“Divinity brought our souls together on ‘The Wiz’ and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the ’80s. . . . I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”
Producer Quincy Jones
“I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me.”
Ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley
“Michael Jackson was my generation’s most iconic cultural hero. Courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He’ll be missed greatly.”
Russell Simmons, hip-hop entrepreneur
“Michael was a friend and undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest entertainers that I fortunately had the pleasure of working with.”
Singer Dionne Warwick
“This guy was about to work to reclaim his identity as an entertainer, and he just lost that chance to change his legacy. He had sold out 50 dates — more than $80m in ticket sales — in London. That’s unprecedented, and it speaks to how much his fans still loved him.”
Bill Werde, editorial director of Billboard
“He will always be the king of pop! Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about how many moments in life that take your breath away.”
Beyonce
“He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim.”
Neil Portnow, president/CEO, The Recording Academy
“He had a troubled and complicated life and, despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure.”
“Thriller” director John Landis
“I have known him at his high moments and his low moments, and I know he would want us to pray for his family.”
The Rev. Al Sharpton
“Many have tried and will try to copy him, but his talent will never be matched.”
Dick Clark
“I can’t stop crying over the sad news.”
Madonna
