There’s no question that Michael Jackson musical legacy has left the world with a timeless anthology and today’s artist’s with the true embodiment of entertainment, artistry and performance.His friends and admirers speak out about his influence.

“This is such a tragic loss and a terrible day. The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strived to be. He will always be the King of Pop! Life is not about how many breaths you take, but how many moments in life that take your breath away. For anyone who has ever seen, felt or heard his art we are all honored to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson. I love you Michael.”–Beyonce

“This loss has deeply saddened me! It is with a heavy heart I composed this statement. May God cover you Michael. We all lift your name up in prayer. I pray for the entire JACKSON family particularly Michael’s mother, children and all his fans that loved him so much. I would not be the artist, performer, and philanthropist I am today without the influence of Michael. I have great admiration and respect for Him and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to meet and perform with such a great entertainer, who in so many ways, transcended the culture. He broke barriers, he changed radio formats! With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled. Michael Jackson will never be forgotten.”–Usher

“Michael Jackson is the reason why I do music and why I am an entertainer. I am devastated by this great loss, and I will continue to be humbled and inspired by his legacy. My prayers are with his family. Michael will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. He’s the greatest… the best ever. No one will ever be better.”–Chris Brown

“I met Michael Jackson at the age of eight — when his father and my new friend, Joe Jackson, first began to bring the Jackson 5 to Chicago, from their home in Gary, Indiana, for concert appearances.

As the word of the Jackson 5’s devastating abilities as concert artists had already begun to spread like an out-of-control forest fire–to the, laser-like, attention of all Chicago area, R&B Music Stars!

The prevailing thought process, among local, R&B stars, with respect to this very young group of entertainers known as the Jackson 5, had become: “If Michael Jackson & his brothers were booked on an, upcoming, Chicagoland show — leave it alone!Don’t book it — Don’t go on that show and get, completely blown away by young Michael and the Jackson 5!

Michael Jackson’s, personal, crescendo of amazing power, as an entertainer — was clear and unmistakable; and has never slowed to this very day!His passing will be grieved far beyond that of any other singer,composer, producer, dancer and choreographer, in the history of the world.

Indeed, in my very firmest, personal, belief there will never, ever be another Michael Jackson.–Don Cornelius, Founder of Soul Train

“Michael Jackson will always be remembered as one of the greatest performers in the history of popular music. As a child of the 80’s, I feel as though his music and his videos have been an inseparable part of my life and that of an entire generation. And the powerful thing about great music is that it will always live on. He was and always will be an icon. My heart goes out to his family, friends and countless fans for their tragic loss.”–John Legend

“The energy of Michael Jackson will live forever thru the thing that he put all of his life energy into, his music. I will do my part to keep the melody alive, to keep the energy forever changing form, but never ever dying! Long live Michael Jackson.”–NeYo”Michael Jackson was my Music God. He made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music, you can live forever! I love Michael Jackson. God Bless him.”--Wyclef Jean

“Michael Jackson was an icon. One of my musical icons. As 1/3 of Destiny’s Child we had the privilege of performing at MSG concert September 10, 2001. It was magical, I have vivid memories of seeing him clapping his hands and singing along. Not a day will pass that I won’t think of him and his legacy. RIP Michael Jackson!”–Michelle Williams

“As the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), we owe a great deal of our existence to the genius of Michael Jackson who will forever be remembered as the greatest entertainer and the most dynamic force in the recording industry that the world has ever seen. This is a tragic loss that will be felt around the globe. I extend my most heartfelt sympathy to the Jackson family and his fans worldwide. He will greatly be missed”–Bob Johnson

“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.”–Reverend Al Sharpton

“The entire Apollo family is saddened to learn of Michael Jackson’s untimely passing. Michael first performed at the Apollo in 1969 with his brothers when he was only nine years old, winning Amateur Night, and catapulting their career as the Jackson 5. We will always remember Michael in our hearts as a true Apollo legend, known for his professionalism and grace. Our sympathy goes out to his entire family. He will be deeply missed.”– Jonelle Procope, President & CEO of the famed Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc.

To say Michael Jackson was one of the greatest entertainers to ever live is an understatement. From his start as a child star who moved everyone to the true cultural icon he later became his talent immeasurable. I had the chance to interview him on a couple of occasions and while it was clear that their was a childlike nature about this man his genius was just as clear.--Ed Gordon, award-winning journalist

While his life was at times difficult and complicated he was none the less a musical master. In Michael Jackson the world was given a incredible entertainer whose gift will be missed.

“I grew up with Michael Jackson as my idol. It was a Family Affair. We would all sit around the television whenever a new Michael Jackson video would premiere. I know the feeling I had when I saw him do the moonwalk. I can only imagine the feeling they are getting in heaven seeing him walk thru those gates.”–Mr. Bentley

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