The Editor, Sir:

While Michael Jackson's memorial service was being aired on CNN, I was into deep research, preparing for a teaching mission to Barbados. Periodically, I left the computer to watch a bit of it but could hear all that was being said.

When Jennifer Hudson came on stage and began Hold Me [Formally Will You Be There?] I broke into quiet tears as I imagined Michael's rendition superimposed on hers. It was for me an aesthetic delight to hear Michael's voice near the end of Ms Hudson's rendition.

Michael Jackson was an incredibly talented artiste, say what you like. He was, beyond controversy, the greatest musical entertainer in living memory, even if you are a hundred years old.

I am etc.,

Clinton Chisholm (Rev)