Jackson Fans Gather at Harlem's Apollo Theater

6/26/2009
Katelyn Latawiec
Fans of the late Michael Jackson gathered at the entity that helped launch his fame.

Fans of Michael Jackson flocked to the Apollo Theater in Harlem to remember the legend

Within minutes after media outlets confirmed Jackson's death, hundreds of people gathered at the theater to sing his hit songs, imitate his signature dance moves, and mourn.

Jackson first performed at the theater when he was nine years old with the Jackson 5 in 1967. The young singers won Amateur Night after stunning the crowd with "I Want You Back."

The theater displayed "In Memory of Michael Jackson, A True Apollo Legend, 1958-2009" on its marquee, and fans wrote farewell messages on pieces of cardboard outside the theater.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, a friend of Jackson, addressed the crowd Thursday at the theater for about 15 minutes. In a statement he released earlier, he asked people to pray for the legend and his family.

Fans stayed long into the night to remember and pay their respects to Jackson.

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