Los Angeles - Devastated friends of Michael Jackson, the
tormented King of Pop who shot to stardom at 11 and died Thursday,
remembered him as the consummate entertainer with an unforgettable
legacy.
As tributes and reactions poured in, cable news channels filled
their programmes with reports about his death and radio stations
across the United States played many of his greatest hits.
'I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news,'
said music producer Quincy Jones, who worked with Jackson on his
best-selling album Thriller.
'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,' Jones said in
a statement.
Jackson's musical impact paved the way for African Americans in
mainstream America, said civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton.
'Michael Jackson made culture accept a person of colour - way before
Tiger Woods, way before Oprah Winfrey, way before Barack Obama,' he
said. 'No controversy will erase his impact.'
Jackson's former wife Lisa Marie Presley said she was 'completely
shocked and saddened' by his death. 'My heart goes out to his
children and his family,' Elvis' daughter said.
'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,' said Recording
Academy president Neil Portnow in a statements.
'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.'
John Landis, who directed Jackson's landmark Thriller video, said:
'He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gift, he
remains a tragic figure.'
Jackson's former publicist and spokesperson Michael Levine said he
was not surprised by the news. 'Michael has been on an impossible,
difficult and often self destructive journey for years. His talent
was unquestionable, but so too was his discomfort with the norms of
the world.'
The world has lost one of the most influential and iconic figures
in the music industry, said California Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger. 'Though there were serious questions about his
private life, Michael was a great entertainer.'
'Michael Jackson redefined what a superstar was - what it meant in
terms of covering all media all the time,' said Rolling Stone's Alan
Light.
Microblogging site Twitter was so flooded with activity that many
people found they could not post. But actress Demi Moore wrote on her
Twitter site: 'I am greatly saddened for the loss of both Farrah
Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Especially for their children!'
USA
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