At once a symbol of Jackson's success and excesses, Neverland became the site of a makeshift memorial after his death Thursday.

Scores of fans have streamed past the gated entrance to leave handwritten notes, photographs, balloons and flowers.

He was 29 and at the height of his popularity when he bought the ranch, naming it after the mythical land of Peter Pan, where boys never grow up. There, he surrounded himself with animals, rides and children.

Jackson fled the ranch - and the country - after his acquittal on charges that he molested a 13-year-old cancer survivor in 2003 at the estate after getting him drunk.

On the other coast, meanwhile, Jackson fans converged on New York City's famed Apollo Theater on Tuesday for a public tribute to the performer, clutching photographs, cheering and dancing to his music at the legendary venue that launched the one-time child star's career.

The Rev. Al Sharpton gave a rousing speech praising the pop star to hundreds of fans who crammed into the theater as others waited in line outside to pay their respects.

"Michael made young men and women all over the world imitate us," Sharpton said. "Before Michael, we were limited and ghettoized. But Michael put on a colorful military outfit, he pulled his pants up, he put on the one glove, and he smashed the barriers of segregated music."

The promoter who booked Michael Jackson for a sold-out comeback tour said Tuesday that footage of the singer's rehearsals may be released in the future, and that an all-star tribute show based on his canceled concerts is likely to take place.