Enid Jackson
He's giving the world a gift, his talent, and, in return, the world tries to crucify him.
Joyce McCrae
This is a person who has seen a lot of hurt and a lot of pain suffered by -- and caused by -- people he loved dearly and deeply. And he's the most popular entertainer in the world to boot. How can he ever be a truly joyful person? His hurt is too overwhelming, too consuming. He's built a wall around himself to protect himself from more hurt.
Jim Miller
He dances with the breathtaking verve of his predecessor James Brown, the beguiling wispiness of Diana Ross, the ungainly pathos of Charlie Chaplin, the edgy joy of a man startled to be alive.
Elizabeth Taylor
What is a genius? What is a living legend? What is a megastar? Michael Jackson -- that's all. And when you think you know him, he gives you more. I think he is one of the finest people to hit this planet, and, in my estimation, he is the true King of Pop, Rock and Soul.
Seth Riggs
He's the most natural, loving person I've ever known, a very good person, as corny as that sounds.
Joe Jackson
He wasn't ever really interested in money. I'd give him his share of a night's earnings and the next day he'd buy ice cream or candy for all the kids in neighborhood.
Stevie Wonder
Michael's a natural. He's a very hard worker and a super performer. But most of all, he's a real human being.
Quincy Jones
He was like a sponge. Michael showed a curiosity for everything. It was unbelievable in someone so young. I appreciated watching it work.
Steven Spielberg
I've never seen anybody like Michael. He is an emotional star child.
Enid Jackson
If the media would just tell it like it is about Michael, without destroying it and twisting it, maybe he would be more cooperative with the press. But he has been hurt a lot by the media. Even when he gives an interview and the story comes out all right, someone else will inevitably twist what he said. Michael can't win, really. That hurts him. He's not stupid. He knows how to avoid getting hurt by this vicious cycle.
Frank Dileo
He's not afraid to look into the worst suffering and find the smallest part that's positive and beautiful.
Vince Patterson
Sure he's a little afraid of people. When you have people that from the time you're a little kid want a part of you, they want your clothes, they want your hair -- you're going to get a little nervous around people.
Sidney Lumet
Michael Jackson is the most gifted entertainer to come down the pike since, I guess, James Dean. He's a brilliant actor and dancer, probably one of the rarest entertainers I have ever worked with. His talent is awesome.
Freddie Perren
We were singing the song, and all the time I was showing it to him I was wondering, "Can he reach those high notes?" Finally we took a try at it… and he just reached it first time, no effort at all.
Hal Davis
Whatever it took to get the song done right, he was willing to go the distance. And that was impressive, since he was still just a little kid.
James Earl Jones
He has redefined the term professional entertainer.
Fred Astaire
Oh, God! That boy moves in a very exceptional way. That’s the greatest dancer of the century.
Fred Astaire
I didn’t want to leave this world without knowing who my descendant was. Thank you Michael!
Frank Sinatra
The only male singer who I’ve seen besides myself and who’s better than me -- that is Michael Jackson.
Steven Spielberg
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.
Neil Portnow
Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon.
Britney Spears, on her plans to attend MJ's last tour in London
I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I'm devastated he's gone!
Arnold Schwarzenegger (on Michael Jackson's sudden death)
Today, the world has lost one of the most influential and iconic figures in the music industry. From his performances with the Jackson 5, to the premiere of the 'moonwalk' and 'Thriller,' Michael was a pop phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity.
Martin Scorsese (on the death of Michael Jackson)
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.
