My Funeral and Memorial Service

After finally watching a few clips of the Michael Jackson memorial event, I thought about my own mortality and the fragility of life -- even if one doesn't take dangerous drugs that should only be administered by an anesthesiologist.

I realized that, not only do I need to write up a will, but I also need to plan my own memorial service and tribute for when that inevitable time comes. Granted, I don't have the celebrity or fan base of Michael, but I still think it could be newsworthy...or blogworthy.

The first problem to be worked out is where to have the memorial. My friends and family are scattered across the country. Although, according to my website, a good percentage of fans are located to the North East. So, I would shoot for NYC. Maybe Joe's Pub, where I play regularly, would be a good place -- although I would have to choose between the 7:00 or the 10:00 show. My fans are getting older and need to get home to relieve the babysitter, so I may have to go for the early slot.

Michael had a lot of famous people talk or sing, but I have celebrity fans too. Maybe Arianna could recite the lyrics of one of my songs. Cyndi Lauper could belt "I Kissed a Girl" -- the original. Although I would rather hear "True Colors." Margaret Cho could play blue and tell some jokes. Maybe we could hire Jermaine Jackson to sing "Supermodel." Where else is he performing? We could also have open mike and/or karaoke. Think of the great house band!

Mind you, I hope that I live for a really long time. I'm in no hurry for that final disappointment. But when I'm breathing my last breath... you are all invited.

By the way, to be able to afford the future deli tray and open bar, I hope you all visit my website -- JillSobule.com -- or go to your favorite music site and buy my new record, California Years. It was 100% fan-funded. Here is a song from it called "Good Life." It is also about the end times.

Comments

[JustMeLe]

Hey Jill, So funny to see you on here. I was just singing your version of "hot in herre" this a.m. my 4 y/o thinks it's hi-larious. umm is that inappropriate? But you know how 4 y/olds like to take off all their clothes right? That's the part she thinks is funny i bleep most the rest. haha. i'd def. get up and karaoke that one! gonna check out your new album... cool

[PlanetKansas]

People who write their wills and put their estates in order are doing so in consideration for their loved ones.

The chaos Michael left behind is a passive aggressive signal to all of the people who used him, but never really loved him. The disputes will drag on for years and diminish everyone involved. It is tragic for the children, but he must have known that even if he tried to protect them, the vampires that surrounded him would have contested it anyway.

The same thing happened to Bob Marley, who is now more product than prophet.

[ToonMoene]

In the words of a real musician ...

"But when I go
I want to go....
yes, I want to go ...
I want to go like
Eliah, when I go"

[gusmo]

Thanks Jill. I want you to know that have already asked my family to play Good Life at our funeral if my partner and i are lucky enough to go together in a plane crash or other disaster. Maybe you could go sing it! But since I wont be there to enjoy it, the recording might be enough. Although, you might pick up some fans at the funeral. Anyway, I hope we don't have to worry about this for a while.

[gallimaufry03]

Yeah, I'm writing Good Life into my will for the funeral too. Excellent song. I'm not into chicks but I'd totally make out with JS.

[MsPolyTheist]

Hey, I really like your music, but that should be "open mic." It's short for "microphone"; it's not a guy's name. (Unless we're talking about an open casket for Jackson's funeral...open Mike?)

[gallimaufry03]

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mike

"Mike" for microphone is completely appropriate.

[Alan Sheckter]

Hi Jill. Call me; I'll pay for the deli tray. Of course if I go first, check with my will executor. And hey, I'm STILL mad that Katie whoever thinks she's the "I Kissed a Girl" girl.

[MaryAnnVicki]

I have told my family that when I die don't even claim the body just hop a flight for Disney and have fun

[kathy001]

LOL! Same here, although I told them to just take the day off and have some fun.

[LeonBNJ]

On a more serious note, it is always a good idea to have a decent will, a list of who gets certain personal items, your minor children, make sure who is beneficaries of your life insurance or other assets (like your 401(k) monies), what you want done as to your funeral and burial. You should revise and update it as needed. It can save a lot of hassles for those that have to carry out your plans especially if you have a sudden death as well as properly take care of your estate.

[NYCmofo]

I always thought of you as the Queen of Pop. But just don't make the memorial too soon.

[Carl Stroud]

Jill! hopefully this isn't a repeat-you're freaking brilliant! come back to DC!

[Dogmudgeon]

Please don't die, Jill!

I would be so sad. Your music would end, your voice would be silenced, and your soul would be lost to our aching world. I would cry for days upon days.

If I were to attend your funeral, I would bring one perfect white rose, place the flower over your cruelly stilled heart, and kiss the brow of your beautiful face, a face which would never again be creased by even a single worldly worry.

But it would be so totally cool to be able to sing "I Kissed A Dead Girl."

You go, Girl ... but wait a few decades, m'kay?

[gallimaufry03]

dude ... that's all just kinda creepy ... no offense ... i'm just sayin'

[Carl Stroud]

Jill Sobule=Lyrical Genius!

If the service is at Joe's, I'm there, but I may have to skip out early. I'd ask if that's ok, but I know you wouldn't mind...being dead and all.

[PaulTobin]

Jill... I so enjoyed your recent show in Portland Oregon that I hereby do swear, that if I happen to own any elephants at the time of your (far in the future) passing, then I will make sure they are available to take part in your funeral.

[Aeon109]

Jill, I am so happy for you getting back into the spotlight! First I hear you on NPR, and then I see you online performing with Julia Sweeney. I just recently found a job after a year or so--maybe the new album will soon follow! Oh, by the way, pleez don't die, but if you do, do you still talk to Fabio? Maybe he could deliver a speech, and the tears could fall down his aging, chiseled chest...Lotsa Love!

[RRonin]

Hey, it's all about ME! What made you think it was all about YOU?