Michael Jackson Tributes

Collected from various sources around the world wide web



Footage of Michael rehearsing for his This Is It tour, footage taken just 2 days before the Legendary King of Pop passed away.

In Loving Memory
Michael Jackson 29.08.1958 - 25.06.2009
Leave your own tributes at http://www.michaeljackson.com/

"To you, Michael is an icon; to us, Michael is family and he will forever live in all of our hearts" — Janet Jackson.


"My heart ... my mind ... are broken. I loved Michael with all my soul and I can't imagine life without him. We had so much in common and we had such loving fun together. I was packing up my clothes to go to London for his opening when I heard the news. I still can't believe it. I don't want to believe it. It can't be so." — Elizabeth Taylor, Actress.


"I can't stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family." — Singer Diana Ross.


"I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me." — Lisa Marie Presley, Former Wife


"I can't find the words right now to express how deeply saddened I am by Michael's passing, we have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations, and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones." — Justin Timberlake, Singer.


"I can't stop crying over the sad news, I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless." — Madonna, Singer


"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." — Quincy Jones, Record Producer



"When we worked together on `Bad,' I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other. Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion." — Martin Scorsese, Film Director.



"Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson, his talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend." — Steven Spielberg, Film Director


"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 strive to be. He will always be the King of Pop! Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about 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 Knowles, Singer.


"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, Singer.

"From the beginning of my career, he was my idol in show business. ... I had his poster on my wall." — Celine Dion, Singer.


"We are out of our joy. He is out of his pain. ... He was constantly challenged in the press and all he really wanted to be was the greatest entertainer and he was that." — Politician and civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson


"Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ. ... I think we'll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to `Thriller' on the record player." — John Mayer, Musician, via his Twitter feed.


"He was one of, if not the greatest entertainer of all time, and was without question the King of Pop. He was also my friend. He recorded a song of mine on his 1979 `Off the Wall' album and in 1981 we sang a duet together. We spent a considerable amount of time together in 2001 at my home music studio and I saw him in a totally different light — as a nurturing and caring father." — Carole Bayer Sager, Lyricist.


"I am heartbroken. My prayers go out to the Jackson family and my heart goes out to his children. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world. I feel blessed to have performed with him several times and to call him my friend. No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever." — Mariah Carey, Singer.


"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!" — P Diddy, Rapper


"Michael Jackson was my musical God, he made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music. He can live forever! I love Michael Jackson. God bless him." — Wyclef Jean, Hip Hop Artist


"Thank you for everything, Mike." — Kanye West, Hip Hop Artist.


"It is always hard to lose a friend. I will miss Michael and all that he brought to the world through his music and his creative genius, I know that his legend will live on and that the world will miss him dearly. " — Smokey Robinson, Singer


"I am shocked and saddened by Michael's passing. I, along with his millions of fans, looked forward to seeing him tour one more time. Now, may he rest in peace." — Tina Turner, Singer


"Michael Jackson was my generation's most iconic cultural hero, courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He'll be missed greatly." — Russell Simmons, co-founder of Hip Hop label Def Jam


"He was just a fabulous guy. Phenomenal. I watched him as a kid and I was like, 'Man, he works very hard.' His music was incredible. Everybody from Chris Brown to everybody who started dancing — he influenced all of that." — Timbaland, Hip Hop Artist


"This is probably [among] the top three worst days of my life. MJ — you know I'm a gangsta rapper so we always got that hard edge, but at the end of the day, the king is the king. I can go down the list: there wouldn't be no Usher, there wouldn't be no Chris Brown. There wouldn't be nobody without MJ. There wouldn't be no Justin. He was just harmony on Earth. I never think MJ ever did anything wrong in his life. He was just a beautiful soul on this earth." — Fat Joe, Rapper.


"I feel like his music will never die and his spirit will never die, because he influenced so many if us. He gave us a lot of hope that we feel like we can be big. He was very inspiring and up close and personal with his fans. That to me was special. That's one of the things that I loved about Mike. When I got a chance to meet him, that's the feeling and spirit that I got from him." — Snoop Dogg, Rapper


"I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones." — Paul McCartney, Singer


"Michael Jackson will live forever through 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." — Ne-Yo, Singer.


"So sad to hear about Michael Jackson. His music changed our lives. The world has lost an amazing singer and dancer. I will miss him." — Ellen Degeneres, TV personality


"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, Singer/Dancer


"Having been working out with and training with Michael Jackson over the last 15 years, most recently in the last few months, he was a dear friend and inspiration. Michael is an icon and the world has suffered a great loss and to his family I send my deepest condolences and prayers." — Lou Ferrigno, Original Hulk and Bodybuilder.


"We have all been blessed to have witnessed a true light, a wonderful talent ... no words can describe his talent, generosity, advocacy and love for the world ... He gave us a piece of his soul and dedicated his life to entertain us. 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." — Will I Am, Rapper/musician.


"We have lost one of the greatest icons of all time. He forever set the bar for entertainers all around the world." — Fergie, Singer.


"He was part of the reason why for me, whenever someone asks me who inspires me to do what I do, I always say Michael. That's it for me. He's everything to me. He's really a part of the reason why. He's going to be remembered in so many ways for me. I feel it's important for me to continue to let my generation know how important he was to music." Ciara, Singer.


"I am truly saddened that my mentor, brother and friend will no longer be with us physically. At the same time I feel so blessed to have been touched by his music, his dance, his lyrics and his pure genius. It is because of Michael's yesterday that I am who I am today! My condolences to his family and friends around the world. Michael Jackson rest in peace and may your music and legacy forever reign on Earth!" — R. Kelly, Singer.


"My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael, He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing." — Brooke Shields, Actress


"The biggest star of our generation, The Best Entertainer! He made the best records, videos, everything. I'm saddened by the world's loss. For a brief time he considered working with me and having me produce his album. In that brief time, I got to know him fairly well. And he was just the coolest person. My prayers go out to the whole Jackson family and especially his children." — Irv Gotti, Record Producer


"Just like many other artists, I have always been inspired by Michael Jackson, he's the only idol I've ever had and I'm saddened that I never got to tell him how much he and his music mean to me. I've met many stars in my life but I would have been completely satisfied just to have laid eyes on MJ himself" — Keri Hilson, Singer/Songwriter.


"Michael was not only a great friend, but a true inspiration in my life. I will never forget his kindness to me, and his beautiful heart. He was the best father and truly loved his children. I will miss him." — Brett Ratner, Director


"I am really shocked; as I'm sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on 'Beat It' back in '83 — one of my fondest memories in my career. Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace." — Eddie Van Halen, Guitarist - Van Halen


"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." — John Landis, Film Director


"I remember I got a call in the middle of the night before James Brown's funeral, and it was the mortician saying that Michael wanted to visit the funeral home. ... He viewed the body and we convinced him to stay for the funeral and he spoke at the funeral. He talked about how he hopes that as a legend James Brown will get the due in death he never got in life, and I felt the same way about Michael. I hope now the genius and humanity of Michael Jackson gets its due." — the Rev. Al Sharpton.


"This is ... damn! Wow! Unexpected. A shock. A low blow. All that right there. I'm getting myself together, walking in the living room [when] they said Mike died," Santana recalled. "It was breaking news at 5. I put it up on Twitter and people were saying his death was still pending. I couldn't believe it. ... I just woke up and they said, 'Mike is dead.' The first thought in your mind is, 'That's Michael Jackson. He can't be dead.' That just shows you everybody is human, nobody is immune to nothing, especially death." — Juelz Santana, Rapper


"I feel like John Lennon got shot, this is sad like 'On the Waterfront,' sad like 'Raging Bull,' sad like 'The Wrestler.' Music rarely gets hits like this; this is almost unparalleled. Even people who didn't enjoy his music have to acknowledge his influences. He was to pop what Davis and Coltrane were to bop. He was to R&B what Neil Armstrong was to the moon: an explorer who discovered a whole world unto itself. He was the Nikola Tesla of dance moves." — Fall Out Boy frontman Patrick Stump.


"Michael Jackson was one of the most talented and dynamic performer/singer/songwriters I ever had the pleasure of working with, he was amazing. Unfortunately, the controversy surrounding his personal life in recent years overshadowed his unparalleled contributions to the music world, which is a tragedy in and of itself. But his music will live on forever no matter what and his memory will be adored and admired for years to come." — Slash, Guitarist - Guns n Roses.


"MJ made black folks proud! He influenced our music and our style of dress. He taught us what it meant to be a 'performer.' He was our beloved icon, and we'll hold him in our hearts forever. We've just lost the most loved, talented and famous African-American in the world," the Miami MC continued. "Everyone from the age of 25-80 should be saddened by this loss, and if you're younger and you don't know the history, you need to learn it. Michael paved the way for blacks into the mainstream." — Trick Daddy, Rapper


"I personally can't believe it, but it's more unfortunate for the world of music. ... My love goes out to his family. ... A sad day in history, not [just] music." — Lil Wayne, Rapper



"I was just very disappointed the whole day ... I grew up on Michael Jackson," he said. "One of my first albums my mom bought me was Thriller, so just to see him pass was like a big loss to me and everyone who grew up around me." — Fabolous, Rapper.


"Such a huge impact he had. A lot of the major people out there, they've grown up to Michael Jackson, and I've grown up to Michael Jackson, and it's been a dream to work with him ... he made my dreams come true. It's a big impact and I think everyone out there is going to miss him," — Teddy Riley, Record Producer


"We would hang together when we were in New York. We would go to [dancer and choreographer] Martha Graham's. I would take him to Martha Graham and he'd say, 'Oh, I got to learn that,' and we'd run upstairs to practice. Anyway, I loved him." — Liza Minelli, Actress


"Thank you for everything, Mike." Kanye West, Hip Hop Artist.


"I think it's probably deeper than people would expect, actually, being out here in L.A., I had numerous conversations, just over the phone and also at his house, just talking about work ethic and paying attention to details. He was extremely inspirational for me because he helped me understand that it's OK to be different. And when I say different I mean different in the sense of being obsessed with your craft ... and working your tail off and being consumed by what you do. He helped mentor me in that department. I think we lost an absolutely brilliant, brilliant mind and just a genuine nice person." — Kobe Bryant, Basketball Player.


"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 9 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 and CEO of the Apollo Theater Foundation Inc


"I met Michael Jackson at the age of 8 — when his father and my new friend, Joe Jackson, first began to bring the Jackson 5 to Chicago from their home in Gary, Ind., for concert appearances. ... 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, creator of the television show "Soul Train."


"The world has certainly lost a great individual and we only hope that America and the rest of the world will continue to focus on the positive and not speak poorly of a man who was under constant scrutiny his entire life. We are happy to have had the opportunity to know Michael since he was a little boy and most recently we had the pleasure of working on one of his projects in Los Angeles. ... God bless you, Michael, and we will miss you!" — The O'Jays, Walter Williams Sr., Eddie Levert Sr. and Eric Nolan Grant.


"I'm hurt, but I'm celebrating his life and his music. Dancing and crying and dancing in public. Holding heart-to-heart conversations with complete strangers about one of the things, if not the only thing, we share in common, That Is The Legendary MoonWalker Himself. A white guy in a pickup truck pulled alongside me on the expressway and shouted to me, had I heard about Mike?!? It's surreal and it's everywhere!!! Every time I feel like getting sad, one of his songs comes on, and I'm just filled with happiness and start singing and smiling. He was the best to ever do it. Salaams, Peace & Blessings. May Allah have mercy on his soul. We Love You MJ!!!" — Lupe Fiasco


"I am f***ed up right now about this. He is arguably the most famous person of the last century, more so than any religious or cultural leaders. He was the originator of music for the world. I always thought I'd meet him one day. ... I'm at a loss of words."— Wale


"There will never be another. He was the royalty of American culture. I could measure the growth of my life based on him. I have never felt such public grief for someone I have never met. A legend. I practiced his moves in the mirror. ... We lost the last legendary entertainer of my generation. I feel lost without his presence. Sorry if this is kind of jumbled and emotional. I don't even know what to say." — Pete Wentz


"Words can't begin to describe my sadness for the loss of Michael Jackson. I was honored and humbled to have the opportunity to perform with him several times, and he had a profound influence on my career. Michael forever changed the world of music and entertainment, and I will always remember him for his kind and sweet spirit." — JC Chasez, who performed alongside Jackson with 'NSYNC at the 2001 VMAs


"This was the most exciting collaboration of my life with a man who has inspired me like no other. ... This was the world's greatest performer and the world will miss him." — Kenny Ortega, who was directing Jackson's upcoming concerts in London and who said he was his friend for 25 years.


"I am full of grief" — Whitney Houston, Singer


"He was truly a king, as a dancer, as a singer and we may never, ever see a person of talent like that again." — The Laugh Factory comedy club owner Jamie Masada


"I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I'm devastated he's gone!" — Britney Spears, Singer


Cher, calling in to Larry King Live on CNN, shared many memories of Jackson, including dancing together on the Queen Mary and seeing the musical Dreamgirls together. "I am having a million reactions," said Cher. "When I think of him, I think of this young boy, this teenager I first met … He was a great teenager, optimistic and adorable."


On Friday, Chace Crawford said on Britain's GMTV that he heard the news while at a party hosted by Elton John at the musician's home just outside of London. When word got out, "It was … like an instant viral just spread," said Crawford. "It just instantly changed the energy of the party."