From Spinner:

The reach of Michael Jackson’s musical influence is an immeasurable one. On this sad day, and over the past few years, countless artists have praised the pop icon and his work, and, in memory of Jackson, who passed away yesterday at the age of 50, we share some of those comments with you.

““I can’t stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever. My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.” – Madonna

“I am so devastated by this terrible news. From the beginning of my career, he was my idol in show business. He was a genius and an incredible artist.” — Celine Dion

“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!” – Britney Spears

“I would not be the artist, performer, and philanthropist I am today without the influence of Michael. I have great admiration and respect for Him and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to meet and perform with such a great entertainer In so many ways he transcended culture. He broke barriers, he changed radio formats! With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled. Michael Jackson will never be forgotten.” — Usher

“Michael Jackson will live forever through the thing that he put all of his life energy into: his music. … Long live Michael Jackson.” – Ne-Yo

“You cannot say enough about what he has given to us musically and culturally. We take for granted people like him. … All he wanted to do was give us great music and that’s what he did.” — Jamie Foxx

“Now is not the time for sorrow or criticism. Now is a time to celebrate our lives and celebrate the joy his music and message brought to the world and what that means to each of us. The King is gone but he will live on.” –Brett Dennen

 ”It’s always hard to lose a friend.” –Smokey Robinson

 ”May you rest in peace, sweet Michael. You gave us all you had to give.” –Lenny Kravitz

“I am so grateful to have worked with the King (and always will be King) of the music industry. He was a gift to the world, he is a bright light and I wouldn’t be surprised if the world stopped spinning tomorrow.” –Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am

“Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life! He made me believe in magic.” – Sean “Diddy” Combs

“The world has lost one of the most talented people we’ve all ever known. He was a hero for me as a child and his music helped my career to become known as an adult. He will always live through my turntables. Rest in peace Michael.” –DJ AM

“Michael Jackson was my generation’s most iconic cultural hero. Courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He’ll be missed greatly.” –Russell Simmons

“I am so saddened by the loss of a great idol and icon, Michael Jackson. He was, to me, the greatest entertainer of all time. He was a huge inspiration for performers across all music genres. He taught us all how to light up the stage. Wow.” –’American Idol’ judge Randy Jackson

“Michael Jackson’s personal crescendo of amazing power as an entertainer was clear and unmistakable, and has never slowed to this very day! 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!” –’Soul Train’ creator Don Cornelius

“I’m shocked. He was a pioneer who transcended genre and race with the most unique talent and style the world has ever or will ever see.” — Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

“As a child Michael Jackson made me dance dance dance like a little bucktoothed fool. May his tired soul find peace and rest.” –Bassnectar

“It is difficult to think of a more impactful loss from the passing of an icon than that of Michael Jackson. His entire 40-year career has been one of the greatest inspirations to our music. In the early part of our career, he and his brothers helped motivate us to pursue music regardless of our age. He was an unequaled talent who set the bar for how music can affect the world. We join the millions of music fans, mourning the passing of this true great!” –Taylor, Isaac and Zac Hanson

“I am deeply saddened to hear of Michael’s sudden passing. His was a rare talent that we witness once in a lifetime. One who makes such an indelible mark that for generations singers and dancers attribute him as inspiration. I had the great privilege of watching him every night doing what he did best … entertain. I am grateful to have known him for the two years that I worked for him and will mourn his loss with his many millions of fans across the world.” –Sheryl Crow

“Michael was one of the most brilliant musicians I’ve ever known. The world will be a sadder place tonight because he is gone.” –Neil Diamond

“My favorite Michael Jackson song is ‘Ben’ from the 1972 movie of the same name. It’s a beautiful song about a lonely, troubled and misunderstood boy. A boy who finds solace in an unlikely friendship with another outcast who loves him for who he is. Rest in peace Michael Jackson.” –Tom Morello

“Michael Jackson’s death is a very surreal moment for people my age. He was such an omnipresent figure in pop culture for as long as I can remember. It feels like I knew him, but on the other hand it seems like noone really did. His music makes me move. I guess that’s what he ultimately wanted.” –Ben Lee

“I grew up with Michael Jackson as my idol. It was a family affair. We would all sit around the television whenever a new Michael Jackson video would premiere. I know the feeling I had when I saw him do the Moonwalk. I can only imagine the feeling they are getting in heaven seeing him walk through those gates.” –Fonzworth Bentley

“I still remember being a kid watching Motown 25 with my family and losing my mind when he did the Moonwalk. Despite what he may have become in the end, pop music is what it is today because of him. There could be no Justin Timberlake, Omarion, Usher, Chris Brown, even Robbie Williams, without the music of Michael Jackson.” –MSTRKRFT’s Jesse F. Keeler

“Michael Jackson’s done and accomplished so much that there’s not even words to explain what he’s done to urban music and pop music. Every artist that I personally know has been influenced by him.” –Akon

“I never thought Michael Jackson would ever work with me. He actually sent for me, so that was kind of weird and cool at the same time.” –T-Pain

“‘Thriller,’ musically, was amazing. It was just an amazing time.” –Ciara

“[My favorite artist] of all time is Michael Jackson. I watched his DVD and almost cried. I would not know what to do if I ever met Michael Jackson. I would faint or I would cry.” –The Veronicas

“The controversy that has surrounded him the last 20 years is only eclipsed by the genius of ‘Off The Wall’ and ‘Thriller.’” –The Crystal Method’s Scott Kirkland

“The music world suffered a monumental loss today. Michael Jackson’s songs were loved and cherished by all. Many of them achieved true perfection. He was the biggest pop star that ever lived and he reminded us that pop music doesn’t have to compromise. We send our condolences to his family and close ones.” –A-Trak (Kanye West’s DJ)

“Michael Jackson was one of the last true legends. His music will live on in all of us forever and ever. Just like Michael once sang ‘I’ll be there.’” Orange’s Joe Dexter

“Today is a sad day for music. He was a great singer, a great artist and one of the best performers on the planet. We were looking forward to seeing him back in his full glory onstage, and now with his passing we’ll have to remember him when he was ‘Bad.’” — Infected Mushroom’s Amit “Duvdev” Duvdevani

“Michael Jackson’s legacy will live as long as there is life in music. Arguably the greatest entertainer in the world. Amazing live shows, so many smash hits! So much talent! An enigma of a man. He was an icon and a legend. The man was a true superstar that left you staring at him in awe if you ever got the chance to see him. He would leave you starstruck. This man touched so many lives through his talent, energy and his art. He contributed to so many good causes and paved the way for many artists. He inspired millions of people including me. I personally believe our souls or energy can never die so death is not something I mourn. I celebrate his life and will miss his enigmatic energy on our planet in the form of the the King of Pop — Michael Jackson. Thank you for everything!!” — Iranian musician Mams Taylor

The solo performance that catapulted him into superstardom.

One of his many amazing performances.

 

You will be missed.

Rest In Peace Michael.

-L