Readers pay tribute to the King of Pop
Michael Jackson died Thursday at UCLA Medical Center shortly after he was found unresponsive at his Holmby Hills home. He was 50 years old.
Jackson's musical career spanned decades, and included such hits as "Beat It", "Thriller", and "Billie Jean." Often referred to as the King of Pop, Jackson sold over 750 million albums and received 13 Grammy awards during his career.
In recent years, Jackson's legal troubles and financial difficulties overshadowed his prolific career as a musician. At the time of his death, Jackson was scheduled to perform 50 sold-out shows in London. The tour would have been his first since 1997.
Since the announcement of Jackson's death, hundreds of readers have commented with their personal memories of the King of Pop.
"REST IN PEACE. You and your music will forever. I thank you for all the memories. Your music is my generation. Your music is the greatest. You are the Elvis Presley of my generation. You will be dearly missed," wrote Herman Matias.
"From Germany: Just heard the terrible message before I was going to sleep. One of the greatest artists of the last decades is dead. I grew up with his music, videos and concerts. May he rest in peace, his songs will live on," said Alex.
"My first memory as a child was rocking in a cradle to my father playing Jackson's 'Bad' album. Forget the politics of this special mans life and remember him as an angel flying with distressed wings. I forever can take pride in playing his music and prey he be at one with earth's owner as he was close himself," said Matt Wright.
"You will be missed Michael. I've listened to you every single day for 18 years, my whole life. You were my hero, and it feels like i've lost a close friend. When i found out you were doing a comeback tour, i cried, and when i missed out on tickets i cried. And then yesterday, when more tickets came on sale, i cried when i finally got some. Now this. It's a tradgey. You will be missed. My heart and prayers go out to your family. You will always be the greatest performer, artist and man this planet has ever seen. Rest in peace Michael Jackson, my hero forever and ever," wrote Nicola Hawdon.
"RIP KING OF POP. May you rest in peace and find happiness ...I will miss you deeply...I grew up listening to your music and became a huge fan at such a young age. My very first cassette was MJ's....today is a sad, sad day but your legacy and music will always be remembered by us all....be well my friend =)," said Latda.
"I was born the year Thriller came out. My generation, despite everything that happened outside of your music, owes you for at least teaching us all how to dance and enjoy it. Junior High and High School dances in America have improved since you rocked the white socks and black kicks. Thanks, Moonwalker. RIP," wrote L².
Please share your memories of Michael Jackson here.
-- Brendan Bigelow
Photo: Michael Jackson performs in Moscow in 1996. Credit: Sergei Karpukhin / Associated Press
As a child to a grown women...to a full supporter of his trials of life...he was a great man..who did many great things for so many people..and his music that set a land stone...to his family...my prayers are with all of you..to Michael..thank you for the great memories in ALL you did.
Posted by: Tammy | June 25, 2009 at 06:18 PM
awwww so sad
Posted by: ed | June 25, 2009 at 06:30 PM
Michael will be remembered forever I describe him as the elvis of pop as the king of population when he was young he wanted to change the world he achieved that exactly i pay my respects for changed the world i couldn't imagine the world without him around the world wouldn't of developed to the new age he is the king of pop he is michael jackson. I wish michael well wherever he may be.
Posted by: paul field | June 25, 2009 at 06:32 PM
Based on the recent reports and rumours that MJ was niether physically nor mentally capable of even rehearsing for, let alone performing, 50 live concerts over the next six months. It seems clear that simply attempting to prepare for this huge tour literally killed him. Despite this there was no shortage of people who encouraged this ridiculous "comback tour" as they stood to make big money from a once-great performer who had clearly suffered a mental and physical collapse.
Posted by: James C. | June 25, 2009 at 06:33 PM
Forget the so called King of Pop... Sky Saxon has just died!!!
Posted by: truth to power | June 25, 2009 at 06:47 PM
His life is proof that no amount of money and fame can erase the trauma of a terrible childhood.
Posted by: Xenu | June 25, 2009 at 06:53 PM
this picture makes him look like Liz Taylor
Posted by: mike | June 25, 2009 at 07:36 PM
I can't believe it! Michael-you were one-of-a-kind! Often imitated, but never duplicated! Hands down, the greatest entertainer of all time! RIP! Peace and blessing to your family, especially your three children! Another great light extinguished on Earth, but another angel for Heaven!
Posted by: Rissa Re | June 25, 2009 at 07:58 PM
Devastated by the news that the king of pop is dead. Rest in peace Michael Jackson
Posted by: Leonard | June 25, 2009 at 08:13 PM
my innocence was gone i truly loved his music
Posted by: little italy | June 25, 2009 at 08:22 PM
As much as anyone could be, Michael Jackson was the symbol of an era. Those of us who grew up in the 70s and 80s listening to his music and watching his videos feel like a childhood friend has been lost. No matter what he may have done, and how weird he was in the past few years, nothing can take away from his musical legacy, and the way he dominated pop music for many years. We're mourning the loss of an era, not just a man.
Posted by: SandyC | June 25, 2009 at 08:24 PM
He was an idol for me, as a small town kid in the 4th grade in 1983/84 I had the glove and red jacket and would constantly dance around the house like I was MJ. RIP...
Posted by: Stuart | June 25, 2009 at 08:43 PM
I think Death is being exceptionally greedy this week. Ed McMahon-sad, but no surprise. Farrah Fawcett, expected, and just as sad. But Michael Jackson? WTF? I never considered myself a fan, could not stand his music in the '80's, (his music is so not in my "iTunes"/iPod collection!), but still, this is one of those very unpleasant, very unexpected moments when anyone who ever heard of Michael Jackson has to take stock of the OVERWHELMING IMPACT he had on entertainment. This should NOT have happened as it did, not when it did. Death needs to lay off the celebrities for awhile. 3 in one week is more then enough!
Posted by: John | June 25, 2009 at 08:52 PM
Another of my heroes is gone. Every one leaves this world a little less interesting. I was eight years old when Thriller hit, and Michael Jackson was the first person I ever recognized as a star. He ruled the decade in which I grew-up. None of that would have been possible without the music. His music was daring and original, and his unique (to say the least) persona and presence were always huge. I'll remember that Michael Jackson. Nothing else matters. He was just great. Even a suburban white kid like me could hear that.
Posted by: GaryC | June 25, 2009 at 08:59 PM
Thought I don't know english,at the age of 10,my neighbours (Anglo-Indian) Used to play MJ's . I really started to love this music (I can't forgot "Beat it" - It's on my mobile even today along with "Who is it", "They don't care about us") You have achieved a LOT.You will be never be missed,As I have your songs/music with me. RIP MJ,King of Pop.
Posted by: Lakshmipathi.G | June 25, 2009 at 09:09 PM
Needed a moment to realize how influential this man was in music. I mean there would no MTV without Michael Jackson and his videos. When Madonna dies she will be remembered as the Leona Helmsley of pop, managing her image and her money. We prefer our stars vulnerable, Michael Jackson was that, a tormented man who probably never understood the mundane realities of our lives. But he gave us so much pleasure through his music.
Posted by: Karl | June 25, 2009 at 10:01 PM
I was never a huge fan of Michael Jackson's music, but I always respected him as an entertainer. I was a fan of him as a celebrity and was on his side during the accusations against him. He was wierd in a cool way, a truly memorable celebrity—one of the good ones. He was a classic part of American culture and very creative. He did things people didn't always agree with, sometimes were controversial, but that's what America is about—expressing yourself. Michael Jackson was a legend, an icon, and it is sad to see him go like this.
RIP Michael Jackson.
Posted by: Gabriel | June 25, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Lets Get Real Here: Micheal Jackson is ( was ) without parrell in the World, No One, save a few of us, will fully understand how truly Talented and Gifted he was. Mohammed, Peace be Upone him.
From: Ennis City, County Clare, Ireland.
Posted by: Tomas Van Du Kirken | June 25, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Michael Jackson was not only an unbelievable artist, but also an unbelievable human being. God took his life, because it was too painful for him to go on, I think. But, sadly, he was also a victim and unfairly victimized. God bless his family, especially his children, whom, I'm certain, will miss him dearly.
Posted by: Laraine Turner | June 25, 2009 at 10:28 PM
May the king of pop rest in peace. May his legacy retain the light and magic that has forever been shining. We will never forget the glorious achievements, the exceptional contributions he has bestowed to this world. His music just soothes the soul and is the living glory of our lives.
Posted by: frank jiang | June 25, 2009 at 10:34 PM
Abi here from Cape Town South Africa. Michael Jackson has been the undisputed King of the Music World. As a Muslim, I was very touched by his recent reversion to ISLAM. His latest song on youtube regarding his desire to perform the HAJJ, perform the ritual walk of our Black mother Haggar searching for water for her thirsty Ismael and to drink the Holy water of ZAM-ZAM in Makkah is something I have prayed for him to experience. May ALLAH (God Almighty) grant him a high place in paradise... Amen.
Posted by: ABDURAHMAAN BAILEY | June 25, 2009 at 10:38 PM
MJ was my greatest hero of all time!!!!Leave aside his personal problems, i don't think anyone will deny that he was one of the greatest entertainers of the 20Th Century. Mj, may your soul rest in peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Rahul lemos(Goa India) | June 25, 2009 at 10:41 PM
He loved and was loved.
Posted by: isis | June 25, 2009 at 10:46 PM
very sayd day, he was a legend and he will always be.
Posted by: BBenamara | June 25, 2009 at 10:48 PM
In the end it is someone's son, the father of three children and the inspiration to millions around the world who passed away. I join with many fans of Michael throughout the world in sending my prayers and thoughts to the Jackson family.
I only hope that this newspaper and other news outlets around the country and the world, do the family and themselves a great favor in giving Michael the due respect and admiration he deserves by reflecting on the positive impact he had on this world, and not on the tabloid-like infatuation with his personal life.
Posted by: Giovanni | June 25, 2009 at 11:04 PM