R&B singer Eric Benet tells Spinner what many have said in the past 48 hours, following the death of Michael Jackson at the age of 50: "The world just lost the greatest."

"Since the invention of recorded music there have been very few 'greats,'" Benet tells Spinner. "The wonder of Michael Jackson's life and artistic genius has surpassed that of any iconic figure in entertainment history. There was no demographic, culture or soul that his artistry couldn't reach. My 17-year-old daughter often spends hours lost in his timeless melodies, infectious rhythms and ingenious musical arrangements on her iPod, just as I did on my turntable decades ago."

"Michael's life has shown us the pinnacle of fame's reward and the depth of its isolation and loneliness," Benet continues. "Thank you, Michael, for allowing us to be an integral part of your magical journey. The world is forever changed by your brilliant life and will never be the same without it."