In memoriam: Michael Jackson dead at 50
As news reports and shocked reactions ripple around the world about the news of his death, it's impossible not to reflect on the eternal and profound mark Michael Jackson left on music and pop culture at large.
While there are countless nerve-tingling moments in his storied career, few had the cataclysmic and immediate impact as his performance of "Billie Jean" on the now legendary "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Forever" TV special in 1983 where he debuted his patented "Moonwalk." For anyone that was there or watching as it happened, it was a moment that literally changed pop culture overnight.
In celebration of the music and memories, here is that magical moment to relive all over again.
Please feel free to use the comments section to share your thoughts and remembrances of the eternal King of Pop.
-Scott T. Sterling
How very sad for his family, loved ones and fans
Posted by: Sonya | June 25, 2009 at 03:30 PM
Its so sad to miss the greatest pop star ever to be on the face of the earth. will be sadly missed by the world and it family and fans
Posted by: yolande | June 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
My partner thinks its a hoax to get money/get out of his london tour which is dubious due to his 20 million dollar lawsuit by his manager - I think its for real and the King of Pop has left us.
Posted by: Kelsey | June 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
I am utterly heartbroken and feel devastated at the loss of my childhood hero. His music meant so much to me, and he did tremendous charity work on behalf of children. I do not believe he ever harmed a child, and I feel he was targeted because of his wealth and celebrity status. The world has lost a great man, and my deepest condolences to his mom and children.
Posted by: michele | June 25, 2009 at 03:42 PM
oh my god. that is so sad... I will miss him very much!
Posted by: Arielle Preston | June 25, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Absolutely bonkers news. Dreadful. Unbelievable. JW - London, UK
Posted by: Jason Walsh | June 25, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Dear God....Goodbye Michael Jackson. I cannot believe you're gone. Thank you for being one of many people to fuel my inspiration in music. I LOVE YOU!
Posted by: Lauri Winter | June 25, 2009 at 03:44 PM
Michael Jackson's death is a blow to modern music. There will never be another quite like him. Rest in Peace, God Bless.
Posted by: Liz | June 25, 2009 at 03:45 PM
wow,
when I was growing up, he was THE pop icon, then all the later stuff...
I will miss his music.
Posted by: Patrick | June 25, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Lifelong hero.
Posted by: Sion | June 25, 2009 at 03:51 PM
Wow...
Posted by: S | June 25, 2009 at 03:51 PM
... I'm shocked, he suffered a lot, and i'm sure i would have gone mad as well i guess with this kind of life, i'm so sorry, it affects me in a strange way, he's an icon and we built him and destry him at the same time.... i hope he got relieve and he's enjoying now far away from here....respect.
Posted by: Leonardo | June 25, 2009 at 03:52 PM
Michael Jackson, a friend, a father, a son, a man, a legend forever.....
Posted by: Zahraa | June 25, 2009 at 03:53 PM
RIP MJ
http://www.shockertoys.com
Posted by: Shocker Toys | June 25, 2009 at 04:01 PM
I'm absolutely devastated at this incredible loss of talent. Michael Jackson was ethereal, brilliant, original, gifted. He can never ever be replaced. We'll never forget him.
Lots of love and blessings to his family during this sad time.
Posted by: Kimberly Mills (Canada) | June 25, 2009 at 04:01 PM
Shocked and disappointed, was so happy to have tickets to see him. Will always regret that I never saw him live. Rest in peace MJ.
Posted by: darion leigh | June 25, 2009 at 04:06 PM
Hmm, A great man and like someone said : a legend FOREVER!!!!
Posted by: Daniel | June 25, 2009 at 04:07 PM
One of the most influential people in my life. such a sad day, i feel like i've lost a member of my own family. god bless you and thank you for all the music you gave the world.
Posted by: Alex N | June 25, 2009 at 04:15 PM
That is so sad to hear, he will be missed but never forgotten...
Posted by: shalisa | June 25, 2009 at 04:22 PM
The King of Pop and one of the kindest human beings ever!
Such a tragedy!
He will be sorely missed and I'm going to be pumping his music more than ever in memory!
Posted by: Fiona Bloom | June 25, 2009 at 04:23 PM
My heart, prayers and thoughts go out to his children and family. Ever since I saw him when I was age 10 I was hooked. He touched my life and millions of others. May he now get the peace he needed. R.I.P. Dx
Posted by: Denise - UK | June 25, 2009 at 04:26 PM
This is a very dark day because the king of all music died...Michael Jackson.
Posted by: Dale Wesley Farris | June 25, 2009 at 04:29 PM
Rest In Peace Dear Icon! You impacted so many lives with your amazing talent. I am personally devastated and you now know how much you were a part of my life. You are with me forever.
Posted by: Sherry Giskie | June 25, 2009 at 04:36 PM
WoW just can't believe it....grew up loving that man, he changed music as we knew it. I just wish I would have been able to see him live...see him in his element...what he was put here to do...My heart goes out to his family....and mostly his children.
Love From Canada
Posted by: Melissa | June 25, 2009 at 05:22 PM
R.I.P. Michael. You will be missed...We love you!!
Posted by: Deborah | June 25, 2009 at 05:31 PM