Spinner Readers Respond to Michael Jackson's Passing
- Posted on Jun 26th 2009 2:49PM by Spinner Readers
- Comments (37)
Since Michael Jackson's untimely death Thursday afternoon, we've shared reactions from Smokey Robinson, Tina Turner, Will.I.Am, Alicia Keys, the Hanson brothers and scores of other stars. But this story isn't complete without sharing what music fans are saying and feeling, so here's a selection of Spinner reader comments about the King of Pop's passing.Michael will always be remembered for that rare quality he sustained through his entire life: generosity. --NNicolerj14
Yes, he was the king of Pop, one of the greatest musicians most likely in the history of music. Don't forget his personal history ... That will also be part of his legacy. --Connie E.
I'm not sure if sad is the best word to describe how me and so many others feel about losing this icon. I feel like a small piece of my childhood is gone. --Daniellekee
He was beautiful, and incredibly talented. I feel sad that he didn't have true love in his life. The kind of life that makes you feel safe, beautiful and empowered. --Earthean
Just two years separated us in age, so I guess you could say we grew up together. I realized a very long time ago that this man was something very special. A talent like this is never replaced, ever, and that's what make this so sad. -- Nick
The 'Thriller' album is the single greatest album produced in the 1980s. Yes, the greatest. No person has ever graced pop music with as much energy as Michael Jackson. --Lonelypoet
Fans Mourn Michael Jackson
Bernadette Gillies of Salt Lake City cries while browsing through Michael Jackson 45s at Randy's Records & CDs in Salt Lake City.
Laura Seitz, Deseret News / AP
Tshaka Lafayette, of New York, left, takes a picture of the marquee at the Apollo theater as people gather to remember Michael Jackson in the Harlem neighborhood of New York.
Tina Fineberg, AP
A crowd gathers at the old family home of Michael Jackson on Thursday, June 25, 2009, in Gary, Indiana.
Antonio James, Chicago Tribune / MCT
Fan Blanca Arias (L) and Alba Albrec (R) during a candlelight vigil held outside the UCLA Medical Center on June 26, 2009 after the death of music legend Michael Jackson.
Mark Ralston, AFP / Getty Images
Natasha Hull-Richter, 18, lights a candle in Michael Jackson's memory at UCLA Medical Plaza June 25.
Ann Johansson, Getty Images
A fan holds a candle during a candlelight vigil held outside the UCLA Medical Center after the death of Jackson.
Mark Ralston, AFP / Getty Images
Women embrace outside UCLA Medical Center after learning of the death of Michael Jackson.
Reed Saxon, AP
Candles and messages of support surround pop star Michael Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 22 November 2003 in Los Angeles, California.
Robyn Beck, AFP / Getty Images
A man watches a video footage of Michael Jackson from a videoke machine inside a appliances store Friday, June 26, 2009 in Manila, Philippines.
Pat Roque, AP
Motorcycle courier Anil reads a afternoon paper in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with the announcement that US rock legend Michael Jackson had died, Friday, June 26, 2009.
Mark Baker, AP
I remember when he debuted the infamous "Moonwalk" on Motown's 25th Anniversary ... such a perfectionist when it came to his craft. --Habu
It doesn't matter what language you speak. Everyone can speak Michael Jackson. I honestly don't think that anyone will ever be able to fill those shoes. --Heidi
Michael, I grew up with you. No matter the opinions or thoughts, I will miss you. --Shrtrthn
I am still devastated by this news. As a child, I thought Michael Jackson was a SuperHero ... I didn't even believe he used the bathroom. -- Charmaine
You were and incredible intertainer. A genius by all rights. --Tammy
I think it is sad he died so young, and I believe he had a more challenging life than what most think. --DelRayJogger
There is not another artist that could tear up a stage like Michael. My son, now 15, didn't even know who [he] was until about five years ago, and he loves his music. So I guess even teenagers these days know talent when they hear it. --LottsoLover
Funny how such a messed-up individual can make such a positive impression on America. --RancenTyre1
Let's not judge the man on things we do not know. Let's celebrate his legacy: his music. That is something concrete and factual. You cannot dispute his legacy in the entertainment world. --Lender4Life
For all his fame and notoriety, he was lonely and plagued with demons from his childhood. Even more sad is the tragic way that he seemed to only have his fans to love. I have no idea if the allegations made against him in his life are true, but I do know a wounded spirit when I see one, and Michael Jackson was certainly that. --Fknhippie
Earlier this week we lost Ed McMahon, and I can just hear him in heaven saying, "Heeeeere's Michael!" and Farrah is sitting onstage with Johnny and Ed, watching the best pop act in the world! --Joni
Though I have never been his actual fan, I could never deny that he was not just a performer, but something way, way more. For me it was like Michael Jackson would stay forever, like he would admit no death. It's unnatural to realize that he is dead. Like Elvis is alive forever, the same is Michael -- no matter if you loved him or not, he is just here, an eternal child. --Barrenstar
Reader Comments(1 of 2)
tgarucat 6-26-2009
I feel true sorrow in MJ's passing. I loved his music and loved his performances. Whatever else he went through was part of his journey, which had nothing to do with me. I feel sorrow for his loneliness, what a price he paid for our entertainment.
marymacdonat 6-26-2009
Sad but not shocking. It was obvious this man was very, very ill. Exceptionally gifted but extremely ill.
dferrin659at 6-26-2009
Let's not get all carried away by the death of Michael Jackson. There is no doubt that he was an extraordinarily talented performer, composer, choreographer, producer and singer. But when Rev. Sharpton tries to pass him off as an icon of the African American experience, he's so far off that it's comical. Here was a black man who tried so hard to be white; a black man whose three children are white. Let's not pass him off as some civil rights pioneer. His idols, especially Jackie Wilson who seems to get almost no credit with all the coverage the past 48 hours, and James Brown were certainly accepted by white America, despite the Reverend's statements to the contrary. Jackson was a great performer, but underneath it was a sad and disturbed man whose lifestyle would not have tolerated had he not had his phenomenal celebrity status. He was surrounded by sycophants who did to him what Elvis' circle of sycophants did to him. They "yes'd" him to death, and if one person, just one person in his inner circle (and that includes his sad family) had any true love for him, they would have ushered these greedy bastards out of his circle and taken charge. His death allows him, at long last, to be at peace, and maybe that's the only consolation here.
marleneat 6-26-2009
how ignorant
dollsberryat 6-26-2009
He was a child molester. What else is there to say? Burn in hell freak.
xxxnykki619at 6-26-2009
how the hell would u kno was your ass there.
xxxnykki619at 6-26-2009
you are an ass...u should be shot the fuck up...
polistotle1at 6-26-2009
Test
kaytate54at 6-26-2009
WOW, You are really an intelligent fellow/fool!!
kaytate54at 6-26-2009
Were you there when he was supposedly molesting children?
MOO HAA COWGURL!at 6-27-2009
I hope you burn in H--L for such an anappropriate and harsh comment at this difficult and tragic time!!!!!!
nana053at 6-27-2009
I watched him grow up since he started in 1967. I bought all his 45's and albums, and always thought of him like a little brother. My three girls all grew up watching him on tv and we always taped his shows on vcr tapes. Unfortunately Hurricane Flloyd destroyed them all, and was so upset since then. I also like all his brothers and the Jackson 5. I have all their 45's and albums. We have always thought he was INNOCENT thru all the FALSE allegations brought against him.. I hope those LIARS all suffer even worse than ever now. He was the MOST talented person I have ever heard or seen. I wish I could have gone to his concerts, but, finances were an issue. To even think of comparing him to elvis is a sin. Michael has been in the public since 1967 / that is over 40 years. I always said that he was an ANGEL sent by GOD. I KNOW he is at GOD's side today. NO ONE who made songs like HEAL THE WORLD and WE ARE THE WORLD and even SOMEDAY AT CHRISTMAS could ever be thought of being a type of person that they accused him of. Well,,he is with the right one who knows the truth. Remember ONE thing ..JUDGE NOT, LEAST THOU BE JUDGED. He was so involved in so many charities, and helping so many people. GOD BLESS his family and may he be with them in this time. Me and my family will ALWAYS LOVE HIM. He will now be my guardian angel.
AznasAngelat 6-27-2009
You are truly sick...I will pray for you
AznasAngelat 6-27-2009
Unfortunately, this is a sick world that we live in. People replying here with more than just love and sharing fond memories, I will pray for you. The man is gone. He was a great talent, and it's sad to see his passing...no matter what. Don't forget "Judgement is mine sayeth the Lord"...how will you be when facing your maker? Your judgement is coming...don't forget...will you say I had nothing better to do than to write lewd remarks on my computer?...you would have to admit wasting your life judging others...Lord be with you...Hatred is not of God...only Love is
Carmenat 6-27-2009
His death is a very sad loss to the world. He was very gifted and talented. Must be remembered for all the good things he accomplished in his life. He paid the ultimate price for "fame". Always being in the public eye right or wrong good or bad and not all bad things were true; took its toll on Michael financially, physically, emotionally and mentally. He had his "down" side as we all do. No one is perfect!! You cannot really judge or know what was true since the majority of the world did not know the real Michael. I am sure in several ways he was a lonely person. And I am sure that he had several "false" friends and people that worked for him that just used Michael for their own selfish gains with no regards as to what it could or would do to Michael. It now seems to be true that he was using pain meds and possibly addicted to them and this could be a contributing factor in his death. To bad that he was not able to do his planned "comeback" tour. Dr Murray might not have caused his death but it is to bad that he was not able to save Michael. Just through the normal aging process a 50 year old person cannot peform as well as a 30 year old person and Michael was all ready at a disadvantage since back and leg injuries required him to be on pain meds and possible addiction to them. It is reported Michael was a perfectionist and very professional with his talents and he probably drove himself to the "max" to prepare for his upcoming tour. He might have tried to hard and now he has paid the price - WHAT A VERY SAD LOSS!! He will be sincerely missed. I had the opportunity to meet Michael in the late 80's after seeing him perform in the "BAD" concert tour in Kansas City. The day after just through sheer luck my son and I ran into Michael at the hotel in Crown Center. I was very impressed with Michael. He was so very sweet, polite and courteous and talked to us briefly and gave us his autograph. A definite gentleman! It was an honor to meet him. MY HEARTFELT SINCERE WISHES TO HIS FAMILY AND CHILDREN!!
Carmenat 6-27-2009
You probably was not there either! So how can you judge? No all that you hear or read is true.
Carmenat 6-27-2009
This was intented for kaytate54
emmylou102754at 6-27-2009
You're an idiot. How old are you anyway? Grow up!
emmylou102754at 6-27-2009
As a big fan of Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, I have to ask "where are you Paul?" Has anybody heard from Paul? If there was bad blood between them over financial dealings, now is the time to look past that and make a comment. Please, Paul.
Bernie7at 6-27-2009
No has the right to judge period (Carmen)!!! There is only one true God and it is no one here! May you, God, be with the Jackson family and the kids during this very devastating time. May you give them peace and the ability to move forward with their lives. Amen