughts on some of the main performances at today's Michael Jackson memorial.

What: Stevie Wonder's "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer." A Michael Jackson collaborator, Wonder gave a brief introduction to his 1971 song and held the crowd captivated from the moment he began speaking. Wonder noted that Jackson had covered the song himself, and Michael handled his version "so incredibly," said Wonder.

Powers writes from inside the Staples Center that this is "the most personal-feeling tribute yet." "I never dreamed you'd leave in summer," Wonder sang, alone at his piano, and drifted into "They Won't Go When I Go," extending the performance into a nearly 10-minute one.

If it would have continued, no one would have complained, as Wonder looked as if he had knocked Staples Center still. Wonder shouted the refrain of the song, letting his voice crack, calling Michael's name. "A friend to a friend," Powers wrote, "a moment of modestly stated but real grief."

— Ann Powers and Todd Martens

Photo: Singer Stevie Wonder, right, arrives on stage to perform at pop star Michael Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center. Credit: Paul Buck / EPA

*Commenters have suggested that Wonder was not referring to "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" when he said Jackson covered the song, and was instead making a reference to "I Can't Help It" from Jackson's "Off the Wall," a song Wonder co-wrote.   

Comments

[TC]

Most touching performance of the tribute

[John]

Actually the song Stevie spoke of was "I Can't Help It" from "Off the Wall." That's what he was noodling on the piano. Then he went in to "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" and "They Won't Go When I Go."

[ZairaAmaterasu]

I have just a complete adoration for Stevie, so my judging about whatever he does is biased by immense admire, I'll admit it. Still, this was the greatest moment in the whole memorial for me. I loved the speeches (Marlon, Magic, Smokey and Brooke's especially) and loved the performances (weel, not all at the same level: Usherand Mariah just didin't seem completely honest to me, but I am sure they actually were and I certainly mistook their feelings, don't wanna diss anybody) but when Stevie came up, and he spoke with heart on his open hand, I started to have eyes wet. then he went into the music and the way his voice caressed and sighed over the words and along the notes was so overwhelming for me. that is the power of music MJ was also capable of. That thing that comes straight from the inner core of an individual's soul and just breakin any possible barrier touches everybody around. Artistically, Michael has always been legendary, and so it's no surprise another legend can so well homage him in the way MJ himself was so totally blessed to spread. With art, heart and immense sincerity. Thank you Stevie for being there yesterday. I am sure Mj himself from Heaven smiled and kissed you with love.

[kbacot]

Yes, John is right. Stevie's memerial service medley began with an instrumental intro, "I Can't Help It," written by Stevie, and performed by Michael on the "Off The Wall" album.

Stevie's song selection was inspired and stirring, and his voice was soul personified.

Stevie's tribute was elegant, personal, artful and righteous. Only Stevie Wonder could perform at once both a reverent requiem and an indictment that glittered and stung with truth. Bless you, Stevie for your gracious expression.

[MDouglas]

"They won't go when i go" was the most powerful moment of the memorial service, the performance was such a beautiful and touching dirge to the plight that was Michael's life in respect to being misunderstood and disrespected in the media. why is it that WE allow this? These people are picked on so heartlessly BY THE MEDIA... what has our world come to?? That we are reliving high school everyday when we watch "the NEWS". There is no truth in this stuff, only rumor and speculation. SHAME!!! No wonder the people that are being picked on have issues- it is because they cannot go anywhere without some horrible person trying to create havoc in their life in order to cash in on their misery... OUR CULTURE MUST CHANGE>>> and the MEDIA must get back to reporting FACTS and getting the public to INGITE REAL CHANGE! and unfortunately, genuine change usually has no price tag attached- so the media and their vested interests would not be able to collect their ransom if the public wakes up. PITTY that it has come to this. this will only change when we decide to stop buying into the rumors and lies. Do you have that much self control??

[Stan]

There is a major poll running over at www.tinyurl.com/evilgood as to whether Michael Jackson was good or evil. Evil is currently in the lead! I think this poll is being recorded in some sort of record book, anyways, everybody go vote for good!

[MiJacMourner]

Stevie Wonder's beautiful rendition of "They Won't Go When I Go," I agree, was the most moving musical tribute at the memorial service. Although I could not quite understand all of the lyrics during the live performance, something in me perceived that they conveyed a powerful, but subtle message that was directly relevant to the circumstances of Michael's death. Now, after days of reading about Michael and the people with whom he was surrounded during his last few years on Earth, and after reading Stevie's lyrics online, I believe I might understand some of this message which seems to be directed at specific individuals. How insightful of Stevie, and how utterly apropos. I wonder if the lying friends and greedy men who brought about Michael's tragic end have yet caught on.