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Stars herald 'genius' of Michael Jackson
Ben Bailey26 Jun 2009
Sir Paul McCartney paid tribute to Michael Jackson today, calling the King of Pop "massively talented".
He said: "It's so sad and shocking. 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."
Tributes have been pouring in from musicians and celebrities all over the world.
In a statement Jackson's ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley said: "I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible.
"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."
A host of celebrities from the music and entertainment worlds lined up to acknowledge the star's genius.
Madonna said in a statement on the BBC website: "I can't stop crying over the sad news.
"I've always admired Michael Jackson - the world has lost one of its greats but his music will live on forever.
"My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."
Friend and psychic Uri Geller told the Press Association from his home in Sonning, Berkshire: "I'm shocked and devastated. I am hoping this is a dream I will wake up from, but it is not. Michael is dead.
"For him not to be around, that he's gone, is just surreal. It cannot sink into my psyche. He was a genius."
He said he feared it may have been the "stress" of Jackson's planned comeback tour that killed him.
Music producer Quincy Jones told MSNBC: "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news."
He said Jackson "had it all - talent, grace, professionalism and dedication".
He added: "I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."
Demi Moore paid tribute on Twitter, writing: "I am greatly saddened for the loss of both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Especially for their children!"
Her husband, Ashton Kutcher, also posted: "RIP. Sending love and light to family and friend but especially his kids."
He added: "Plea to the press to respect his wishes of maintaining the anonymity of his children. I plea to the public to refuse to consume media that does not respect the anonymity of Michaels children."
Rev Al Sharpton, a leading US civil rights campaigner and friend of Jackson, told Sky News: "As a friend of Michael's for the past 35 years, I call on people from around the world to pray for him and his family."
Singer Cher said on the BBC website: "I'm having a million different reactions I didn't expect I would feel.
"He was a great singer - God gives you certain gifts and this child was just an extraordinary child touched by this ability. He could sing like nobody else and he was able to connect with people."
Fellow singer Celine Dion added: "I am shocked. I am overwhelmed by this tragedy. Michael Jackson has been an idol for me all my life.
"He was not only a talented person but he was unique - a genius. It's such a loss. It feels like when Kennedy died, when Elvis died. My sympathy goes to the family. It's a big loss and it's not even sinking in right now."
Friend and actor Joe Pesci told Fox News: "He was a fun kid and did so much. He always reinvented himself time and time again and certainly was a great entertainer and dancer and great to watch with all that energy.
"He was excited about getting back to the stage. He was downhearted for a while and I think he finally got himself up."
In a tribute reported on the website MTV.com, singer Justin Timberlake said: "I can't find the words right now to express how deeply saddened I am by Michael's passing.
"We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music.
"He has been an inspiration to multiple generations, and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him onstage 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."
Katie Price, aka Jordan, said on the Twitter website: "ooooh my god sooo shocked rest in peace mj you were the KING OF POP a total legend xxxxxxxxxxx."
Glastonbury Festival organiser Emily Eavis said on Twitter: "So sad to hear the news about MJ. There will be tributes all over the site all weekend. A truly great artist. Emily"
A tribute on the star's website from his record company described him as a genius.
The head of the Sony Corporation Sir Howard Stringer said: "Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him."
Pop star Missy Elliott posted a link on Twitter to a YouTube video called Michael Jackson Best Dance Moves, adding the message: "a little something to remember the KING by."
Film directors Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg also paid tribute.
Scorsese told MTV.com: "Michael Jackson was extraordinary. When we worked together on Bad, I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other.
"Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion.
"He was wonderful to work with, an absolute professional at all times, and - it really goes without saying - a true artist. It will be a while before I can get used to the idea that he's no longer with us."
Spielberg told Entertainment Weekly: "Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson.
"His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend."
Family friend Mark Lester described him as "a very sweet, kind and loving man".
The former child star, who is godfather to Jackson's children, said they first met more than 30 years ago.
He said: "The last time we saw him he was in London a few weeks ago.
"He was absolutely fine. I can't believe this, it's such a shock."
He told GMTV the star was ready for the planned gigs in London, saying: "If he didn't think he could do it, he wouldn't have done it."
He added: "I'll always remember him as being a very sweet, kind and loving man."
Reader views (2)
I Miss Michael Jackson very much he was my bigger fan to the end .My hart go out to his family.And you Looked Nice at to the Award Jermaine and god bess you and your family from this.I will be paying for your family.
- Buck Wheeler, Live Oak FL. Suawnnee, 30/06/2009 00:33
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Weird guy - incredible music.
RIP
- Rogan, Irving, 26/06/2009 07:31
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