Michael Jackson remembered in Boston, elsewhere
Minutes after word that Michael Jackson had died, tributes poured in -- and radio stations in Boston and elsewhere switched to playing wall-to-wall Jackson songs and mining memories of the boy idol of the Jackson 5 who became the King of Pop.
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The morning DJs at Boston's WODS -- Oldies 103.3 -- rushed in to join regular programmers for a special Thursday evening show, with evening DJ JJ noting the bizarre final chapters of Jackson's life but also his talent for infectious, danceable music that crossed genres.
Shortly after 7 p.m., the station played "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough,'' the first single off Jackson's wildly successful 1979 solo "Off The Wall'' album. It followed that up with "Thriller,'' the theme of his followup -- and best-selling-ever -- album. Then it went deep into the singer's past, playing "I'll Be There.'' Other songs it played were The Jacksons' "Dancing Machine'' and Michael's creepy but syrupy solo debut, "Ben,'' from a 1970s movie about a rat.
He's an artist who will be forever remembered for his music, morning DJ Zito told listeners.
Over at Mix 98.5 FM, Lady D held her own tribute to Jackson, playing songs like "Man in the Mirror'' and "I Want You Back'' and reminiscing about growing up with his music.
Similar programs took place in Philadelphia and New York. By 7:30 p.m., all but one of the Top 10 Twitter trending topics were about Michael Jackson. Boston media critic Dan Kennedy Tweeted that Jackson, embroiled in legal financial troubles in later years, was the biggest wasted talent since Elvis.
MSNBC quoted Quincy Jones, a longtime friend and producer of Jackson's "Thiller'' album, as saying: "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words. ...... I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."
Jackson was preparing to embark on a sold-out 50-concert tour that would represent a long-awaited comeback. Here's a look at Jackson throughout his career.
In May, The Times had reported that Jackson had rented a home in the Bel-Air section of Los Angeles and was rehearsing for the series of shows in London's O2 Arena. Jackson had won the backing of two billionaires to get the so-called "King of Pop" back on stage.
According to the Times:
His backers envisioned the shows at AEG's O2 as an audition for a career rebirth that could ultimately encompass a three-year world tour, a new album, movies, a Graceland-like museum, musical revues in Las Vegas and Macau, and even a "Thriller" casino. Such a rebound could wipe out Jackson's massive debt.
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The real Michael Jackson died years ago.
A good example that you can have everything, yet nothing. RIP
right on
Wow this is a very sad day. He was not like most people but an awesome performer and to young to die. Thank you Michael for all that you gave to us. RIP! My heart goes out to his family.
whoa
If you can't say anything nice...
RIP
you are a good caring and sympathetic individual bernard
Michael Jackson was tortured by the same public that loved him when he was making hits. May his soul rest in peace.
MichaelJackson is the man!!!
His music will liveon
Hate-filled, nasty, negative people of Massachusetts.... wait until you pass, hopefully there will be a blog where someone can write nasty stuff about you when you're gone.
REST IN PEACE MIKE.
I may not have agreed with some of the choices you made later in life, but you were one hell of an entertainer and will be greatly missed.
Goodbye to the greatest entertainer of all time!
ps - don't bother to respond to my post, I won't be checking this again since I already have a sampling of what people will write.
Michael will be missed, at least his music will live on.
ABC It's easy as 1 2 3 Rest in peace Michael you were an outstanding performer. He will have to answer to any charges on this earth and all three prior posters are perfect angels in God's judgment, Aaron,bil318 and bernard
One can look on the negative side of Michael's life, but what will that accomplish. If we view the positive aspects of his life, we see a musical genius who entertained us for years and kept us amused and amazed at his skills. We should appreciate his artistry and memorialize him as a musical giant - unequaled by few and a musical prototype for many.
So much for innocent until proven guilty, eh guys?
RIP Michael Jackson
I am not a crazed fan, however I think that it is ridiculous that you people would say such horrible things about a man who was acquitted of all charges. Did it ever cross your minds that maybe the families were money hungry immoral people trying to make a quick buck?
NO !! WHY DID HE DIE ! D:
I'm happy he won't suffer any longer. He had a great talent that was ruined by his mental illness, but that sad fact is now history. He gave us good music for a long time, and I thank him for that.
i miss you jackson , u bring tears to my eye . . . . . . .
it's spelled 'goodbye'.
"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." John 8:7
In the begining of my musical life there was Michael. So far your the best pop artist i've ever heard. Rest in piece. You've earned it.
: / hey at least he had some good songs bye bye michael
He was a genius in the entertainment business. And his music transformed the culture of the world. May his soul rest in peace.
You people dont even know if your OPINIONS are true... I wasnt a fan of him but have a heart. RIP.
True,the trial all but ended his life long ago. How could anybody take hearing what has been said of him year after year? He lived on painkillers,and they didnt kill the pain,but did kill him.
god bless his soul,king of pop
God speed Michael Jackson. A toast to you.
The creator of Music I love you michael Jackson you will always be my Favorite
he will be missed. who was better than him. how can you hate on him?
hey that is rude what you are saying Michael was a legend and still is . . . sure he did bad things but everyone has. Give him a brake, show some sympothy you guys are pathetic. Its a tragedy what happend. He was a great performer im going to miss him.
R.I.P Michael Jackson . . .
rip
his music was SOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD
his music will drift on forever
You are unkind people. Your hatred is a reflection of your own failure as human beings. He was a father and a son and a brother to a family that loved him and forgave him for his faults and weaknesses and mistakes. When you don't show resepect for the dead, you reveal a lack of compassion in yourself that is very sad. I hope, if one day, when you beg for help or strength and find that your calls are answered by compassionate people who will forgive you for these words you have expressed today, you will find yourself wanting to emulate them.
may you haters clean your closets before you pass judgement and get called ...all you can see is what negative aspects media has brought you but not the love and good God has poured to so many through this one man....
He died because he was bullied to death.
I watched his trial he was innocent and he would not have looked so bad if he was not.
He never did anything to deserve that,
If anyone is to blame its all the people who thought he did it,
I am a criminoligist and study behaviour,.
It was all crap.
Trust me when someone gets a rumor started about them they don't quit.
It makes me sick.
Herats
Only God will and render justice, Michael Joseph Jackson, may he rest in peace.
I grew up on his music . Ben is one of my favorites.
Good-bye Michael Jackson! You are loved..
He died because he was bullied to death.
I watched his trial he was innocent and he would not have looked so bad if he was not.
He never did anything to deserve that,
If anyone is to blame its all the people who thought he did it,
I am a criminoligist and study behaviour,.
It was all crap.
Trust me when someone gets a rumor started about them they don't quit.
It makes me sick.
Herats
A gentle Star whose life was an indictment of American Racialism. He was born 30 years too early.
I will pay tribute to Michael Jackson.
Jackson was acquitted of those charges. And in THIS country a person is innocent until proven guilty. And he wasn't.
So if you want to judge a person based on rumors and sensationalistic media, then it's on you.
For all his eccentricities, Michael Jackson made a huge impact on our culture. He was an amazing artist. And he accomplished more than any of you "haters" out there.
Irregardless of his flaws and mistakes he may have made in life, everyone at one time has seen a MJ video, heard a song or hummed his tune. Micheal was and will live on as a legend and refused to stay down based off of the charcter that the media built for him. He over came that part of his life and put it all behind him. He's a phenomenon, a myth and a part of a lot of peoples heart. R.I.P Micheal.
ya'll haters
he brought a lot of gudd 2 this world
R.I.P. mike
He was a talented man, and a life that ended too soon, I will miss his music.
Every one who's bashing on michael is a damn loser Michael was the best!! RIP
RIP Michael. These haters don't know.
wonderful people...thou shalt not judge I'm sure all of you will be judged by god someday....
Leave him alone. I want him in heaven.
The man had a beautiful gift.
Micheal Jackson was a great musician. May he rest in peace.
No matter what he was in the last few years, it is still sad. I was a HUGE fan in the eighties. THRILLER. Rest in peace.
You are a wonderful person, I loved your music. It is a shame that money hungry people decided to take advantage of your kindiness and put their kids up to such lies so they can make a buck. You are in God's hands and may your family and kids find the power to heal during these hard times
ima miss you .. he's what music was all about :)
No matter what he was in the last few years, it is still sad. I was a HUGE fan in the eighties. THRILLER. Rest in peace.
He was a great performer. No one will ever know the truth about the abuse allegations. Give the guy a break in death and think about all the great music he contributed to the world.
You people are sick! The man was a music legend and he is now dead-- at least have some sympathy towards his grieving family!
MJ was an extremely talented superstar and a role model to all musicians. He began a new era of music and always provided the world with an amazing new excitement in his music.
I don't think we could ever understand what was really inside his mind, considering we were not thrust into stardom to avoid beatings at such a young age. Show some respect for the dead.
Some people need to learn to have respect for the deceased. Leave him alone finally and let the man rest in peace!!!!! He may have had personal problems but that definitely never changed the exquisite performer that he was.
Michael Jackson was one of the greatest artist in the history of the universe.His greatness will live on he is my idol..... I Love You Michael Jackson...
No way, I still can't believe it. How can he be dead???
You guy's are so wrong I can't say what he did was right but he was still a person and he did have his problem's.So be the tough guy and talk trash when he's gone.You live the life he has then you have all the right to talk trash.My heart goes out to the Jackson family.
May God forgive all individuals who are ignorant in the world. May God bless the Jackson family for their loss.
people are quick to point fingers and tarnish others' images. Little do you know that we are all guilty of one thing or another and by law, we are all doomed because no one is righteous. So stop the hate crimes, stop the racism, stop the undue judgment and start to look to better your own lives!
have some compasion people, human make mistakes.
he didnt do that. you think if someone rapes your kid you gonna take money or jewerly. the people who are saying this are gonna burn in hell.
stop troowing stones. open your closeths. what jesus said the one who hAS NO SIN TROW THE FIRST STONE.......
I LOVE YOU MICHEAL RIP
God gave us life, so all of you that speak ill of people, I pray one day the same faith does not come to you. Life is precious and no one deserves to die. May God bless u Mike.
He will always be remembered as the "KING OF POP" and nobody could ever surpass his career! He will forever live in our minds as well as our hearts..many repects goes out to the entire Jackson family!
He was the King... greater than Elvis !
We will miss his music and breathtaking performances.
He changed the Music Industry Forever... HE MADE HISTORY !
He was and still the greatest show man ever. May his soul rest in peace. We'll miss you dearly.
No one has the right to judge orcritsise micheal jackson only god can judge him if you've never sinned and are perfect than go ahead Just let him rest in peace at least his troubles are gone we are still here trying to make it god rest your soul micheal.
I agree, the 'real' MIchael Jackson died years ago. But, let us not forget what he has brought to music, society, and our hearts. MIchael, you will forever be missed.
Micheal jackson was a great person and idol. If you have nothing good to say then dont even bother posting it. He was a great legend and it was a depressing thing that he died. Long live the king of Pop!
You know this man had incredible talent. It is sad that his life ended so soon. There were many allegations against him but as far as I know he was never proven guity/convicted of anything. He had so many people out to destroy him that I doubt he could have walked away without jail time if he was truly guilty. He was tried and convicted by the media who love a good scandal. Again it is sad that a talented man such as this had to die so soon on the verge of a major comeback.
Rest in peace Michael. You will be missed!
Now the haters of success can withdraw their bloody daggers... Michael Jackson will no longer be your victim... I feel sorry for the poor guy who really had no childhood... May his soul rest in peace.
He was an awesome singer one of the greatest ever. He will be greatly missed by millions.
would had been a good tour/comeback....SIGH
all you other dudes need to learn to respect the music.
I'd much rather that they switch to an all-Farrah format.
Type your comment here... Regardless to the ACCUSATIONS!!! He was still someone's child, father, brother, and uncle. My prayers are with the family, and may he rest in peace. Haters keep on hating.
awww, well aren't you guys nice.
he may have been a child molester or what not,
but he's dead now, so . can't we just be respectfull .
As person he was hated for the things he did. As a musician we can't forget the contributions he gave to music as a whole. I can't condone the activities he chose to partake of, and quite frankly I do believe he did not get the justice so deserved. But to claim this as an act of god is appalling. I'm no christian by any stretch of the term, but to speak of a god that would punish a man in such a manner is hypocritical at the least.
Michael Jackson revolutionized the pop music industry, and served as an inspiriation for many of the pop music icons you blindly follow and worship. I understand if you still feel the need to hate him, but everyone deserves some modicum of respect upon their passing. the dead are here to teach us of our mistakes, not to be ridiculed for theirs.
HE'S A LEGEND. HE HAD TALENT. STOP BEING SO DISRESPECTFUL. HE CHANGED THE WORLD - THAT WAS HIS ULTIMATE GOAL. R. I . P MICHAEL
Wow forever and always THEE KING OF POP
The world has lost a very very talented artist and one of the most charismatic of all time. It's shocking news since he entertained a lot of people from different generations. Thank you Michael for giving the world your gift and passion for music. I always wanted to watch him perform, but I was a poor kid and always hoped to see him in concert; now, I definitely never will.
The music industry lost a giant today. Very sad. Mike had his demons to be sure. Still, as weird and twisted as he was, his talent was incredible and undeniable. Nasty comments notwithstanding, he will be missed.
RIP MJ.
It is a shock because I though he was healthly with his eating regimine but
we all have our time I guess. Some how I must agree with anot\her poster and feel
that Micheal died years ago..but his family still feels pain along with his children and for that I am sorry.
50 is still pretty young to die and death has no respect of persons.
www.tiptopwebsite.com/mny4u
This is such a strange and sad day. It's like the day pop culture died for some of us.
IT WAS SO SUDDEN. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT. AT LEAST MOST OF THE JACKSON FAMILY CAN SING. HE LOOKED SO YOUNG FOR 50 YEARS OLD. I LOVED HIS SONGS. I AGREE WITH HECTOR. WE LOST A VERY TALENTED MAN. YES HE HAD DIFFICULTIES IN HIS LIFE BUT DON'T LAUGH AT IT OR ANYTHING. IT DOEN'T MATTER. WHAT MATTERS IS THAT WE HAVE LOST ONE OF THE MOST TALENTED PERSON ON EARTH. HIS WHOLE LIFE WAS MUSIC. HE STARTED WHEN HE WAS I THINK TWELVE IN A BAND WITH 4 OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS CALLED THE JACKSON 5. AND HE HAS BEEN SINGING ALL THE WAY UP TO THE AGE OF 50. HE HAS BEEN SINGING FOR ABOUT 38 YEARS. SO JACKSON FAMILY, PASS ON MICHAEL'S SONGS. PEOPLE LIKE THEM NOW, PEOPLE WILL LIKE THEM IN THE FUTURE. BUT HE IS STILL ALIVE. NOT ON EARTH BUT WHEN YOU LISTEN TO HIS MUSIC, HE IS ALIVE.
Stop calling him Jacko!!
R.I.P. Michael Jackson
Peace bro.
MICHAEL YOU WILL BE MISSED. THANKS FOR THE GREAT MUSIC AND DANCE.
YOU LIVENED UP A PARTY AND FILLED THE DANCE FLOORS.
IF WE DID NOT HAVE MEDIA AND INTERNET TODAY YOUR LEGACY WOULD BE GREAT.PEOPLE WERE INFLUENCED BY TRASH TALK
HEAVEN CANT WAIT TO GREET YOU.
No, One should have anything to say about this man He is the Greater man that could have mad music. He has truely changed lots of peoples lives with the music he made. I do believe that he did anything that people said he did. Michael R.I.P, you will truely be missed it hard 2 believe that you are gone at such a young age you were only 50. My prayers are with the family.....If u have nothing nice 2 say about the King of Pop dont say anything at all let him R.I.P. God does everything for a reason. It was just his time 2 go home 2 his father he did what he had to do and made a change in everyones life..........
I look forward to his resurrection - and hopefully he'll accept Jehovah as his Sovereign Lord.
NO MATTER what people say they cant take away the joy he brought us!!!
My first love. Never stopped loving you, Michael. From 1969 until today, and ever. We don't have to worry about you now. May the good Lord/Allah hold your children close and give your family strength. Thank you and see you later.
Michael Jackson-there will never be another star as great as you! It is with great sorrow that all the way from India I write this--our deepest condolences to someone who was maligned and never respected but continued to be a creator of such astounding music. We wanted to see him on the London stage...it will never be.... Peace to you Micheal Jackson and know that people in South Asia, Africa, Japan, China loved your music ....
Another one of those, "where were you when . . . " moments. Shocker.
I grew up in Illinois (Indiana's neighbor) and was 11/12 when the Jackson 5 were hugely popular. My best friend Janice & I would put on all the Motown 45rpm records and dance our socks off in her bedroom. ABC, Got to Be There, Rockin' Robin...I could go on and on. Despite his personal issues and trials, who didn't think that "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" were THE best dance tunes EVER when they came out?! And then there was the amazing Motown 25th Anniversary TV special and I don't think that I was alone being absolutely blown away at his moonwalk! And how about the "Thriller" MTV video? Nothing's ever topped it!! I am truly sad at the loss of someone who loved his family and his fans with all his heart. RIP MJ!
I'm only 13 years old and I loved micheal jackson. He might have made many mistakes, we all do, but no one can take away the fact that he was absolutely amazing and talented. I danced to his music along w/ my family and we will continue to. It's a sad loss but his memory and music will last forever. R.I.P micheal jackson, u will truly be missed.
When I was growing up nobody was cooler than him. That's how I'll remember him. Take care, MJ.
RIP Mike. This is very sad. LOVE
A great talent was lost today. It's a very sad time. Michael, you will forever be remembered. Rest in peace. God bless you.
I LOVE YOU MICHEAL JACKSON I WAS GOING TO SEE YOU IN LONDON BUT NOW I AM SADDENED.
YOU WILL BE THE ONLY KING OF POP I LOVE YOU MICHEAL JACKSON REST IN HEAVEN THOUGHTS AND PRAYER FOR YOU
My friends and I are all lamenting that we were so in love with him back in the 70's- my first wall poster of him was when I was 10 & he was 11. We are so heartbroken. Micheal was innocent. He was a gentle soul. They ripped him to shreds and I was looking forward to his comeback. He is loved and missed and mourned. My deepest condolences to his children and family.
RIP Micheal. He was a genius! What is a world without MJ ? Those at the top are always misunderstood. We are all privileged to have known his work and lucky to have been moved at some point by his music. No matter what critics might say, everyone knows thriller is IMPOSSIBLE not to dance to .....few artists have that claim to fame. He will be missed and to leave your footprint on the earth by doing more good than bad is all any of us can really hope for. May heaven await you MJ!
Didn't see anything bad in any of the posts so I assume this is being edited but I agree with all the positive statements. We cannot judge anyone. That's for God to do. He was a musical genius from an early age and a flawless soul singer. RiP.
alrite yall hater he wad da best man in the world. He brought music back to da hood
RIP MIKE RIP
God Bless you MJ! Your songs will live forever in our hearts...
cwood
Genius ...Shear Genius...May you be free from suffering. LIfe is so short...we need to look at how we live our lives...
micheal jackson is the greatest performer of all time and he will be truly missed. RIP micheal jackson. my prayers and love go out to him and his family. love Mrs. Sykes
Th world has lost one it's greatest entertainers, his legacy will be long remembered and the joy his music brought us all RIP the King of Pop
The world has lost one it's greatest entertainers, his legacy will be long remembered and the joy his music brought us all RIP the King of Pop
What a sad day and tragic end to one of the best performers of our time. Its even sadder that this man was so ridiculed and mistreated by the public--as if there werent more important things to be concerned about. The true fans would say, "leave Michael alone". Michael Jackson was a creative genius, a living musical legend and a gift to the entertainment world, a treasure to us all. If only more people appreciated this rather than make his life miserable. It pains me to think of all the sadness and discomfort he must have endured throughout his life in rue of such cruelty.
Still, the fans are numerous and we will never, ever forget him.
Rest in Peace Michael Jackson. You will be sorely missed.
No one will EVER, EVER even come close to achieveing what Michael achieved...his contributions to the world are unfounded. He will forever be missed and the world will never be quite the same without him. Michael, I'll miss you, always. Rest in peace.
I wish Michael's father had kept his hands to himself.
The world has lost a true talent. Rest in Peace Michael.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! What a very sad day!!!
A supremely talented American icon. All the best to his family. Thanks, Michael, for bringing so much joy to my life. May you rest in peace.
Seriously, a truly tragic figure, but this guy was the MAN
in the 80s. Growing up the suburbs were full of kids in
fake leather jackets with three zippers on each breast.
Honestly if there was one artist to see live in his prime
he would have been it... with the latest tour I was hoping
he'd come to the US so I could say I saw Michael Jackson
live. He created some of the best pop songs of all time...
sad stuff, but you pray that after the tortured troubled
past decade or so, that he's in a better place.
WOW! What a shock. He was a true musical genuis whos music will live forever!!!! RIP Michael xxxxxxxxx
i was never a follower of MJ. However, he was the most talented performer of our time and he influenced a great many of performers who followed after him. He lead a sad and tragic life but desrves to be respected despite the negative stories around him. MJ RIP. You were a genius.
he will be remembered by many. He come like a next James Brown a big legend my they both rest in peice and i hope there will be more people following in there foot step. And i hope everyone will rest his soul cause no one knows what we individuals have to go through on a daily base. PS LATOYA REST IN PIECE GODS FINE ARTS YOU BOTH WILL BE REMEMEBERED AND ON BEHALF OF ALL YOUR FANS MY LOVE.
RIP MICHEAL MY BIRTHDAY IS THE SAME DAY AS YOURS 28TH AUGUST I WILL STILL CELEBRATE IT AS I DO EVERY YEAR! ROCK ON 4 EVA IN MY HEART PEACE BROTHER