By Andy Goldberg Jun 26, 2009, 0:52 GMT
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!'
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