Posted on: Thursday, June 25, 2009
Celebrities react to Jackson’s death
USA Today
Celebrity friends, fans and entertainment entities are reacting to the news of Michael Jackson’s sudden death. Here’s what some of them are saying:
Quincy Jones, who produced Jackson’s legendary album Thriller: “I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words.
Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the ’80s. To this day, the music we created together on Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all...talent, grace, professionalism and dedication.
He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever.I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”
Former worldwide chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Thomas D. Mottola, who worked closely with Jackson at the height of his career: “It’s the death of an American icon,” the mogul tells USA Today. “There are three people that stand out in my mind — Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. That’s the triumvirate that sums up American popular culture, iconic people became worldwide figures with worldwide popularity in the music industry ... He was “the single most talented person I’ve ever known. There was every aspect of creativity, as a performer — from the early days with the Jackson 5 and being biggest phenomenon in the world — and as a songwriter, (he wrote) some of the most outstanding and memorable songs you ever will hear. His videos were groundbreaking — he defined the video age. He was the person who married video and music more than any individual ever did or ever will ... He was a rare and beautiful and gifted and extraordinarily talented person. ... I think the pressure of this quote on quote comeback was overwhelming to Michael, because it was being billed and staged as a comeback, and that’s incredible pressure. It’s overwhelming.”
Thriller director John Landis: ”I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime. Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure. My wife Deborah and I will always have great affection for him.“
Smokey Robinson: “It’s so shocking,” the R&B legend and longtime Jackson friend tells USA Today. “Michael was a gregarious prankster, but so advanced for his age talent-wise. He was watching everybody and learning all the time. He was a typical young boy too. One of my fondest memories is of him riding the golf carts when Bobby Taylor, who brought the Jackson 5 to Motown, and I played golf.”
Though controversy dogged the latter half of Jackon’s career, “the world is mourning the loss of his talent, and people will miss his music,” Robinson says. “Michael Jackson was one of the most intense, dynamic talents to ever live. When I was in London recently, the whole buzz was about those 50 concerts. He was still Michael Jackson.”
Jamie Foxx: ”You cannot say enough about what he has given to us musically and culturally. We take for granted people like him,“ tells USA Today. ”All he wanted to do was give us great music and that’s what he did. Every single day was dedicated to us. ... I’ll tell you this. Seeing him in concert in 1983, the Victory concert with his brothers, to watch people faint in the audience. Grown men fainting. Women fainting just because he was that dynamic ... all you can say is that you hope we put our arms around his family. So much turmoil toward the end of his career ... and I think that’s the only thing that you can really hope for is that there is finally peace to this whole situation. ... What a great time. What a great entertainer. There will never be anybody ‘like him’ ... So our condolences go out to his family and let’s take time ... to do the right thing and honor the beauty of what Michael Jackson was and not the craziness and all of the circus things that the media can grab a hold to sometimes and just go nuts. Let’s just honor that guy for all he’s done and that’s all you can say.“
Celine Dion: ”I am so devastated by this terrible news. From the beginning of my career, he was my idol in show business. He was a genius and an incredible artist!! I remember when I was growing up and watching him on TV, and all his videos ... I had his poster on my wall ... he was so amazing ... his singing, his writing, his dancing. We had the same record company, and they knew I was a huge fan, so when things started to happen for me, they arranged for us to meet. I was so nervous, and so excited at the same time, and Michael was so nice. He autographed one of his hats for me. ... I was so thrilled. Years later, he came to see my Las Vegas show and we spent some time together. ... and we were really looking forward to seeing his show in London. It’s unbelievable that he’s no longer with us. It still hasn’t sunk in. I guess we’re just finding out what happened, but all I can say is that he must have been under an enormous amount of pressure ... to do the shows, and to keep on top of everything, plus this was going to be his big comeback. This is a lot of pressure and it can be overwhelming for anyone. I’m sure it was just too much to handle. Right now, along millions and millions of others I am so sad ... and I just want to send my prayers and love to Michael’s family. I can’t imagine how difficult this is for them ...to lose someone so special. And it’s the same for everyone in the world who loses a loved one. It just keeps reminding us of how precious life is, and that we never know when it’s our time. God Bless his soul.“
Will.i.am: ”I am so grateful to have worked with the King. He was a gift to the world, he is a bright light and I wouldn’t be surprised if the world stopped spinning tomorrow.“
Ne-Yo on CNN: ”When I first met him, I was shaking like a leaf. ... Growing up, Michael Jackson could no wrong. Everything the man did was magic. ... There will never be another Michael Jackson. ... It’s a really sad day for us.“
Singer Dionne Warwick: ”The news of the passing of Michael Jackson comes as a heartbreaking shock for me. Michael was a friend and undoubtedly one of the worlds greatest entertainers that I fortunately had the pleasure of working with. We have lost an icon in our industry and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and children in this hour of sorrow that they are now going through. He will live on in my memory and most definitely through the music he shared with so many.“
Wyclef Jean: ”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.“
Rev. Al Sharpton: ”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.“
The Recording Academy: ”Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim. A 13-time Grammy recipient, Michael’s career transcends musical and cultural genres and his contributions will always keep him in our hearts and memories. We are deeply saddened by this tragic news and our hearts go out to his family and to music lovers around the globe who mourn this great loss.“
On Twitter
Diddy: ”Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!“
Demi Moore: ”I am greatly saddened for the loss of both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Especially for their children!“
MC Hammer: ”I have no words.. I loved Michael Jackson.. RIP.“
John Mayer: ”I truly hope he is memorialized as the ’83 moonwalking, MTV owning, mesmerizing, unstoppable, invincible Michael Jackson.“
Miley Cyrus: ”michael jackson was my inspiration. love and blessings“
Pete Wentz: ”I have never felt this before in my life. I could measure my childhood 2 now on an mj growth chart. if this is true. Rip. The last legend“
Solange Knowles: ”Thank you Michael Jackson for being my FIRST of many! My mother took me to my FIRST concert, I was only two years old. I fell in love.“
Josh Groban: ”Definitely a “Where were you when...” day. Lost a great artist who had great demons ... may he finally rest in peace.
Kim Kardashian: “Music will never be the same...”
Kelly Rowland: “Michael you left such a legacy on this earth, have touched SO MANY!!! We thank you for such a driving inspiration in music & our lives!!”
Perez Hilton: “It’s days like this that put it all into perspective. If you’re reading this right now, you are blessed to be alive. Hug your family.”
Busta Rhymes: “MY DELAYED TWITT IS AS A RESULT OF STILL BEING IN DIBELIEF...MICHAEL JACKSON UR THE GREATEST TALENT EVER KNOWN 2 MANKIND.R.I.P. & GOD BLESS.”
Tyrese Gibson: “I can’t believe I’m about to write this Michael Jackson May God Bless your SOUL WE LOVE YOU FOREVER REST IN PEACE I’m sad this is horrible”
Ludacris: “If it were not for Micheal Jackson I would not be where or who I am today. His Music and Legacy will live on Forever. Prayers to the famR.I.P.”
Diablo Cody: “We just cued up ”Wanna Be Starting Something“ in the office. What a great song. RIP.”
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