Apple’s retail stores were shuttered with its signature tall glass windows covered with white sheets to keep the proceedings secret.

Store employees are using the time to view a live broadcast of an event to celebrate his life. The event is being held at an outdoor amphitheater at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, according to a source familiar with the plans.

Pop star Norah Jones and British band Coldplay performed at the employee event in California, according to the source.

Stores in state were closed from 9 am PDT to noon PDT, according to posted signs.

In addition to the closings, the company published a Remembering Steve page on the Internet, compiling more than 1 million email tributes it has received since Jobs died at the age of 56.

The employee celebration, held from 10 am PT to 11:30 am PT, follows a private memorial service for Jobs at Stanford University that was attended by Silicon Valley luminaries, politicians and celebrities.

Jobs died after years of suffering from a rare form of pancreatic cancer. Chief Executive Tim Cook said in a memo to employees on October 10 that a celebration would be held Wednesday.

Former President Bill Clinton, News Corp Chief Digital Officer Jon Miller and U2 frontman Bono were among those who attended the private memorial held last Sunday in Stanford University’s campus.

- Reuters