I remember the first time I saw the Motown 25 moonwalk, I think I was four or five, it was part of the "Moonwalker" movie (I missed seeing it since I was born a year later afterwards) and then I saw a full performance that same time when I saw "The Magic Continues" and a re-airing of the "Thriller" making-of broadcast. The next day at school, I started moonwalking and kids saw me and asked me to do it!

This is one of the most surreal experiences. I can't help but think of how his family are holding together.

AlexdeParis said:

awww.

I use to almost cry at this advert anyway, but now

I want to hear what Prince has to say...

I still don't believe it...I am so sad.

.....

I know it was his time, but I wonder if God took him away from us because we loved him too much.

Nvncible1 said:

Don't feel alone, my heart is breaking too. I think The Org is a good place to be right about now. (I have "Gone Too Soon" playing on a loop) I'm giving you a hug right now.

Russell Simmons, pioneering hip-hop artist:
"Michael Jackson was my generation's most iconic cultural hero. Courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He'll be missed greatly."

Lisa Marie Presley, musician and Jackson's ex-wife:
"I am completely shocked and saddened by Michael's death. My heart goes out to his children and his family."

Jim Henke, vice president of exhibitions and curatorial affairs at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum:
"Michael Jackson was one of the most creative and successful recording artists of the last 40 years. He became an instant star when he was only 11 years old, fronting the Jackson 5. His solo career was so extraordinary that he became known as the King of Pop. Few other artists of his era reached the peaks that he did, both in terms of sales and critical acclaim. His legacy will live on for a long, long time. We join the world in mourning the loss of this twice-inducted member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

John Landis, director of Jackson's "Thriller" and "Black or White" music videos:
"I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime. Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure. My wife, Deborah, and I will always have great affection for him."

Dick Clark, television and radio personality:
"I knew Michael as a child and watched him grow over the years. Of all the thousands of entertainers I have worked with, Michael was THE most outstanding. Many have tried and will try to copy him, but his talent will never be matched. He was truly one-of-a-kind."

Brooke Shields, actress:
"My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing."

Celine Dion, singer:
"I am so devastated by this terrible news. From the beginning of my career, he was my idol in show business. He was a genius and an incredible artist! I remember when I was growing up and watching him on TV, and all his videos...I had his poster on my wall...he was so amazing...his singing, his writing, his dancing. ...It's unbelievable that he's no longer with us."

Quincy Jones, conductor, composer, arranger, trumpeter:
"I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on "The Wiz" and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the '80s. To this day, the music we created together on "Off The Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad" is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all ... talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

The Rev. Al Sharpton, civil rights activist:
"A friend of Michael's for the last 35 years, I call on people around the world to pray for him and his family in the hour. I have known Michael since we were both teens, worked with him, marched for him, hosted him at our House of Justice headquarters in New York, and we joined together to eulogize our mutual idol, James Brown. I have known him at his high moments and his low moments and I know he would want us to pray for his family."

Linda Johnson Rice, chairman and CEO of Ebony:
"I am deeply saddened by the news of one of the world's greatest and most influential entertainers, Michael Jackson. He was unquestionably an incredible and unique talent for the world to enjoy. I, along with my mother and father, John H. and Eunice Johnson, were extremely fortunate to have a great relationship with the Jackson family.

"In our hearts he will always be the The King of Pop, and I will personally miss him."

Neil Portnow, CEO of Recording Academy:
"Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim. A 13-time Grammy recipient, Michael's career transcends musical and cultural genres and his contributions will always keep him in our hearts and memories. We are deeply saddened by this tragic news and our hearts go out to his family and to music lovers around the globe who mourn this great loss."

Wyclef Jean, Haitian musician, actor:
"Michael Jackson was my musical god. He made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music, he can live forever! I love Michael Jackson. God bless him

I opened the top of my car and blasted Butterflies. MJ brought me and one of my best friends together. Unfortunately he has to fly home today and I didn't get to see him and he's sitting alone in the airport freaking out.

peacenlovealways said:

Me too, but I don't think he'll be saying anything. He'll probably stay clear, there would probably be those who would turn on him.

God Lord Celine is comparing this to the killing of JFK???

lazycrockett said:

peacenlovealways said:

Same here but he spoke well of him when he was alive.

trueiopian said:

That woman has always been batshit crazy.

Damn shame. There will never be another Mike, nor Prince or Madonna for that matter. The absence of the internet as well as less news, cable channels, and magazines allowed them to have great exposure yet maintain an aura of mystery. We didn't know EVERYTHING about them back then. They were household names but not truly overexposed; certainly not in the way that big acts are today. Whether or not you liked him, anyone from Gen X can tell you that he was a symbol of music and culture for many years. Almost doesn't seem real. Best wishes for his family.

Timmy84 said:

Very magical moment. I was in high school. The other day, I was just watching "Ghosts" and "Moonwalker".

My whole family grew up loving Michael. I adored him. My daughter had a MJ doll. My son dressed as Michael for Halloween with the white socks, glitter glove, etc. We all sat around the TV and watched the anniversary specials. My other son copied his moonwalk. He truly crossed generations. My daughter called me from work when all of this broke and was crying on the phone. My son called too and we were just so upset.

There are not many artists who cross so many age barriers and have genuine fans from every age group who follow them and their music. Michael did it well. Prince does too. Maybe that's why there are so many Michael and Prince fans here.

The world lost a truly great person today. There is no one of this decade or the last two decades who can attempt to touch him talent-wise (except Prince). Yet there was always hope that Michael would come back and give us some real music. Sadly, that will not happen now. I can only pray that he left unreleased music behind and his family will share it with the world.

I was out clubbing, and the DJ stopped the music and announced to us all that Mike was dead. It was a bizarre thing to do, but he said he was a big fan and he had to tell us all straight away. A few in the crowd laughed, even I thought it was some joke for a second or so. But damn, what a horrible moment. Minutes later I got a text from a mate who was not clubbing with me telling me "can you believe Michael jackson is dead?". Thats when it truly sunk in.

At the end of the day, he genuinely seemed like a nice guy. And thats what makes it even sadder to me. All that he has given, and probably just a sweet, nice guy, dies like this. Its not fair.

peacenlovealways said:

we probably won't, but that's just how prince does. maybe we'll see a tribute song surface this summer. or not...

lazycrockett said:

She doing what!?

Quincy Jones Remembers Michael Jackson:

Quincy Jones, founder of VIBE and the iconic producer of Michael Jackson’s 1978’s Off The Wall (Epic), 1982’s Thriller (Epic) and 1986’s Bad (Epic), has made a statement on the singer’s passing.

Said Jones, “I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the 80’s. To this day, the music we created together on “Off The Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad” is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all…talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”

lazycrockett said:

She thinks she's the greatest singer in the world

angel345 said:

i bet hes so devastated and shocked right now. whether he says anything is another thing we know what hes like...i hope he does tho

I liked Michael Jackson from his Jackson 5 days and listened to their albums, watched their short-lived variety show on CBS, and even had his Off The Wall and Thriller albums. But my most vivid memory was him doing the moonwalk on the Motown 25th Anniversary Special. I couldn't even dance, but I was trying to learn how to do the moonwalk.

As much as my heart aches for his passing, my heart truly aches for his three children. They've lost the only parent they've ever know, and I have no idea who will raise them now that Michael is gone.

728huey said:

I hope one of Michael's siblings will take care of them.

I just wanted to shout out a very huge RIP to one of the hugest inspirations of my life!! Watching his film clips, his making-ofs, hearing his records and tapes, and later on his cds then mp3s...he has been an influence on my love of music. The reason why I'd dream of being a singer, a dancer, a songwriter...I wanted his MOONWALKIN dust!!! Just the other day I was watching some of clips- Dancin' Machine with the Jacksons and that robotic dance- PHWAR...EFFIN amazing...I tells ya, everything I watch of his that I grew up with...they still tweak the strings of my heart and make me want to create. They make me want to spread that kind of heart pounding joy that seemed to resignate with so many people across the planet!!! A truly amazing soul, I surely hope he sees that, now that he has departed this life and entered the next!! He will be missed, and never, ever forgotten!!!

RIP Michael Jackson- I Love You (to bits!!!)

errant said:

Nevermind. It's horrible. Sway still works for them. I didn't realize. I'm sorry. Good to see them wheel Kurt Loder out of the nursing home for his 5 minutes of contribution, though.