DJ AM knows firsthand the value of life, having evaded death last September after surviving a plane crash alongside Blink-182's Travis Barker. To that end, the DJ, who often cited Michael Jackson as an influence, spoke to Spinner about the passing of the pop icon.

"The world has lost one of the most talented people we've all ever known," DJ AM tells Spinner. "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."