in memoriam: Michael Jackson

TJ Thomas and Marie Bouchard remember Michael Jackson at the star they believe belongs to pop star Michael Jackson but that belongs to a radio personality of the same name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Thursday June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles.

Signe Ravn, of Copenhagen, Denmark (center) takes a photo of the ABC ticker in New York's Times Square as twins Omar, left, and Mike Felici, second left, of Staten Island, react to the news that Michael Jackson has died, Thursday, June 25, 2009.

An image of a young Michael Jackson is seen on multiple television screens at an electronics store in Woodbridge, N.J., Thursday, June 25, 2009.

Women embrace outside UCLA Medical Center after learning of the death of Michael Jackson at his home in Los Angeles Thursday, June 25, 2009.

 

Another day has gone
I'm still all alone
How could this be
You're not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
And leave my world so cold

--You Are Not Alone, Michael Jackson

 

If you want to know why
There’s a love that cannot lie
Love is strong
It only cares for joyful giving
If we try
We shall see
In this bliss we cannot feel
Fear or dread
We stop existing and start living

--Heal The World, Michael Jackson

 

Quotes

"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 of Michael Jackson and daughter of Elvis Presley.

"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." — Dionne Warwick, singer and Jackson's friend.

"Michael was a pop phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity. Though there were serious questions about his personal life, Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer and his popularity spanned generations and the globe." — California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"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, pop star.

"Peace to the King. ... He was one of my childhood idols. I salute you King of Pop. You made the whole world moonwalk together." — LL Cool J, rapper-actor.

"I am very sad. No one will be able to replace him. But I know that the light that he emanated from the stage will live on with all of us who saw him for what he was and always will be — a great teacher, pure musical inspiration." — Ricky Martin, pop star.

"Michael Jackson will live forever through the thing that he put all of his life energy into: his music. ... Long live Michael Jackson." — Ne-Yo, R&B singer.