Michael Jackson's death: Fans dance into the night

Although it was relatively quiet this morning at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, that was not the case Thursday, when hundreds of Michael Jackson fans danced late into the night, chanting "Michael! Michael!" and singing songs such as "Thriller," "ABC" and "I'll Be There."

They held up signs that read "King of Pop" and "Michael Jackson Lives Forever." They lit candles and laid yellow roses at a nearby tree, where someone had outlined his name in in red flower petals.

A few people cried, but most danced, smiled and did their own versions of Jackson's dance moves. Vendors ran up the sidewalk with hastily printed T-shirts commemorating his death. Two men sold hot dogs, water and Gatorade from a white pickup parked near several news vans.

Fans carried vinyl records and some wore just one glove. Henry Gonzalez, 20, a student studying neuroscience at UCLA, carried a boom box on his right shoulder that blasted the pop star's hits. A crowd of fans danced around him and followed as he walked up and down Westwood Boulevard.

"I'm the DJ," Gonzalez said at about 9 p.m.

He had been in Westwood most of the day after learning of Jackson’s death. He smiled and bobbed his head to the music.

"I was sad, and then I decided to support him," Gonzalez said. "I'm a dancer. He inspired me a lot."

-- Ari B. Bloomekatz in Westwood

Comments

[Wanda Hughes]

I grew up with Michael, he was 1 year older than me. I loved his music and his soul. I never believed all of the crap that some money grubbing people tried to make us believe. Michael, may you FINALLY rest in peace. The world is very sad place right now but we are all richer for having been so fortunate to have lived in the same time, space and era as you. Your children will be loved and cared for. You have truely left a wonderful legacy.

[DANIEL I A]

Michael jackson will be remembered just like BOB MARLEY and the rest of them. Lucky him, he died a star and a number one class star of pop. Rest in the most perfect peace. Shalom

[colvillej32]

His work (music, videos, performance, etc) was like a cup wiht chocolate ice cream to me , wich I love very much, unique, with good taste, always wellcome, at any hour, living me wishing more and more. I will always remember him, and I will enjoy his music untill I die. He deserve respect, for his talent and the work he made, especially helping causes like AIDS and the childrens from Africa. Everybody that like his music, should fee bless, we had a star between us, a superstar. Many are far away from him. No dout.

[Aleena]

I remember going to school carrying my homework in a school folder that had his "Thriller" album cover on it depicting a vinyl album popping up at the top. I loved that folder....i wish I had cared for it better.

I never believed the lies and smear attempts made on MJ. You can honestly tell that his lack of childhood made him want to surround himself with kids, not harm them. Shame on those who tried to hurt MJ.

When I miss you, I'll just play your music......"Just call my naaame...and I'll be there."

REST IN PEACE!!

[Shalondah]

I want the world to appreciate what a crazy, insane talent Michael was and what an inspiration he was for so many kids from Detriot to Harlem to Tallahassee and beyond into China and Uzebekistan. He will be missed by all those who knew the tender love MIchael communicated and the message of hope he provided to the under-privileged kids who grew up hard in the ghettos with dreams of giraffes and monkeys and elephants like Michael had. God Bless his family!

[cjl]

Well, when all of this settles down, I would like to know if these teenboys (now grown men), Jordan Chandler and Gavin Arvizo will ever be subject to a lie dectector test, and what are they doing now since they were able to tear down with their bare hands a iconic music empire and mogul? It would just be interesting to find out the truth finally, regardless if MJ was guilty or not. In know in court, you must prove your case without a reasonable doubt...so here's my doubt...Why did Michael even start paying off the first accuser in the 1st place if there was nothing there to begin with...because the truth will always outlast a lie....that right there casts speculation on his character. My daddy always told me, you don't worry about what people are saying, "you can live down a lie."

Michael, you were truly one-of-a-kind -- and your presence will be sorely missed here on earth.

[Athene]

I will miss him terribly.