R.I.P. Michael Jackson

Travel Blog  •  Jim Benning  •  06.25.09 | 8:20 PM ET

He was a truly global pop star. Exhibit A: Our slideshow of Michael Jackson around the world.

Exhibit B: Jeffrey Tayler’s brand new World Hum essay, Michael and Me: Strangers in Moscow.

Exhibit C:



130 Comments for R.I.P. Michael Jackson

ithics 06.25.09 | 11:32 PM ET

lol love the vid!

Guess people are already starting in with the bad taste jokes too…check this crap out
http://michaeljacksondeadashell.com

jacko 06.26.09 | 4:32 AM ET

Caroline Loweth 06.26.09 | 5:22 AM ET

What a loss to music… Such a shock!!!  Regardless of all the media reports and incidents over the years, you’d have to agree surely, that he was the worlds best entertainer. I don’t know a single person of my generation (40 something) that hasn’t had memories made by or with a Michael Jackson song/s. Music will never be quite the same again… Lets face it, there’s been nothing like Thriller ever since… A singer/song writer who truly did give it his all.
R.I.P MICHAEL.

christine 06.26.09 | 5:34 AM ET

The most amazing singer and performer the world has and will ever see, nobody will ever be able to come close to his greatness, true pop royalty and that is how he will always be rememberd by his true fans. R.I.P

ZARAH JOSHUA 06.26.09 | 5:38 AM ET

MWAZZZZZZZZZZZ TO THE KING ...GONA MIZZ YOUR FACE…RIP…YOUR MUSIC KEPT ME COMPANY THROUGH MANY A SAD DAY!!!!!!!!!1

hayley and debbie 06.26.09 | 5:42 AM ET

wako jackoo iss dead:’(
rest in peaceee “ledged of hip hop!”
sweetdreamms,look dwn on us please keep us safe frm any harm
50 yrs old and already dead:O..
rip xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Megan 06.26.09 | 5:51 AM ET

michael jackson is just a hero. I never imagined that this would happen. He’s the king of music, and idol to millions. I love michael jackson!

Laura 06.26.09 | 5:55 AM ET

O my god, im shock that he passed away, i alway loved his music and he wicked dances move defo the moonwalk , i just started to dance like him as i got all his albums,
R.I.P the legend of all history of music
you will alway be in my heart of music
Mwah xxx
god bless the kidz
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thomas Stwalley 06.26.09 | 6:01 AM ET

“look dwn on us please keep us safe frm any harm’’ oh my GOD!!! Did you sleep through the last 20 years? Tell me something. Would you have let your children stay at his house overnight?  Enough said…

Rachel Cotter 06.26.09 | 6:03 AM ET

A legend has died and he will be missed rest in peace Michael.

Thomas Stwalley 06.26.09 | 6:13 AM ET

I do not agree that he was the world’s best entertainer. You must know nothing of James Brown or Elton John. I saw James Brown in concert when he was already past 60 years old. It was absolutely fantastic. Micheal Jackson could not even compare. Elton John has more talent in his little finger than Micheal Jackson had in his entire soul.  There is a big difference between being an entertainer and a musician. Elton John, James Brown - both.  You don’t believe me, ask any real musician you can find what they think, and get ready to have your heart broken. You really think anyone will be covering his songs - sorry, my my mistake,  not “his songs” - the songs other wrote for him. Answer:  nobody does now! You don’t ave to look that far ahead to answer this question…
ONLY THE MUSIC MATTERS.

Carmelita Lee Shong 06.26.09 | 6:18 AM ET

A true performer, the KING of POP, an idiol!!
THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC!
Rest in Peace…

Thomas Stwalley 06.26.09 | 6:25 AM ET

Yes, let us forget about the music and praise Micheal Jackson as a father figure! He left the world over $400,000 million in debt, yet he was able to justify renting an apartment for $100,000 a month!

Caleb 06.26.09 | 6:30 AM ET

So totally loved his music- soundtrack to my youth…written a blog and having a party at mine to celebrate his songs….
http://blog.freedoma.com/2009/06/26/michael-jackson/
The world’s invited….

Bish 06.26.09 | 6:45 AM ET

Seriously people - whatever music “legacy” he left, the man was a paedophile - you don’t pay your victim $16 million to go away if you’re innocent. Drop all the “ZOMG WE WILL MISS YOU” rubbish and accept that it was long past time for this child molester to croak.

If I was a multi-millionaire paedophile, I’d build a fairground in my back yard too…

eugene 06.26.09 | 6:48 AM ET

hey thomas..such a idiot man..why do u care so much??even james brown stil alive,he oso need to paid tribute to MJ

eugene 06.26.09 | 6:50 AM ET

agree with bish..he can do wtever he want with his own $$..

janet olowookere 06.26.09 | 6:53 AM ET

long live micheal jackson forever, forever you will be king, king to pop,pop you changed,changed life for life, R.I.P Micheal we,ll love you forever

eugene 06.26.09 | 6:57 AM ET

thomas,,ok thn,u ask jamesbrown o elton john sing MJ song,u tink thy can??no…elton john cant even dance..gay…

karyn mooney 06.26.09 | 7:04 AM ET

What are we going to do Micheal we ill love u and the songs that u gave to us they came in to are life’s like u in so many ways
i give all my love and peace you now to be with the jackson’s.
Micheal R.I.P.
U WILL BE REMINDED IN ARE HARTS AND THE SONGS ,,

Thomas Stwalley 06.26.09 | 7:12 AM ET

Eugene, the problem is Micheal Jackson had no money of his own. By the way James Brown is dead. Elton John can’t even dance. My point exactly - dancing is not important - it is a form of entertainment, and Micheal Jackson was average to say the least. You can’t say he was a dancer. If you think he was, I suggest you attend a ballet in Russia.  Elton John Gay - you are off topic.  At least he didn’t molest children…

Thomas Stwalley 06.26.09 | 7:14 AM ET

and his children of choice were boys…

ginny 06.26.09 | 7:14 AM ET

it just amazes me how people can sit there and say rip and he was such a great performer he was a child molester and a freak of nature.  It amazed me how people behave when someone is famous and they break the law and then how it is so casually swept under the rug and forgotten, now if that was an everyday normal person going to court for child molestation the people would be ready to lynch him but because he was who he was i guess it accetable in my opinion everyone on here saying how magnificent he is needs there head examined and they need some prozac and need to wake up and live in the real world morons. normal people dont walk around with chimpanzees dressed as toy soldiers and have a friking zoo in there back ground and want to sleep with little boys and most normal people dont want to be peter pan has the whole world fell off the friking looney truck.

luraine 06.26.09 | 7:21 AM ET

May He Rest in Peace….

luraine 06.26.09 | 7:25 AM ET

You will always be remembered Michael…God Bless You

Evelyn 06.26.09 | 7:26 AM ET

From someone a little older than Michael.who grew up with the music.

Your gentle ways -
treasured performances -
You are true music legend -

Rest in Peace no one can hurt you now.

frances 06.26.09 | 7:29 AM ET

MJJ is the only famous person ive ever followed.  His songs are part of my childhood memories, each happy time has one os his songs attached to it.  I cant believe his death has effected me in the way that it has.  Nobody will ever come close to the performer, singer, songwriter, dancer and businessman he was.  I love you Michael, I hope now you can rest in peace, away from all the nonsense people tried to destroy you with.  You are not beaten, I hope you are looking down on these moments knowing how much you were loved and respected.  Cant quite believe your gone . . .xx

Thomas Stwalley 06.26.09 | 7:33 AM ET

If you want to morn someone - remember John Lennon. The world is a better place for him having been in it. Micheal Jackson left his entire family in debt, while he continued to live an eccentric lifestyle…If John Lennon never made music, he would have still been a great man. Micheal on the other hand was propelled to fame because of music. Most of which was throwaway pop, with nothing substantial in meaning. He did nothing to make the world a better place except for giving us a few songs to shake our booty to…KC & the sunshine band even managed to accomplish this. How long will they be remembered?

jim 06.26.09 | 7:33 AM ET

truely messed up man

martin 06.26.09 | 7:35 AM ET

i loved micheal jackson n im shocked that he is gone from those who loved him iv got every album n i so upset its hard 2 explane

Thomas Stwalley 06.26.09 | 7:35 AM ET

Great businessman? Paul McCartney once advised Micheal that buying copyrights to songs was a good way to turn a profit. What did Micheal do? He bought the entire Beatles catalogue! The was smart, but if he was such a good businessman, how did he did leaving over $400,000 in debt?

Thomas Stwalley 06.26.09 | 7:37 AM ET

Sorry that is $400,000,000. MY MISTAKE.

luraine 06.26.09 | 7:46 AM ET

We are not perfect. everyone commits mistake.Please just for a while respect the death of the late Michael Jackson. past is past Let the Lord Decide where he will be

Shoaib khan 06.26.09 | 7:49 AM ET

Micheal Jackson was a Rock star. His death is a death of pop music. Nobody take his place. He was a superb musician as well as dancer also. May God his sould Rest in peace.

paige* 06.26.09 | 7:50 AM ET

LEDGE (:

imeh effiong 06.26.09 | 7:52 AM ET

MICHAEL JACKSON. THE WOLRD BEST POP STAR.. ON ONE IN THIS WORLD WILL BE AS MJ. I LEARNT MANY THINGS FROM MJ HIS DANCING STEP, THE WAY HE SINGS, THE LOVE HE HAS FOR LITTLE CHILDREN AND LOTS MORE.. I LOVE ONE OF HIS TRACK SPEECHLESS, I USED THIS SONG TO WIN A GIRLS HAERT….  M.J R…..I…...P

Becky 06.26.09 | 7:54 AM ET

Micheal Jackson best dancer in the world, true LEGEND maybe dead but never forgotten rest in peace, i agree with paige thomas you prick thomas ur a prick

Demi 06.26.09 | 7:56 AM ET

Micheal jackson you may be dead but no-one will forget you EVER. We hope for you ton look over us. R.I.P xxxxxxxxxxxx<3xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Caleb 06.26.09 | 7:59 AM ET

louise dobbs 06.26.09 | 7:59 AM ET

what a lost to the world!!!he will be so missed in the music world.he will always be remembered in our house as he was at number one on the 11/9/.1995 with am not alone thats the day my daugther was born.R.I.P.

Aiysha1992 06.26.09 | 8:06 AM ET

i am very very upset to hear the news of the King Of Pop, the news has not yet quite sunk in. God took him for a reason and now he can rest in peace. i will and always be a devoted michael jackson fan, and hope wherever he is, he is in a good place and will always pray for him.
I have grown up with michael jackson even though i am 17, and there will never be an entertainer like him, he is the best and always will be in my heart to the day i die. LOVE ****
MAY MJ FOREVER REST IN PEACE

michelle 06.26.09 | 8:08 AM ET

im very sorry to hear the death of any man woman or child but michael jackson was no different to any other person in this world. no one will even know wat happened with those children in his home as no one will ever talk about it and he is dead so he wont be telling the truth about it. for people who wish to morn him let them have it as for me i wont be mourningsomeone who no one ever truly knew all people knew was his music. i hope he will rest in peace

marie 06.26.09 | 8:09 AM ET

i can belive micheal died i was in tears when i heard is is the king off pop always will be i am gonna miss him so much r.i.p micheal x

Micheal fan not 06.26.09 | 8:16 AM ET

Gee, I guess we no longer have the right to express our opinions without being kicked out of a site. This would never happen in Moscow. We still have freedom of speech here. I grew up with the music of the Jackson 5. I lived less than 100 miles from Micheal. I enjoyed their music, but I also liked the Osmond Brothers and the Partridge Family! Seriously, we all do make mistakes, but to say that in reference to what he did…you are in denial about who Micheal truely was. Thomas is right!

Micheal fan not 06.26.09 | 8:23 AM ET

Best dancer in the world? Now I know what kind of audience I am communicating with! Personally I think he wasn’t the best dancer in the world, but I truely believe he was the best father. An absolute role model for every real man. He understood when it was time to sacrifice for his children, to forget about his desires, and to put them first!

Michael Jackson Memorial 06.26.09 | 8:26 AM ET

Pay your final respects to a great star who will be deeply missed!!!

http://www.michael-jackson-memorial.com

luraine 06.26.09 | 8:46 AM ET

What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget….....

jean jonesOL35JE 06.26.09 | 8:48 AM ET

DO NOT CANCEL THE TOUR , Turn it in to THE TRIBUTE TOUR , do it for everybody, do it for his kids . Footage would be enough for fans and I think just being there celebrating his life would be the ultimate rememberance. R I P Michael….......... Join in to try to make this happen!

lynn 06.26.09 | 8:52 AM ET

what a sad day. rip michael ,no one can ever replace him.

Jacko Dead 06.26.09 | 8:53 AM ET

He will be missed by millions, RIP MJ

Pauline 06.26.09 | 8:53 AM ET

Thomas,

Youre the only weirdo around here!! If you hated MJ that much what are you doing on a site that his fans wish to pay their tributes to

jack 06.26.09 | 8:58 AM ET

Bloody good riddance, one less kiddy fiddler and bad dancer in the world. If there is a hell, he is surely worthy of it,

esther bestall 06.26.09 | 9:06 AM ET

my God all u ppl talkin bout him bein a child molester nd stuff like dat stop it…the guy just died show him some respect….wether or nt u like it thomas he was nd is the king of pop…just go watch CNN nd get sme F’in real information…Michael will remain in ma heart forever no matter wat all u haters say….nd isn’t Elton John gay…nd James Brown may have been a legend bt he did not last as long as MJ nd was never even put in the same league as Michael Jackson nd that is a fact. What u said is just ur opinion so do us a favour nd stick it up urself

Laura 06.26.09 | 9:08 AM ET

Replying to Esther Bestall-

I agree and disagree.

People are what they are and there’s no need to sugar coat it death. Probably not all that healthy, either. Point is MJ was a supreme talent and American icon, no matter what horrible things he didn’t or didn’t do. He was also clearly controversial. Just take all of it !

(cheap travel lovers - follow @BudgetVacation - your wallet will thank you later)

Darl'ton Nwokoma 06.26.09 | 9:17 AM ET

Micheal Jackson epitomized pop music. His musical career was superb. May he find peace as he sleeps.

Marisol Jaimes 06.26.09 | 9:18 AM ET

Basically, I’m heard Michael Jackson when I was 5-years-old, the dangle baby moment when I was 10 and the comeback concert 3 months ago and shockily his death stunned the world and he will missed by the fans around the world and my favorite Jacko’s songs was “Thriller”, “Scream” with his sister Janet Jackson, “Billie Jean” and even “You Rock My World” video with comedian Chris Tucker and he will be in heaven.
R.I.P

yun mula 06.26.09 | 9:19 AM ET

oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wat a shock.  jackson is dead????????????????????? oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ma his soul R .I .P.P…..................

Preneshen Govender 06.26.09 | 9:23 AM ET

All opinions, good or bad, aside; what Micheal gave to the music industry can and will never be matched.  He was an icon like no other setting the trend for new a generation of music that was still finding its feet, hot off the 70s.
Not even Presley can claim recognition from such a large fan base spanning 2 generations.  Some as young as 5 years old listening to hits that were on the charts 20 years ago.

Nobody could have dont it better.  I have fond memories of trying the moonwalk as a kid, buying red leather jackets, 3 quater black pants.
This is really a sad day.
RIP THE UNDISPUTED KING OF POP.

yun mula 06.26.09 | 9:26 AM ET

its a big!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cabuMMM…. my one n only jackson is gooooone 4ever? 
( .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address))

natasha 06.26.09 | 9:33 AM ET

Do you people have no feelings!!!!!! To me Michael Jackson was an inspiration to a lot of people, he just wanted to make the world a better place for people, Im not a big fan of the media so i feel whatever happened in the past was a lie and the public was out to destroy an innocent man!!!! R.I.P Michael you was a true inspiration and you will truly be missed. P.S - LEGENDS NEVER DIE xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

emma 06.26.09 | 9:57 AM ET

R.I.P   Micheal xxxxxxx

Jacke 06.26.09 | 10:01 AM ET

All legends are taken far too early - R.I.P Michael, your soul is now free from you inner demons, may you soar and finally be at peace.
Please allow respect to those wishing to mourn his death, if you didn’t like him don’t leave comments on a blog dedicated to him.  Also please have the respect to allow us to mourn who we wish !!
R.I.P

Ling 06.26.09 | 10:03 AM ET

I know he died of a coronary, but in truth, all he wanted was to be redeemed and loved by his fans again. Couldn’t do it in life, but he knew his death would wash away his sins and make people remember the glory of all his talent. He was right. RIP Michael Jackson.

tally 06.26.09 | 10:14 AM ET

people like jack, thomas and Jim open their dirty mouths and just spill out a load of rubbish, why dont u just leave the judgement to God and let those of us who appreciate good talent mourn his death.
people like u no doubt live life criticising people on what u possibly would be found doing behind closed doors.  He has lived his life and left an impact on the whole world, WHO AND WHAT ARE YOU??????

R.I.P Michael, u are truely a legend.

Robert Paston 06.26.09 | 10:20 AM ET

Bye bye Paedo. At least the kids of the world can sleep sadely tonight!

jeffl 06.26.09 | 10:43 AM ET

a lot of you are in denial about who Micheal Jackson was. if he was not so famous, he would have spent the last many years of his life in prison for child molestation. you insult thomas’s comments, and say he hates micheal jackson, but i don’t see it - he is only speaking the truth you don’t want to hear! in the end, micheal was responsible for his own death and demise. if he would have been convicted of his crimes, he probably would be still alive today. what I fail to see is how you people turn a blind eye to the fact he drugged and molested children in untold numbers. it is your right to remember micheal the way you want to, as it is the right of anyone to remember him for the way he lived his life and the horrible things he did. what about the psychological damage he inflicted on all the innocent children unfortunate enough to have come into conntact with micheal? where is the outcry for these children?

Ireland-remembers 06.26.09 | 10:44 AM ET

Like A Comet
Blazing ‘Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

You will be missed soo much.

All our love

STRETCH 06.26.09 | 10:53 AM ET

A TRUE LEGEND IN THE WORLD OF POP MUSIC….................. I SAD SAD DAY…................ REMEMBER PEOPLE HE WAS FOUND NOT GUILTY IN THE LAW OF COURTS…........ LEGEND WILL ALWAYS BE FOREVER MORE…........... R.I.P.

lee 06.26.09 | 11:00 AM ET

Since when do great businessmen die owing such an incrediable amount of money? I understand he was a superstar in the eyes of many - the same people that think Budweiser is great beer, and Married with children was quality TV. I personaly find him to be a hypocritic. You can’t sing about loving the world and children, etc, at the same time you commit acts so sick you scare children for life. MIcheal was seriously disturbed, and this illness resulted in his death. If he was really such a good person, how was he capable of such acts? He had no regard for the well-being of the children he supposed “loved” - they were simply toys in his sadly disturbed lifestyle. Come on, how can you really love children and have sex with them? He was not a good person. Period. Praise him all you want, but it says a lot about the kind of person you are. It does not matter what you think about his music. It is clear Micheal cared more about his perveted lifestyle than making music. As a musician, he was not even very productive. He is remember for what, 1 or 2 albums at the most. If music is really what your life is about, you spend more time making it. He simple used his wealth to indulge himself in a sick lifestyle, isolated from reality. In the end, he paid for it with his life.

marcus 06.26.09 | 11:07 AM ET

Micheal had some popular songs, but he was disturbed. Why does everyone not want to remember him for what he really was? It was his choice to hurt those children. I don’t understand how an adult believes that becasue in the eyes of the courts (law) he was found innocent - that then it is true - he was innocent. The two are mutually exclusive. Are we really that ingorant here? You probably think OJ did not kill Nicole - yes!

davelee 06.26.09 | 11:15 AM ET

If we really respect Micheal, we will remember him for what he was. If he did not want to be rememberd as a child molester of the worst kind (one that pretends to love children), then he should have sought help. He was aware of his actions, and did not care. It is our culture of populatity that allows people like him to do anything they want, and to get away with it. Respect Micheal - remember him for what he truely was. It was his choice…I bet none of you would be so forgiving of a unknown person accused of the same things. We see only what we want to see- however it does not change reality.

mark rummery 06.26.09 | 11:23 AM ET

MJ is a truly immortal dance/pop artist of the world stage. I saw him perform in Singapore. He worked so hard at his craft and succeeded in creating an act of genius that is now written in his-story. Problem was as is always the case with these legendary performers his inner circle was ignorant and made errors in judgment. They turned a blind eye when he needed help and guidance the most! No one ever reports the millions that the MJ freight train made over the years with not a finger being pointed in their direction. No one can go through life a loner and expect to come out unscathed. If he needed psychiatric help and repentance so it should have been written! You without sin may cast the first stone!

They knew a few concerts would square things up financially. No one can read stress when you have been stressed like Michael and wearing a mask for so many years anyways! Ignorance killed the man. Pain killers hid the pain! I can not understand Uri saying he was a close friend and then saying that Michael was a very lonely man! What is your point? Fans or not we are saddened because he had everything; he gave everything but probably died angry and beaten up inside. He is now in heaven, no more pain killers, no more bills, no more mind games, no more exploitation just thanks and admiration from all the other angels who have been preparing for his coming for a few weeks now… They knew he couldn’t possibly perform after being so punch drunk / slaphappy exhausted! Rest in Peace.

Chris Partland 06.26.09 | 11:30 AM ET

MJ,

Thank you for the best teen years from the white glove to thriller. It was a blast!

Chris Partland
http://www.michaeljacksonmemorials.com

brandon 06.26.09 | 11:32 AM ET

I am a musician, so I wanted to see the reaction to Micheal’s death - and I came across this blog. Music is my life and I have played it and studied it for over 40 years. I was happy to see the comparison to James Brown. Reality time….James Brown was much more influential on music than Micheal Jackson. Opinions do not matter here - it is a fact. I you do not know this, you need to educate yourself. I don’t remember who said Micheal had a longer carreer, but that is inaccurate, however, unimportant. If you love Micheal’s music - please continue to do so, but let others do the same. If you want to examine his place in music history it isn’t so impressive. Sales don’t always equate to musical innovation or music that will stand the test of time. I think the comment about Budweiser summed this up well. Just beause a lot of people like it, doesn’t mean it’s great. Things that appeal to such a massive audience are but nature operating on the LCD (lowest common demoniator priciple). He was truely a POP icon, but that is different that being a great musician with an influence upon music and musicians. His biggest fans are not musicians - believe me, I have been around thm al my life…

Donald 06.26.09 | 11:39 AM ET

RIP Micheal! I did some research on MIcheal’s financial siuation at the time of his death. He could have lived another 20 years and never gotten out of debt. I think this strees and the drugs, his irresponsible lifestyle killed him. Someone said a few concert tours would have cleared his financial problems - this is not true. He would have needed to be the next Bill Gates to rescue himself from a life in debt. Now he is free from this worry, but what about his poor children?

Caleb 06.26.09 | 11:47 AM ET

http://blog.freedoma.com/2009/06/26/michael-jackson/
Blasting out the radio all day long!

mark 06.26.09 | 11:54 AM ET

indeed! a great…..


Farewell MJ

afo 06.26.09 | 11:54 AM ET

GOD…...........WHY DID MICHEAL DIES….......RIP…WE LOVE YOU ...ALOT….ONELOVE..

mark rummery 06.26.09 | 12:13 PM ET

Donald, man creates these dept traps and you can look at Donald Trump - example yah - and tell me how he is still in business and living a life of luxury after going bust so many times? Who gave MJ the money in the first place? MJ was some financial advisors dream kid! I understand he naively just signs the bottom line! He’s a performer not accountant! They need BIG KICK’S to keep the dream alive! Quite often than not they tip over the edge. That makes me angry too. But what a world class legend of Pop!

The Kid’s? Yeh, they are Jackson kid’s… that will always help… hopefully they have inherited some MJ entertainment talent. It’s some kind of hidden little society up there in tinsel town… . If the Kid’s don’t have talent now that could be a problem! Ouch!

Alford 06.26.09 | 12:15 PM ET

Interesting comments. I am not a musician, but I love music and know the history of our generation’s music. I agree that while popular, he wasn’t so influential in music, only as a personality. Being well known doesn’t mean you’re a great musician. Tell it like it is - he was a POP star, not a musician. Budweiser is right. Everyone remembers Tina Turner, but the real deal was Ike Turner. We consider Bill Haley the father of Rock n Roll, but it is only because of his one popular song rock around the clock. The real father of rock n roll was IKE TURNER. Most do not know this, but that does not make it untrue. He is more responsible for the rock n roll music we all love and enjoy, than micheal is. Micheal was just a pop idol. His musicial influence is really nil. However, RIP Micheal…sorry you were so lost you never got the help you needed. It is over now.

tommylei 06.26.09 | 12:28 PM ET

He inspired us all. A legend.

Michael Jackson’s Final Madison Square Garden Shows (photos)

http://www.msg.com/photos/michael-jacksons-final-madison-square-garden-shows/slide/1/

sarah reed 06.26.09 | 1:26 PM ET

micheal such a fantastic performer , there will never be a nother micheal jackson my heart goes out to his family . ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS NEVER FORGOTTEN R.I. P MICHEAL .

roger 06.26.09 | 5:12 PM ET

michael is michael…no more thrillers….to all his detractors, may you rest in peace also….

Sam 06.26.09 | 5:42 PM ET

R.I.P MJ

Olivia Natalie 06.26.09 | 5:44 PM ET

Micheal you are legend who has inspired people of different ages, races and sizes!
A born Singer, Dancer and perfomer!

You were the KING of Music! & I feel so lucky to have been able to share your music which will be around for years to come.

R.I.P You are truly missed!
My heart goes out to your family and friends.

Dee 06.26.09 | 6:32 PM ET

Why does everyone assume that they know Michael Jackson so well?  Do you always believe everything you read and hear in the media?  Unless you knew Michael Jackson personally, you’re only making ASSumptions about who he truely was.  (You know what they say about people who assume things, right?).  What we do know for sure was that he was a musical genious and that’s not a matter of opinion.  His music transcended race, culture, generations, etc.  He sold millions and his music (Thriller, Billie Jean, PYT, Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, etc) still makes you want to get up and dance to this very day.  I love him for the music he gave the world and his music is the only thing I know about him without drawing conclusions or making assumptions.  I will never never forget it….RIP MJ.  God Bless his kids and the entire Jackson family.

Juice 06.26.09 | 8:24 PM ET

I dont think anybody will ever know if Michael Jackson was guilty of the things he was accused of but what we DO know is that his music has done a lot of things for a lot of people in one way or another.  What I do know is his songs will never be forgotten and I personally am saddened by the fact that he is gone. 
  R.I.P Michael Jackson. I’ll still be blasting your music when I’m 80!

Fred 06.26.09 | 8:59 PM ET

Michael Jackson will be greatly missed, but his music will live on! Check out this tribute to him….awesome is all I can say. We’ll miss you Michael.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ_hZ5nvHU4

MJ_fan 06.27.09 | 9:06 AM ET

eugene 06.27.09 | 9:10 AM ET

thomas..u out of topic too..dis is a site dt paid tribute to mj..not to keep shaming on mj..u just annoying..ballet??such a boring dance ever..

Jay 06.27.09 | 2:17 PM ET

Thanks for the info Arnold

Jay 06.27.09 | 2:19 PM ET

Ballet ??? no wonder you like Elton John

Teresa Farr 06.28.09 | 11:02 AM ET

God bless you Michael. I know you were innocent, all those people that make sick jokes or think that you were guilty just because you paid the families off don’t know what they are on about. I have been a victim of abuse and I know no money on earth would ever keep me quiet. You were a true genius and I know that you are now at peace in a place full of the love you deserve. RIP. Teresa, England

ALBERT 06.28.09 | 5:35 PM ET

CHILD MOLESTER

ALBERT 06.28.09 | 5:37 PM ET

MICHAEL JACKSON IS A CHILD MOLESTER AND ANYONE SUPPORTING HIM IS NO BETTER.

Thomas Stwalley 06.29.09 | 12:06 AM ET

so Jay, according to your logic you must also molest children - I mean you love Michael so much. the comment about ballet. never said I like it, and that is beside the point. The fact is an average ballet dancer is a more talented dancer than MJ.  Amazing you all support Micheal and cut on elton saying “isn’t he gay”.  Let me see, MJ drugged little boys to molest them - and you think he wasn’t gay?

Jane 06.29.09 | 2:44 AM ET

What else can I say? Michael Jackson is gone but his music will live forever. Peace man!

Deanna 06.29.09 | 7:04 AM ET

i love michael soo much!!
he is so divoted to his music and i love him for that lol
rip michael jackson we all love u.

u will all ways live in our heads and heart. we all are so deverstated to here that u died when i found out i have not been listing to eny one elses music lol but only yours:)

i am still upset about him dieing

LOVE YOU MICHAEL!!

paul 06.29.09 | 7:14 AM ET

michael is the king of hip and hop he was good at what he done.
i love thriller the most because the song and lirkes are soo powerfull the way he sings it is soo good.

RIP JACKO WE WILL ALLWAYS MISS U.

CHRISTINA KLIMENKOU 06.29.09 | 8:59 AM ET

Michael I will always love you and you will always live in my heart. You are the BEST singer, dancer,intertainner,producer…YOU ARE EVERYTHING AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THE ONLY ONE!!!!!!Rest In Peace…Goodbye….

Ares Vista 06.29.09 | 11:21 AM ET

Michael’s performances were one-of-a-kind, as he moved people to tears and even made them pass out! To see footage of the ‘worship’ people felt when he was performing is proof that he is the King of Pop. No one will have this effect on fans, ever again.

Alecsia 06.29.09 | 11:51 AM ET

A moment of silence in his memory. RIP.
Michael Jackson’s Funeral - VIDEO here…

Teresa 06.29.09 | 2:31 PM ET

ALBERT you poor old soul, shouldn’t you be taking your anger out on the people that have maybe ‘interfered’ with you, you hold so much anger you have to type in caps, or maybe you’re just too dumb to know how to take the keyboard off CAP LOCK!!!!

To those that understand psychology, it is obvious you are transferring your anger to the wrong people, if you still hold so much anger, come out of denial and get some help… you need it!

Case Closed.

jonny james 06.29.09 | 3:19 PM ET

You MJ fans cannot spell at all. Go back to school. You grammar is also a disgrace.

jonny james 06.29.09 | 3:28 PM ET

tribute to MJ (You wanna be bad so beat it)

children of the world
sleep safe tonight
no longer need to live in fright
the monster no longer sleeps under your bed
away the nightmares in your head
children of the world
sweet dreams to you
the bad man can no longer hurt you
died as evil
died as evil did
sin so sick we can not forgive
the mask is off
as he lie in wake
in terror no longer shake
left forever to burn inside
hell is where the monster will reisde

ashley 06.29.09 | 9:37 PM ET

i was inspiried by his music and his dances he was a true LEGEND he was the best i called him the second james brown because he could dance his but off he was the cutest out of all his brothers he looked just like janet but just a boy sorry for the skin disease you still looked like MICHAEL it dont matter if your BLACK OR WHITE you still can dance and you still can sing. my favorite song was bad thriller and beat it. really all his songs the best one was with his sister janet scream when they hugged it was so nice i don’t believe he raped those little boys it’s ashame he had to die that way he still lived till he was 50 yrs old rip MICHAEL you were a true legend i hope you rip you are and always will be the KING OF POP

Pivos 06.30.09 | 4:32 AM ET

I lit a candle for MIchael at http://www.mykingisdead.com/ that will be there forever. They have a wall where you can leave a message
with other fans from all around the world in remembrance of Michael. He meant so much to so many fans and here you can show how much he meant to you.

MJ fan 06.30.09 | 5:20 AM ET

MJ Tribute
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1TjtJ8wRCI
The One and Only

Alecsia 06.30.09 | 7:17 AM ET

What will happen with his kids? Who’s gonna take care of them..? It seems that his mother, Katherine, won temporary custody yesterday of Michael’s three children, aged 7 to 12.
Read here more about this topic (VIDEO INCLUDED).... 

elissa 06.30.09 | 1:37 PM ET

Michael will truly be missed.  His legendary talent and humanitarian contributions will forever be remembered.  At the height of this young mans career certain individuals began to accuse the pop star of unspeakable things.  What I simply question is this… As a parent, I would never, ever allow my child to sleep over anyones home - celebrity or not.  For those that did (for whatever reasons) why on earth if your child had been sexually abused would you settle for $20 million? Wouldn’t you instead have done everything in your power to expose the person who did this to “your” child and make sure the “world” knew about? And help avoid other innocent children from going through the same abuse?
At the height of his career (his net worth) being a billion if not more this could have been a perfect opportunity for some not-so-nice parents, “yes they’re out there,” to cash in on some much needed cash.  Leaving a door open for others to do the same.
I’m not saying Michael is guilty.  I’m also not saying he’s innocent.  What I am saying is he was acquitted of charges filed against him.  So, he’s not guilty of any such crime.  Did he abuse children? I do not know? However, If I were the parent of one of those “said” accused… Michael would not have ever come as far as he did.  No amount of money would take away the innocence he stole.  So, in Michael’s defense, I have to say, he was too trusting and although he was different, strange and bizarre to some, he was what he was and that was all. 
Loved the music… watching him perform, and most of all watching him grow and how others loved him as well.  He was different, good for him! If he wanted to look different - so what? Because he was a Black growing up in a time many wouldn’t/couldn’t understand, made him work 10x harder than the average musician.  He was a true entertainer born way before his time.  A legend. 

And if he were guilty of any of those “said” accusations… he surely paid for that while on this earth.  He was made by his parents and broken by the those of greed and media attention.  Let the highest judge known to man judge Michael now that he’s crossed over ~~

R.I.P.

Luv Ya M.J.

Albert Rets 07.01.09 | 12:10 PM ET

Clearly, this isn’t Michael Jackson… but it’s still funny to watch.  If you don’t laugh at this, check for a pulse.
http://www.zoomtorrents.com?file=Michael_Jackson-Leaked-Sex_Tape-DVD.avi

Anna 07.01.09 | 12:51 PM ET

R.I.P Michael.                                                                                                                    You`re music will live forever.                                                                                                                      I will never forget you.

lewis 07.01.09 | 3:32 PM ET

u will never be forgoten RIP

Takara. T 07.01.09 | 9:03 PM ET

Man i don’t even know were to start!! I still can not believe this i don’t wont to but hey guess i gotta wake up and face reality right. Michael was a king, an icon and last but not least a fighter i say that because not matter what ppl said about him he never gave up. Now to all yall jerks on here calling him a child molester and all that i hope yall burn and hell seriously what is wrong with you talking bout the dead not only that but it’s Michael Jackson the KING OF POP. He was not a bad person Mike help all those sick kids and donated his money and time to alot of ppl. He had a good heart he wasn’t weird he was just misunderstood by some of yall ignorent jerks. And ya’ll talking bout we did’nt even know him, We didnt know him like to call up on the phone but trust Mike fans knew him thats why we all knew he did’nt molestist that lil boy. So all i wont for everyone to do is if you don’t have anything nice to say about him pleast don’t say anything at all. Ya’ll talking bout he going to hell and etc yall need to SHUT UP because ain’t none of yall God what ya’ll need to be worring about is where yo as going. Im hurt that Mike is gone and i wish we could bring him back but we can’t but yet im happy to know he is in a better place where he don’t have to worry about nobody talking and teasing him he’s in peace now God had seen to that, maybe thats why God decinded to bring him with him he was tired of a good man getting stones threw at em. Well that’s really all i have to say wish i could go to his funeral but i can’t but yet Mike knows we all Love him and he will be Missed.
** R.I.P.  Michael Jackson…... You were one that was gone to soon, i loved you all 16 years of my life and will love you for as long as i live.**

deanna 07.02.09 | 5:46 AM ET

michael will like in all your hearts no matter what will happen and if there is one person bad mothing him then go to hell coz he is the no 1.

ALBERT 07.04.09 | 5:21 PM ET

MICHAEL JACKSON IS A CHILD MOLESTER AND ANYONE SUPPORTING HIM IS NO BETTER.
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

caroletta 07.05.09 | 6:56 PM ET

sorry, i didn’t listen to micheal’s music until now. i never understood what he was doing until i listened to his story. i think that everyone should let the family have some priviacy. i know lots of people loved him, but would you want people treating your family like they are micheal’s ,or would you want your family to have time to do what needs to be done, and have time to rest? we don’t have an ending, only a new begining. good luck on your new journey micheal and may you have peace with your new begining.  carol

caroletta 07.05.09 | 7:07 PM ET

rest in peace micheal

Michael Jackson 07.07.09 | 7:04 AM ET

hallo, interesse an einem linktausch? einfach per mail melden! gruß

Stephen M 07.07.09 | 9:40 AM ET

Michael, no matter what they say and no matter what they do, you will always and forever be the GREATEST entertainer of all. You will always and forever have a special place in my heart. Thank you.
May the Legend REST IN PEACE. Goodbye

Annie Whitlam 07.08.09 | 12:55 AM ET

Thomas Stwalley You and others like you are typical of lynch mob mentality, stop embarrassing yourself .Your ignorance is typical of anyone who makes tabloid newspapers their factsheet in life , go get educated. first off a gay person isnt a paedophile, look it up in a dictionary if you can read , if not get a librarian to read it for you. Quite often people who loudly judge others the way you and the other uneducated bumpkins are , gives off a warning bell about you. People who point fingers and label others are quite often guilty of the names they call others and do so to take the heat of themselves.  I am a parent and no way would I take hush money or any payoff at all , I’d take it all the way too court , speaks volumes about the intent of the parents of these kids , money can’t buy justice and if they took a payoff maybe thats exactly what their intention was all along. Until proven guilty in a court of law the man is innocent. Let the man rest in peace , respect his family and kids Thanks Michael for the beautiful music sleep peacefully.

sidney 07.09.09 | 4:47 AM ET

R.I.P MJ!!!!!!! you will forever live in our hearts you are my fav singer and performer

agua 07.11.09 | 12:02 AM ET

agua 07.11.09 | 12:04 AM ET

Robert 07.13.09 | 5:45 PM ET

I really like your blog and I wanted you to know about our new website, timelines.com, where we’ve started a timeline about Michael Jackson at http://timelines.com/topics/michael-jackson. Our idea is to create an interactive historical record of anything and everything, based on specific events that combine to form timelines. We’re trying to achieve a sort of user-created multimedia encyclopedia, in which no event is too big and no event is too small, and where each event can contain various types of resources, such as video, images, maps, etc. It’s also a good way to direct traffic to your blog because your events will pop up along with anything else that’s thematically related.

Thomas 07.14.09 | 3:21 AM ET

I just found a site where you can read the LATEST NEWS about

MICHAEL JACKSON. The adress is http://www.MISSUMJ.com (Miss U MJ)
It even translates into different languages.

My favorite section is the “Tribute videos” which is a collection

of all the tribute videos devoted to the King of Pop.

Check it out!

Alyshia Jordan 07.14.09 | 4:11 PM ET

U R Da Best Michael Jackson.

everyone loves you especially me!. you are gonna be missed by EVERYONE.

R.I.P Michael Jackson

AJ 07.19.09 | 6:37 AM ET

the best way to remember MJ and let him live forever is to play, sing and listen to his songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JILdL2fT6NY

join me in his music and his memory.

AJ 07.19.09 | 6:39 AM ET

To live forever his music should be played, sung and listened to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JILdL2fT6NY

Robert K 07.30.09 | 8:38 AM ET

All of this is so sad… Take the time to view the “I want you back” video: http://lil.cx/wantuback It cheers me up somehow :)

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