Music Legend Michael Jackson Transitions at the Age of 50: How has his musical career impacted you?

[Moon]

When news hit yesterday that Michael Jackson died, I, like a lot of people, wanted to believe that it was a prank that wouldn't be too far fetched given Michael Jackson's reputation for being a jokester. But, the sad truth became evident when pictures and news reports surfaced and his family confirmed that he had died on Thursday, June 25 from heart complications. Weighing almost less than 100 pounds, Michael Jackson had been battling a range of health complications, yet still rehearsing madly in an effort to make a comeback. A comeback. A man with a career that spanned over 40 years-- and he was only 50-- does not make a comeback---they are legend. But, alas, such was the report.

How has Michael Jackson's musical career and tumultuous life touched you? Let's talk about it.

[Mars Davis]

As a little black girl growing up in the 1980's, I saw Michael Jackson as pure "awesomeness" . I adored Michael by watching the TV, his records, Cd's and posters on my wall. He was so interesting and dreamy. To me Jackson was a talented, peaceful, cool black man. So talented and always giving to others across the world. I always felt as though there were those who forgot about his kind nature and just wanted to torment and label him. When I got older and became a woman, I admired his strength to keep going on through the storm.

Although I am shocked and deeply saddened, I ask God to give his family, close friends and millions of fans the strength to get through this somehow. You did it Michael, you are a world icon and millions of people love you. Even though you have elevated to a new state of being, you will be forever remembered by so many. Love you, Marshetta Davis

[Liberated Muse Productions]

Thanks for sharing, Mars. I grew up in the 80s too and Michael Jackson was so much a part of everyday. I got the book Nelson George wrote about him, I saw the 25th Anniversary Motwon show when he broke out with his moonwalk and I even remember the cartoon which I've watched recently with my five year-old. Michael Jackson as a public figure was just so much a part of this culture here in the US that is unexpected that he could even die, as silly as that sounds. What troubles me is that despite his mega-star status, he was such a sensitive person who had never truly himself as a person and had the moment to just realize he was fine as he was. Someone on tv today who knew him, I think it was Donnie Simpson, remarked how on one occasion he and his wife saw Michael and gushed about how great he looked and his reply was "yeah, right" and that comment just gave me chills. It's like, with all of the money and all of the fame, its not so easy to brush off the stings and arrows of low sense of self. It's amazing to me when his art actually helped others feel better about themselves. I truly hope he is at peace now.

[Quin]

As a child of the 80's I greatly admired Michael Jackson's style and his artistry. I was also influenced by his style I wore a jheri curl, tried to mimic his fashion and I remember having his posters on my wall. As an artist I respect his skill, talent, commitment and creativity. I remained a fan throughout all of his trials and tribulations. I think that he was misunderstood by the media and under constant scrutiny. At last Michael Jackson is free and I hope that he rests in peace. I am saddened by his sudden death, but happy because I know that his music will live on.

[Pam Ward]

I can just remember seeing MJ perform and thinking I want to do that! I want to make people that happy just by entertaining them. I want to be able to make them forget their troubles even if just for a moment.

[Liberated Muse Productions]

I realize that none of us imagined him dying so young. I think we thought of him being around almost forever. He inspired soo many folks, its ridiculous. As a humanitarian and the way he used his music to heal and bring attention to issues, he inspired me so much.

[stargoddess]

Yeah I thought he'd live forever in that bubble. Maybe I even secretly thought he was an alien of some sort sent by the divine to get us to focus less on the outer and more on the inner. He will live forever in my heart motivating me to give every performance my all that's for sure.

[Valjeanne Jeffers]

I grew up listening to his music, as a little girl I had huge crush on him (smile). As an adult his music touched me in so many different -- sometimes inspiring me, like "Man in Mirror." At others I would hear a certain song by Mike and feel like dancing wherever I was ("Jam") And his videos -- !Mike's videos were a trend setters and really shaped the face of what we call music videos today. He was a genius.

[Craig Johnson]

Michael has been an icon in the music industry since I was a child. People didn't see him as a superstar until he was an adult. I say that the true determination of superstardom is when you have your own cartoon. The Jackson-5 accomplished that as children. From that point the star just got brighter.

As a vocalist and a person of social consciousness, his music and his presence in the world has had a profound influence on my life. I will miss his gift tremendously!

[Spoken Word]

Michael Jackson and the whole Jackson family inspired me to go after my dreams. The American Dream which is one of my favorite movies shows the life of the Jackson’s in great detail. I watched them struggle financially during one of the most racist time in history. It was so real to me because, I can remember my family going through some of the things that they experienced. For example, I can remember barley having enough kerosene to light the heater, or daddy being laid off continuously. Those are the little things that many people overlook today, but are greatly appreciated by those that know what it’s like to go without. Through it all, they never gave up on their dream. At the end of the movie during their reunion tour, Michael said that they were not beaten down by poverty and they will not be beaten down by fame either. People called him weird. I say that he was so culturally aware that he strived to be different. Whenever I feel like giving up on my dreams, I pop in that movie to be inspired once again. Michael was an Icon, a legend, humanitarian, and an angle in disguise that brought change in the lives of so many people in this world. I will miss him.