People across the globe are speaking up in tribute to the fallen King of Pop. We’ll be adding more throughout the day, so check back…
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Mike was one of my closets friends as a child, he was the first person my height, complexion, and hair style, who could dance I had ever seen on TV. I will remember the first time he sang Ben as a kid, the numerous occasions on Soul Train, the summer we only listened to Off The Wall, the 2 years we rocked Thriller, the time I got in a fight with my dad to score tickets to the Victory Tour, that ugly Beat It Jacket he convinced me to wear, the day the earth stood, still when he moon walked across the Motown 25 stage, the time he switched the whole hood from Coke to Pepsi, the way he would smile whenever in the presences of Ms. Dianna Ross, the best scenes from the Whiz, and the fact that he transcended race long before the NBA, Oprah, Hip Hop, Obama, or me. For all these things I will always love him.
Tayyib Smith
Founding Publisher, Boss, Influencer, at two.one.five magazine, 215mag.com,  my clients call me Little Giant,
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I met Michael Jackson at the age of eight — when his father and my new friend, Joe Jackson, first began to bring the Jackson 5 to Chicago, from their home in Gary, Indiana, for concert appearances. As the word of the Jackson 5’s devastating abilities as concert artists had already begun to spread like an out-of-control forest fire — to the, laser-like, attention of all Chicago area, R&B Music Stars!

The prevailing thought process, among local, R&B stars, with respect to this very young group of entertainers known as the Jackson 5, had become: “If Michael Jackson & his brothers were booked on an, upcoming, Chicagoland show — leave it alone! Don’t book it — Don’t go on that show and get, completely blown away by young Michael and the Jackson 5!!

Michael Jackson’s, personal, crescendo of amazing power, as an entertainer — was clear and unmistakable; and has never slowed to this very day! His passing will be grieved far beyond that of any other singer, composer, producer, dancer and choreographer, in the history of the world. Indeed, in my very firmest, personal, belief there will never, ever, be another Michael Jackson!
Don Cornelius
Soul Train
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I still remember being a kid watching motown 25 with my family and losing my mind when he did the moonwalk. Despite what he may have become in the end, pop music is what it is today because of him. There could be no justin timberlake, omarion, usher, chris brown… Even robbie williams or private etc without the music of Michael Jackson.
Jesse F Keeler
of MSTRKRFT
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Michael gave black people an opportunity to succeed in life. Before him I can’t remember another black face on the tv screen. His impact on the world goes far beyond music and entertainment. He is an historical figure not only in this country but across the globe. I only wish his last days were filled with one quarter of the love he’s receiving in his death. We tear our legends down and its sad but today I will celebrate him because I would not have a direction in life without him in my life. Michael Jackson thank you for existing and being such an important part of all our lives.  MJ I love you so much .
Dre
of Cool & Dre
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Michael Jackson will live forever through the thing that he put all of his life energy into: his music.  I will do my part to keep the melody alive, to keep the energy forever changing form, but never ever dying!! Long live Michael Jackson.
Ne-Yo
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I’m still in shock. Some of my best childhood memories included Michael. My walls were plastered with his posters…I even wore a white rhinestone glove and Thriller leather jacket to see the Victory tour show. As I reminisced today I recalled how I felt seeing the “Beat It” video for the first time…and “Billy Jean” when the sidewalk lit up as he stepped on it. He was innovation in every sense of the word and he changed my life. He started me on the path I am on today career-wise…the 1st time I was ever on TV was waiting in line to buy tickets for the Victory tour and a reporter interviewed me. I thank him for inspiring me in so many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Cara Santiago
CEO-One Degree Enterprises
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Its truly a tragedy that Michael Jackson, one of the worlds most prolific, perfectionist performers of my generation has now left us.
Not only because of the fact that he’s gone, but because it was of how he was treated while he was still living.
The man was ripped to shreds by the media & I hope people will come to realize how absolutely toxic & lethal the poison of gossip, slander & criticism effects us. I hope now, he’s finally at peace.
Its very interesting & almost terrifying, seeing how the media, the very vehicle that delivered all the poisonous hatred & antagonism, is now finally showing Michael the love that he’s always deserved as an artist. He lived a openly tortured life from childhood until death.  I can’t help but wonder as an artist myself. how different his life would have been, if people took the time to put themselves in his shoes, rather than knocking him down for his insecurities.
Truly a tragic story. I ask you, people of the world, to look a bit deeper at what this loss truly represents.
Thriller was the first 12″ album I ever owned & I would play it on repeat on my fischer price record player & I would make up dance routines for my little sister & I, as we each rocked one mitten (we didn’t have gloves).
From the bottom of my heart, Michael Jackson, you inspired me from as early as I can remember & I will always love, respect & cherish your talent, vision, hard work, heart & soul.
Rest in peace <3 x
Christina Empress (Producer, Vocalist, Song writer, DJ- Empress)
http://ChristinaEmpress.com
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Well, I met him working a party at Studio 54 in 1982 or 1983.  He’s indirectly responsible for me meeting a girl there I dated for a very short while, Amy Lumet; she was at the same party; her dad directed the film version of THE WIZ I think.  I was always a fan of the Motown stuff, but have to say his music defined that era 1982-1985—more than any other.  It was ubiquitous in the clubs.  As for now, I have the most awesome house remix of Get on the Floor that I am sure is old but still plays like yesterday.  I used to always say he was once an African American man who wanted to be a white Diana Ross, but his personal troubles never got in the way of my appreciation of his music and his moves.  Looks like a lot of people feel the same way.  I know he spoke often of his faith, I hope Jesus welcomes him and he gains peace.
Henry Heshelman
platformgrp.com
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Michael Jackson was an Amazing person. I will keep him and his family in my prayers and may God bless them in this devastating time.
Trina
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Michael was as a true gift to this planet. His talent surpassed all of his peers. He has inspired every living person who has had a dream to be an entertainer for over almost 40 years. His death is as much a mystery as his unbelievable and outstanding abilities. Music has lots it’s “M”. It’s now called Usic. He will obviously be remembered and cherished for generations to come. He is gone, but the songs will last forever and continue to move the living as well as the souls coming to planet earth in the year 3012. Do the moonwalk Mike!
JD Shultz
artist/composer
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“Michael Jackson is the foundation of modern pop music through his vison , creativity,  and uncanny ability to eliminate the barriers of race via his music. I don’t think we will see an artist of his unending ability from many many years, if ever….in my humble opinion.”
MC Flipside

The man was a true genius and it’s unfortunate that his later years have been tarnished by all the craziness. He was a pioneer…a maverick…a massive influence on so many artists who have followed in the past few decades or are still to come. I never got to see him perform live and I’m very sad for that, but he’s touched so many millions, maybe billions of people. What kid (boy or girl) didn’t want to rock the one glove, the leather jacket, whatever? What kid didn’t run around doing the moonwalk, or re-enact Thriller or Beat It at a school dance? I’m dating myself, but you get the picture. Whatever controversies have followed him, no one can deny that he is a true icon musically and philanthropically. He will be missed greatly, all around the world. May he find peace and harmony wherever he is now.
Ryh-Ming C. Poon
PR Director, Guitar Hero Franchise
Activision
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I think I had exactly two friends who gave a shit about Iran, and about the death of 16 year old Neda.  One was Jackie Price and one was you.  Today, nearly everyone I know is outpouring over the tragic death of MJ.  Finally, some news that is easy for CNN to cover and easy for America to consume.  It’s amazing to me how people really didn’t give a shit about students being beaten to death in the streets in another country, but are heartbroken about the death of an entertainer in America.
Barney Waters,
Palladium Boots
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Oh Michael.  Why?  Why did you have to go before you could come back?  And why did you have to get so weird on us?
I grew up worshipping MJ, which made his bizarre personal issues hard to reconcile.  I’m feeling such a mix of love, confusion, admiration, sadness and curiosity about his personal demons and psyche.  A man that had everything, who changed the world…and yet he was so broken…
Rest in peace Michael…despite all your contradictions, I will always be utterly blown away by your talent and originality.  Thank you for the incredible music you gave us.
serena yang
serenayang.com
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Michael Jackson more than anything inspired me to dream.  Most people thought he was strange as do most of the masses when people think independently but he dared to live life the way he saw fit.  He did music for the sole purpose of healing as opposed to just trying to do hot songs.  And as a unique minded person myself I am well aware that he channeled much of that music.  And it takes a person with a very special connection to themselves and God to channel music that powerful.  Thank you Michael for daring to dream and think outside the box.  You’ll be missed.
Ilyas
of Tanya Morgan
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I was thirteen years old and in a year, had gone from seeing RETURN OF THE JEDI at the newly remodeled Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood with my family to sneaking into RISKY BUSINESS at the UA North Hollywood with my Junior High cohorts in a cry of independence.  Yet on an early December afternoon of that year, nothing would bring me more anticipation than the wait for MTV to premiere Michael Jackson’s 14 minute long short film “Thriller.”
At the time, MTV was all over the place, and perhaps in retrospect, I wish it still was.  There were back to back videos by Suicidal Tendencies and Culture Club, and the hosts were uniquely.. well.. human.  Yet something special happened on December 2nd that changed my life forever when my sister and I made sure to not leave the living room at no matter what cost to our bladders, to ensure that we witnessed every second of Michael Jackson’s epic video “Thriller.”  And did we ever.  Over and over and over again.
Whatever you want to call “Thriller”, one thing is certain, “Thriller” is not a music video.  This is a movie filled with a three part narrative, a reveal, and even an open ending with a “oooooh” at the end.  Add on the mind-bending choreography to elevate the make up and effects and I dare anyone to say this masterpiece is on the same level as Greg Kihn’s hit music video for “Jeopardy” ,which came out months before “Thriller”, and relied on a large Roger Corman-esque tentacle in a wedding chapel to offset poor zombie effects.  John Landis and Michael Jackson didn’t just set the bar, they created the bar… and to this day, it still stands.
Just recently, I was in the middle of a haircut while sharing a Corona with my hairstylist when “Thriller” came on the television screen.  Suddenly, without noticing, I discovered my head had turned to the television in utter awe.  It was only during the classic Vincent Price voice-over did I even remember where I was sitting and, honestly, I was just hoping in my own fixation with the screen that I didn’t lose a piece of an ear.  Yet at that same moment I took a look around the place to witness every eyeball glued to the screen…. not a body movement under the halogens.  It was just Michael on screen… doing his thing.  And the rest of us… we were his zombies.
Michael Abbott
United Front
unitedfrontfilms.com
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When I was 4 years old my mom made me the best Michael Jackson costume ever, glove and all. Looking back I remember being in complete awe of him at that age. He was the first recording artist to ever actually make me understand and appreciate the power of music and performance. He will be missed but the standard he set will continue to inspire musicians for decades to come.
Adrian Martinez
HMIC- Undocumented Management
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Was just listening to his demos again earlier this year, the ferrari vocals and charm will be missed, play ben then and the current version live in asia2002 and as you listen smile towards the sky
Patrick Hoelck

So many memories of Mike. As a kid I stuck all the Michael Jackson puffy stickers all over the headboard of my bed. I had the notebooks, pencils, folders, all types of paraphenelia.
When Thriller came out, as a kid I was scared to watch the video because of the zombies. But was so fascinated by it.
My father would buy me cassettes and vinyl of all my favorite artists on their release day. I used to play this game with my friends… I lived in a big house so we would shut off all the lights and play Thriller really loud on the stereo, and when Vincent Price would come on, we would scream as if we were being chased by Mike himself.
I honestly learned about Michael’s older tracks in my 20’s. And I fell in love with them in such a soulful way. Giving me goosebumps when I’d hear them.
As I got into my car yesterday I heard his music coming out of every bar, car, television and stereo… I thought to myself what an amazing accomplishment it is to have impacted the world in such a wonderful way.
Michelle Ten
Missfit Styles
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My dad took me to see the jackson five at town hall in nyc in the early 70s. Michael was really young and I remember rockin robin on the radio all the time. The hues corporation (rock the boat) opened for the J5.
We sat in the orchestra on the aisle way up close. This was my first real rock concert. (To be followed by david cassidy as the infamos madison square garden show arond 1974). I watched the jackson five cartoons on sat mornings as a little kid until they were off the air!

I was obsessed with michael from that point forward and was fortnate enough to see michael and the j 5 perform many times over the years.
Jennifer Gross
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I posted an image of when we all saw Micheal, Diana and Nipsy Russell during the filming of The Wiz. At that time we all new him before his fame. None the less I will always remember him as a great entertainer. An individual with passion and craft. A man that will no doubt be rememered for the joy he brought to me with his music. Rest in Peace my friend because to all we felt that kind of loss.
Manny Carlo
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No paparazzi at the pearly gates – find your final peace, brother, son and father; the battle is over and you won, mother, wife and partner, leave us mortals our earfuls and eyefuls of you as icons, but lay your sweet, sweet souls, your still, still hearts, finally, brightly, to the gentle audience of eternity and the smile of God, slow-clapping and eyes wet, the applause, finally, of your Proudest Parent.
Hobey Echlin
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I speak for the dance music community when I say Michael Jackson’s music has rocked more dance floors than any other artist, period. I was definitely looking forward to heading over to London to catch a few of his shows. His musical genius will be sorely missed.
Dave Audé
Billboard Chart-topping producer and DJ
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(From Nelson George’s Facebook page, used by permission)

Orson Wells’ rich, brilliant & ultimately doomed character Charles Foster Kane died, alone and unloved, in his California mansion. At the time of his passing he was a deformed, corrupt and far removed from the genius displayed in creating his mass media empire. In the aftermath of Michael Jackson’s I couldn’t help but think of ‘Kane..’ Michael’s Zanadu had been stripped from him a few years back, leaving him wandering from rental to rental home, such as the one he died in in Los Angeles yesterday.

Michael was prepping to try to recapture his once elevated status with 50 sold out shows at London’s massive O2 arena. But that was not to be. In fact I believe that the stress of preparing for that show, after his long performing layoff, played a role in his demise. With the music, videos and event tour that supported ‘Thriller’ Michael re-invented the art of the blockbuster album, creating an international stardom that endures. And, sadly, for the last twenty five years of his life Michael was in a losing battle with himself, trying to match that magical year even as the culture changed, the record industry imploded, and his personal demons ruined his reputation.

At several points in his life Michael revolutionized pop culture. He lead the first black teen group to cross racial lines. With Quincy Jones, he produced a trio of albums (Off the Wall, Thriller, Bad) that reinvented the rules for black artists musically and in terms of international appeal. The videos, grandiose, elaborate and full of wonderful dancing are still the gold standard for the merging of music & image. Along with Eddie Murphy, Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey, and so many other media legends, Michael made the ’80s a golden age for black pop culture.

I, like so many of you, grew up with Michael Jackson. With my mother, sister and family friends I attended the Jackson Five’s first Madison Square Garden show. Over the years I attended eight Jacksons/Michael Jackson shows and spend countless hours over the last forty years thinking about and, often writing about that man. In fact a book I did about him, The Michael Jackson Story, in 1984 jump started my career. It was first book and first exposure to the media machine that both celebrated, reported about and, ultimately, ripped him apart.

It’s hilarious how one sided much of the immediate commentary about the man has been. Sinner or saint? More apt is artist and sinner. People want to simplify a truly complex life. We have to be sophisticated enough to acknowledge that greatness and a touch of evil dwelled in the man. I’ve always believed that transcendent art emanates from the purest, most evolved parts of our soul. But that highly spiritual achievement doesn’t absolve us of our daily misdeeds. To simply brand him a smooth criminal, as some have, or to overlook his tragic nature, as have others, is to deny his humanity. The meaning of Michael Jackson’s life — as a black man, a sexual being, a abused and abusing adult — will be interpreted to fit the prejudices of the speaker. His music — it speaks volumes.
Nelson George
Writer

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