“His passing will be grieved far beyond that of any other singer, composer, producer, dancer and choreographer, in the history of the world. Indeed, in my very firmest, personal, belief there will never, ever, be another Michael Jackson!”
Don Cornelius – TV Presenter, Producer and Creator of “Soul Train”
Michael Jackson with the Jackson 5 on Soul Train
Categories: Music Industry
Tagged: Don Cornelius, Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Soul Train
“It’s like a dream — a bad dream. This cannot be. How can Michael Jackson not be here?”
Berry Gordy – Motown Founder
Berry Gordy, Michael Jackson and Suzanne de Passe
Categories: Music Industry · Music Stars
Tagged: Berry Gordy, Michael Jackson, Motown
“Words cannot capture the impact Michael Jackson has had on pop culture around the world. He changed the way we hear and feel and move to music; he epitomized what true musical talent and star power really mean. He is and always will be the King of Pop.
Michael’s influence is felt every day in so many ways at BET Networks, and it’s been that way throughout our network’s entire 29-year history. We watched him grow up and, like everyone around the world, he feels like he is a member of our family.
He will be missed more than we can say … but his legend and memory live on in the artists, musicians, producers, dancers, fans and everyone else who looks to him for inspiration.”
Debra L. Lee – chairman and chief executive officer of BET Networks.
Categories: Music Industry
Tagged: BET, Michael Jackson
“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.”
Sir Howard Stringer – Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation
“Michael Jackson’s unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly.”
Rolf Schmidt-Holtz – CEO, Sony Music Entertainment
“Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences.”
Martin Bandier – Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Categories: Music Industry
Tagged: Michael Jackson, Sony
“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 and founder of Def-Jam Records.
Categories: Music Industry
Tagged: Michael Jackson, Russell Simmons
“Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility and sheer star power carried him from childhood to world wide acclaim.
A 13-time Grammy recipient, Michael’s career transcends musical and cultural genres and his contributions will always keep him in our hearts and memories.”
Neil Portnow – President and CEO of the Recording Academy, the group that organizes the Grammy Awards
Michael Jackson, one of his 13 Grammys and Quincey Jones
Categories: Music Industry
Tagged: Michael Jackson
“The entire Apollo family is saddened to learn of Michael Jackson’s untimely passing. Michael first performed at the Apollo in 1969 with his brothers when he was only 9 years old, winning Amateur Night and catapulting their career as the Jackson 5. We will always remember Michael in our hearts as a true Apollo legend, known for his professionalism and grace. Our sympathy goes out to his entire family. He will be deeply missed.”
Jonelle Procope, president and CEO of the Apollo Theater Foundation Inc
Categories: Music Industry
Tagged: Apollo Theatre, Michael Jackson
Many celebrities, world leaders, singers, actors and religious leaders have begun to pay tributes to Michael Jackson. We have aimed to collect as many of their responses here.
Categories: Actors · Actresses · Celebrities · Music Industry · Music Stars · Politicians · Religious Leaders
Tagged: Celebrities, Michael Jackson Death
