Musicians Mourn Loss Of Pop Legend Michael Jackson

Members from every corner of the music world are expressing their sorrow and sense of loss over the sudden death of Michael Jackson. The 50-year old King of Pop was pronounced dead Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike. The music prodigy, whose strange personal life and bizarre antics overtook his musical career later in life, was cited as an inspiration by countless musicians.

 

"I can't stop crying over the sad news," Madonna said in a statement. "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," she added.

 

"I honestly don't think I can handle this right now. Why does it feel like family? My heart is really hurting," Solange Knowles, sister of Beyonce, said in a statement.

 

Jackson was in the midst of planning his greatest comeback to date, with 50 concert dates scheduled in London set to begin on July 13th. However, sources say that the singer's fragile health put a large question as to whether or not he would be able to complete the rigorous concert series.

The singer grew up in the public eye, first performing with his four brothers as part of the Jackson 5 before breaking away in the 1980s to become the King of Pop, an icon of a generation and one of the top-selling artists of all time. In doing so, he inspired a generation of musicians, and those who grew up listening to his music expressed their sense of loss in the wake of his death.

 

"I can't find the words right now to express how deeply sadden [sic] I am by Michael's passing," said Justin Timberlake, whose falsetto voice and dance moves have led some to compare him to the late Jackson.

 

"We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music, but of all music," Timberlake added. "He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones."

 

His family gathered Thursday in Los Angeles, with brother Jermaine Jackson issuing a statement to the press requesting privacy for the family in this time of grief.

 

The 50-year-old Jackson was transported to the hospital from his nearby rental home in Bel-Air shortly after an emergency call at 12:30 PM Pacific Time. Jackson was reported to be in a coma at the time of transport.

 

The L.A. Times reported that Jackson was not breathing when paramedics arrived at the home.

 

The Los Angeles Police Department said it has opened an investigation into Jackson's death, although they said there was no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

 

Rapper Lupe Fiasco noted the universal appeal of Jackson's music. Widely crediting with breaking down racial barriers in the MTV generation, Michael was one of the first black artists to be featured on music television with his innovative and genre-making videos, including 1982's iconic "Thriller."

 

"A white guy in a pickup truck pulled alongside me on the expressway and shouted to me, had I heard about Mike?!? It's surreal and it's everywhere!!!" Fiasco said.

 

Another artist who has been compared to Jackson, thanks to his jaw dropping dance moves and catchy pop hits, is Usher.

 

"This loss has deeply saddened me, with a heavy heart I composed this statement. May God cover you Michael," Usher said. "We all lift your name up in prayer. I pray for the entire JACKSON family particularly Michael's mother and all his fans that loved him so much."

 

He added, "I would not be the artist, performer, and philanthropist I am today without the influence of Michael. I have great admiration and respect for Him and I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to meet and perform with such a great entertainer."

 

Beyonce Knowles also issued a statement, calling Jackson "magic."

"He was what we all strive to be," she said. "For anyone who has ever seen, felt, or heard his art, we are all honored to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson."

 

Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen, who collaborated with Jackson on 1983's "Beat It," said that the performer "will be missed" and called his collaboration with Michael "one of my fondest memories in my career."

 

Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am said that Jackson was a "gift to the world…a bright light and I wouldn't be surprised if the world stopped spinning tomorrow."

 

Rapper Fat Joe called his death one of the top 3 saddest days in his life.

 

Lil' Wayne was also shocked, stating that he "personally can't believe it."

 

"But it's more unfortunate for the world of music. ... My love goes out to his family. ... A sad day in history, not [just] music," he said.

 

Another pop icon, Paul McCartney collaborated with Jackson throughout the 1980s on hits like "Say Say Say."

"I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones," Sir Paul said.