Cleveland: Fans continue mourning for Michael Jackson

CLEVELAND -- In a special afternoon concert in downtown Cleveland, the musical group "Hue People" paused to remind the crowd about the amazing impact that Michael Jackson's music has made across the world.

"To Michael, and the legacy of beautiful music that he gave to us," said lead singer Steven E. Boyd.

Looking towards heaven, Boyd added, "that's just one of the amazing gifts that Michael left us and that's what we are talking about today."

In the Buckeye neighborhood, noted Cleveland artist Neal Hamilton has been getting sudden demand for his recent homage to Michael Jackson that was painted last December.

Hamilton says he created the portrait of Michael out of his love and respect for Jackson's musical genius.

Said Hamilton, "I don't know any entertainer who has touched the world like this man has. I mean, the entire world. You can go in a cave in some Third World country and they would know who Michael Jackson is."

While the medical mystery surround Jackson's death continues to spin, fans around the world have been paying their respects to the pop superstar.

In Hamburg, Germany, fans gathered for a candle light vigil as word spread of the singer's death.

The news was also cause for tears in Mexico City, where a Jackson fan broke down while celebrating the artist's life with a group of Michael Jackson impersonators.

Many Cleveland area residents remember Michael when he first appeared with the Jackson 5 at the Front Row theater in Highland Heights back in the 70's.

Jeannie Emser was the publicist for the Front Row at the time.

"I remember driving the boys to all their radio appearances in Cleveland," said Emser. "Here were all these kids and they were so polite. Yes, ma'am and no, ma'am. And Michael was very shy."

Jeannie, who is now the marketing manager at Playhouse Square, even kept the backstage music lineup for those early Jackson 5 performances in Cleveland.

"You could already see his dance skills at 17, although he hadn't been moonwalking yet. But he was a cool kid, a cute kid and you could just tell he was destined for greatness."