Artists Reflect on Michael Jackson

The reach of Michael Jackson's musical influence is an immeasurable one. Over the past few years, countless artists have praised the pop icon and his work to Spinner, and, as a lasting tribute to Jackson, who passed away June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, we share some of those comments with you.

"It's always hard to lose a friend." --Smokey Robinson

"I am so grateful to have worked with the King (and always will be King) of the music industry. He was a gift to the world, he is a bright light and I wouldn't be surprised if the world stopped spinning tomorrow." --Black Eyed Peas' Will.I.Am

"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

"I'll always remember how he wasn't a man of many words but he didn't have to be because his energy and spirit would totally light up a room. That spirit and his presence will be missed. Rest in peace, Michael." -- Patti LaBelle

"The world has lost one of the most talented people we've all ever known. He was a hero for me as a child and his music helped my career to become known as an adult. He will always live through my turntables. Rest in peace Michael." --DJ AM

"Michael Jackson was my generation's most iconic cultural hero. Courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He'll be missed greatly." --Russell Simmons

"I am so saddened by the loss of a great idol and icon, Michael Jackson. He was, to me, the greatest entertainer of all time. He was a huge inspiration for performers across all music genres. He taught us all how to light up the stage. Wow." --'American Idol' judge Randy Jackson


"It is difficult to think of a more impactful loss from the passing of an icon than that of Michael Jackson. His entire 40-year career has been one of the greatest inspirations to our music. In the early part of our career, he and his brothers helped motivate us to pursue music regardless of our age. He was an unequaled talent who set the bar for how music can affect the world. We join the millions of music fans, mourning the passing of this true great!" --Taylor, Isaac and Zac Hanson

"There is no one in the world like MJ! Never has been! Never will be! We all know him in one way or another. In some way he has touched us, been the voice of one of our sweetest memories. And what a wonderful, genuine, compassionate, soft spoken giant so full of love. He gave us love, excitement, one of a kind moments in a mundane world. I can't believe he won't be with us here on earth anymore. But long from now, when we are all dust, he will still never be forgotten ... To the best that ever did it! You are loved, admired and respected forever" --Alicia Keys

"I am deeply saddened to hear of Michael's sudden passing. His was a rare talent that we witness once in a lifetime. One who makes such an indelible mark that for generations singers and dancers attribute him as inspiration. I had the great privilege of watching him every night doing what he did best ... entertain. I am grateful to have known him for the two years that I worked for him and will mourn his loss with his many millions of fans across the world." --Sheryl Crow

"Michael was one of the most brilliant musicians I've ever known. The world will be a sadder place tonight because he is gone." --Neil Diamond

"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!" --'Soul Train' creator Don Cornelius

"May you rest in peace, sweet Michael. You gave us all you had to give." --Lenny Kravitz

"You know Michael could sing ... Here's a little boy who could sing his little ass off. When he did one of Smokey's songs -- 'Who's Lovin' You?' -- at the end of it he would do this riff, and he did a riff that went off into a little minor bluesy kind of thing. I go, "Now wait a minute, he's too young to be riffin like that!" --The Temptations' Otis Williams

"My favorite Michael Jackson song is 'Ben' from the 1972 movie of the same name. It's a beautiful song about a lonely, troubled and misunderstood boy. A boy who finds solace in an unlikely friendship with another outcast who loves him for who he is. Rest in peace Michael Jackson." --Tom Morello

"Michael Jackson was, without a doubt, the single most amazing performer that I've ever seen. As a young teenage boy with a dream -- he was beyond inspirational. The fact that his public/private life became a soap opera and a sideshow is more of a reflection of our societies misplaced priorities than it is a reflection of the type of person that he may have been. Yet despite all of that -- the fact that his performances, even of even 25 years ago, still resonate today ... That is a true testament to his greatness."

"Besides the musical, dance and technical genius of the man, and the influence he's had on four decades of artists, Michael loved Zombies." --Anthrax's Scott Ian

"Michael Jackson, the Pop Giant. His controversial life is no more. His amazing music remains and will outlive us all" --The Ting Tings

"Wow, what a loss. I'm stunned. No one will ever replace him. He was such a unique and incredible artist. It's hard to find words to describe the amazing impact Michael Jackson had on the world." -- The Raveonettes' Sune Rose Wagner

"Michael Jackson's death is a very surreal moment for people my age. He was such an omnipresent figure in pop culture for as long as I can remember. It feels like I knew him, but on the other hand it seems like noone really did. His music makes me move. I guess that's what he ultimately wanted." --Ben Lee

"I grew up with Michael Jackson as my idol. It was a family affair. We would all sit around the television whenever a new Michael Jackson video would premiere. I know the feeling I had when I saw him do the Moonwalk. I can only imagine the feeling they are getting in heaven seeing him walk through those gates." --Fonzworth Bentley

"Prince and Michael, where I come from, was our Elvis and Beatles." --Felix Da Housecat

"Now is not the time for sorrow or criticism. Now is a time to celebrate our lives and celebrate the joy his music and message brought to the world and what that means to each of us. The King is gone but he will live on." --Brett Dennen

"I personally love Michael Jackson's music. He basically fronted the entire pop music industry. He took the classic rock style and added a hip-hop flavor, and started a whole new genre of music. The 'Thriller' video basically sent dance music videos soaring, not to mention how his style of dance influenced everyone in the world. He had his flaws, as we all do, but I have to give credit where credit is due, and I think he deserves as much musical credit as anyone else in his generation." --Emery's Devin Shelton

"Michael Jackson was my first pop star. The first-ever photo of me is me inside my cot holding a copy of 'Thriller' on vinyl. At seven, I had Michael Jackson LA Gear. I was the coolest kid at my school. It's been down hill ever since." An Horse's Kate Cooper

"I still remember being a kid watching Motown 25 with my family and losing my mind when he did the Moonwalk. Despite what he may have become in the end, pop music is what it is today because of him. There could be no Justin Timberlake, Omarion, Usher, Chris Brown, even Robbie Williams, without the music of Michael Jackson." --MSTRKRFT's Jesse F. Keeler


"Michael Jackson's done and accomplished so much that there's not even words to explain what he's done to urban music and pop music. Every artist that I personally know has been influenced by him." --Akon

"It's truly a sad day for the music industry and the world. No other artist in modern times had a greater impact on our culture and I don't think there's anyone who isn't feeling this right now. He set the highest standard, which inspired people to shoot for the sky. His presence will most definitely be missed and his legacy could never be forgotten. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family." -- Ludacris

"Michael Jackson lit the fuse that ignited the spirit of dance in us all. He gave us a song and a sweet melody that will never die. Now we all carry his legacy with joy and pride." -- MC Hammer

"I never thought Michael Jackson would ever work with me. He actually sent for me, so that was kind of weird and cool at the same time." --T-Pain

"Michael Jackson was a musical icon to so many people, including artists, and his career spanned over such a long period of time that it was a part of more than just one generation. It may be the end of his physical life, but the life of his music and dance will continue to be an important source of entertainment for generations to come. It is sad that there were so many haunting stories around his existence that have tarnished his reputation." -- Gavin DeGraw

"'Thriller,' musically, was amazing. It was just an amazing time." --Ciara

"[My favorite artist] of all time is Michael Jackson. I watched his DVD and almost cried. I would not know what to do if I ever met Michael Jackson. I would faint or I would cry." --The Veronicas

"The controversy that has surrounded him the last 20 years is only eclipsed by the genius of 'Off The Wall' and 'Thriller.'" --The Crystal Method's Scott Kirkland

"R.I.P. to the king of pop and one of my biggest inspirations. Michael Jackson is the blueprint for what happens when you truly value your gift as a performer ... I will forever be inspired by Michael's music and more then that, his passion for the art!" --Mario

"The music world suffered a monumental loss today. Michael Jackson's songs were loved and cherished by all. Many of them achieved true perfection. He was the biggest pop star that ever lived and he reminded us that pop music doesn't have to compromise. We send our condolences to his family and close ones." --A-Trak (Kanye West's DJ)

"Michael Jackson was one of the last true legends. His music will live on in all of us forever and ever. Just like Michael once sang 'I'll be there.'" --Orange's Joe Dexter

"As a child Michael Jackson made me dance dance dance like a little bucktoothed fool. May his tired soul find peace and rest." --Bassnectar

"Today is a sad day for music. He was a great singer, a great artist and one of the best performers on the planet. We were looking forward to seeing him back in his full glory onstage, and now with his passing we'll have to remember him when he was 'Bad.'" --Infected Mushroom's Amit "Duvdev" Duvdevani

"Michael Jackson's legacy will live as long as there is life in music. Arguably the greatest entertainer in the world. Amazing live shows, so many smash hits! So much talent! An enigma of a man. He was an icon and a legend. The man was a true superstar that left you staring at him in awe if you ever got the chance to see him. He would leave you starstruck. This man touched so many lives through his talent, energy and his art. He contributed to so many good causes and paved the way for many artists. He inspired millions of people including me. I personally believe our souls or energy can never die so death is not something I mourn. I celebrate his life and will miss his enigmatic energy on our planet in the form of the the King of Pop -- Michael Jackson. Thank you for everything!!" --Iranian musician Mams Taylor