Being a (52) year old man I grew up with the Jackson Five; I watched the cartoons and I know all the lyrics. The way Mikes life drifted out of control over the past decade is very tragic. I will always remember the songs, the dance steps and the videos. It is my solemn prayer that Heaven provides the peace he could never find on earth..

It is a shame that largely the media has chosen to focus on Michael Jackson's eccentricities and the blight that some greedy people caused him in 1993 and 2005. I understand the innocence and joy he felt when he was around children. Again, it is such a shame that a few bad people out there continue to try and change perceptions of truly good people -- we, as a people, simply do not trust anymore.Michael Jackson was a mortal man, but he was also a genius, who was personable and relatable. I think he was what we would call a giver, but just terribly misunderstood -- to the point -- it was easier for him to just leave the limelight so those who would use his innocence and good heart against him, couldn't get to him or his children.On a lighter note -- I have great memories of Michael and his siblings through the years. I remember watching the Jackson5 on American Bandstand and Soul Train, as well as other variety shows and their cartoon. My older sister took me to see the Jackson5 and the Commodores when I was about 15 or so. Then, when I moved to L.A. in 1982, just after MTV was born, I used to watch Michael Jackson's early videos; and later his sister, Janet's too.I was looking forward to seeing more from Michael and his children......now we'll never have that chance to see what more he could have shared with us. Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley, the King of Pop and the King, were/are my two favorite singers of all time. Both taken so young……so sad…so much unappreciated talent lost..

I grew up with Michael Jackson's music and went back and forth between he and Prince as favorite artists. Now as a legal professional, I followed with great interest, all the legal drama following his life. I am truly sorry to hear of his passing. We have truly lost an icon.

I was so upset when I heard the news yesterday. I followed Michael's Career from the Jackson 5 to when he went solo. I went to his concerts, the victory tour I was in the third row and was able to touch Michael. As long as his music is around so will Michael be around. My heart goes out to his family and to his kids. MICHAEL MAY YOU REST IN PEACE!!.

He was cute, talented, with a contagious smile, and singing Pop music the first time I saw him (on the Ed Sullivan Show when I was six). He was one of the many firsts on TV back then who made me proud to be Black and gave me reason to aspire not just to grow up to marry somebody amazing but also to become whatever I was talented and hard-working enough to be. That's a lot to a little Black girl from the 'hood. .

I am appalled at the way the Media consistently reminds us of the "infamous" trial of Michael Jackson. Can't we just remember the man as being a musical genius!In my opinion the Media is 50% responsible for helping create all of the eccentric behavior of Mr. Jackson. The Media builds you up and then once you have reached a certain level - the Media tears you down! They can't "Dog him around" anymore! RIP Michael Jackson! You were and always will be LOVED! .

It is a shame, that we have gotten to the point where sensationalismrules our media. What has happened to professional ethics, and responsible journalism?MJ will live on in our hearts, in spite of the continued attempts at character assassination. .