There was a 4-hour memorial service on television today to commemorate the life of Michael Jackson (pictured right), one of the greatest entertainers in the last 50-years.

I didn’t get a chance to watch it, not because I didn’t care, but as a self-employed business owner, I had more important matters to devote my attention to.

Michael was king of the charts when I was in junior high. I remember carrying around a picture of him in my backpack. I totally adored Michael. I’ll never forget waiting excitedly to watch his prime time broadcast of the music video, Thriller. It was all the talk at school the next day.

Just hours before Michael passed on, Farrah Fawcett (pictured left) lost her lengthy battle with cancer. While her passing was expected (she recorded her treatments and uploaded the video to YouTube), it still leaves one numb knowing that someone who made sexy sophisticated is now gone.

The passing of 2 entertainment icons from the 70s and 80s within hours of each other is sad. However, both Farrah and Michael left something behind that will cement their legacy forever. They left an audio and video footprint.

As business owners, this is the most invaluable thing you can do in your business. Posting articles online and having a blog are one thing, but amassing a library of your voice and your image is the best way to leave a legacy and create leverage for years to come.

Even though I didn’t see the service for Michael, I couldn’t help but think of the ways that the organizers of the memorial service could leverage this event for years to come. There are many people who will want to see the service over and over again, for example:

• My mother, who watched the entire service, said that it was so beautiful she would love to get it on DVD.
• I missed it and wouldn’t mind watching it when the time suits me, whether that’s 2-days from now or 2-years from now.
• And (as heartless as this may sound), the organizers need to recoup the costs of staging such a huge production to say goodbye to a legend.

While seeing the ceremony live was free for billions of people around the world, having the chance to replay the event over and over on my time and in the comforts of my home would be priceless (although I know I’d have to pay a fee to get the event on DVD).

As marketers, this is a lesson in how to leverage your creations and leave a lasting legacy. The viral nature of Michael’s ceremony was infectious. The top 10 trending topics on Twitter today was all related to the King of Pop. Yet, just like his music, Michael continues to live on in just one more production.

RIP Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett.