I will miss him. I was lucky enough to see him and his brothers in concert when I was a teenager in the 80's. RIP Michael Jackson.

This is a shocker! It's like the day when they announced Elvis Presley's death. His music will live forever! We pray for him and his family!

AC, I respect you, like you & feel you're the best going, but come on, I see 5 large blocks given to Michael, but nothing for a great actress, Ms. Fawcett. While his was tragic hers was far more so, lasting 3 years.He went quickly, thank God for him & his family, but she sufferred so much over thes years & she deserves to share the spotlight.
Don't chase the ratings dollar as is Larry & other media. do the right thing Anderson. I am turning off LArry as she gushes w/ Celine & Cher next !
Thanks & best wishes

Great article Andrew. It is so true that Michael was just used and abused by his family and others and was never really cared for in the right way. It was sad the way he had to grow up. Yet we all have a choice at how we choose to live when we get to be adults. He had a lot of ups and downs but nothing can ever take away the fact that he was a great artist who put out some awesome music that will never be forgotten. There will never be another entertainer like him. He will be missed! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Cindy..Ga.

It's such a devistating loss of Michael Jackson! but who is is legal next of kin? Is it going to be another Anna Nichole smith?

Please remember Neda and the fight for freedom in Iran...those kids are fighting for the very essence in which we found love for Michael Jackson. FREEDOM!

A very touching retrospection Andrew. I appreciate your viewpoint and the excellence of your writing. I never thought of Jackson in this way but now that you have pointed it out I can see it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Anderson – here's a great poll for you – find out how many people are being "unfriended" or "unfollowed" based on their posts about the two famous deaths today.

I've already seen some pretty ingnorant posts, but personally won't be defriending or unfollowing anyone until I see how all the replies and responses play out...

Vanessa in Washington, DC

It's a tragic loss of Michael Jackson, but who is the legal next of kin? Hope it's not another Anna Nichole Smith!

Michael Jackson was a human being before he was a Pop Icon. He was a son, a father, and a friend. He will be missed by everyone throught the world. Even during his tough time, he had a smile on his face. His true fans will forever love him and his music. People have looked up to him for years. R.I.P Michael Jackson!!!

Well said. Well said.

A beautiful piece. Poignant and cautionary at the same time. Thank you.

I am deeply saddened by Michael Jackson's death. My love of his music was passed down to all 3 of my daughters. His music will live forever. RIP Michael. You are missed terribly.

He was an abused person during most of his life. He even abused himself as an adult with all of the modifications to his appearance. When I see the pictures of him as a child, I feel like crying. He was so talented and beautiful. It is such a shame that he could not honor himself that way. I truly hope that he has found peace.

"I grieve for him; but I also grieve for the culture that created and destroyed him. That culture is ours’ and it is a lethal and brutal one: with fame and celebrity as its core values, with money as its sole motive, it chewed this child up and spat him out."

well said.

Well said, Andrew. Michael was the soundtrack to my childhood, and the part of me that will never grow up mourns him. Very sad.

Andrew, I have been one of your fans for a long time and have just been freshly reminded why. You put into words so many of the thoughts in my mind. Thank you.

Bravo! Thank you for saying it when so many of us think it. God speed Michael. I hope now you have the peace and love you so craved here on this sometimes cruel earth.

ohh michael
will miss you will miss your news &mpic and evry thing

mjarabia miss you so much.

slam alecom
السلام عليكم
أرجو أن يذكره العالم با الخير وأرجو أن يذكرو محاسنه كان أسطوره حيه وهو فعلا أسطوره
مايكل توفي وترك لنا موسيقاه الموأثره في هذا العالم

Insightful and beautifully written piece, Mr. Sullivan. Thank you for writing this.

I remember my husband staying outside overnight with my daughter and her friends to get tickets for Michael's concert,in the early 80's at the VET in Philly. She was totally devastedatthenews. She had Michael's Billy Jeanplayingin the delivery room when her daughter was born. A talent that is unsurpassed. A true genesis. He is now at peace. Sing in the heavenly choir Michael. Rest in peace.

I thank you for this excellent article you wrote on Michael Jackson, you are right he is a Musical genius in all the senses. No one will ever come close to what he is. My prayers go out to the Jackson Family and fans. His music will live on. I didn't believe it at first but, when I turned on the Television there were no more doubts. The first word that came out said he had died a tear came out my eye, because I looked up to him as a musician and a person.

One of the first albums I bought as a present for my newly teenage daughter was Thriller. Tonight she called in tears (age now 39)). I guess a lot of us grew up listening to Michael. I even learned to "Moonwalk" at the grand age of 45. Michael was fun and good to listen to by all ages.

I understand that Michael J was considered an icon, but so was Farrah Fawcet. I do not understand why his death, as tragic as it was, is overshadowing hers, His life was filled with so much controversy, where Farrah was such an elegant and caring person, involved in so much. She took stands for what she believed in. I think it is a shame we are over-looking what she was.

Beautifully written words, Andrew. And so true. This news comes as a shock, and also as no surprise. I have long believed that Michael's genius masked a mentally stunted man-child that obsessed over young boys in a predatory way. It was a classic case of an abused child growing into an abusive adult. Yes, his music was amazing and his talent limitless. For that he will be forever remembered and missed. He was a Pop Icon and a humanitarian... but for all that adulation, he was alone. His story is a tragedy, really. And I imagine that in the coming days and weeks we may learn details that will illustrate just how sad Michael Jackson's situation really was. We look at celebrity and fame and wealth with wide eyes, but it extolls a price. When all is said and done, Michael Jackson was and always will be a "Thriller" to millions worldwide.

Andrew, another thoughtful remembrance. Thanks.

I'm 15 years old and i didn't know much about Micheal, but i know that he was a courageous man and he only mean't well.

Mr. Anderson: We have read earlier that Mr. Jackson was converted to muslim . Was it true?

we will miss you allways

It's sad! So sad! He spent his entire life trying to recoup the life he'd lost as a child. Only to be gone from us all at only 50 years old. Tortured sums it up so well. I've been saying that about Michael for years. His music will always put in the same reigns with the greats. I wish him God's love.

Brilliant, Andrew. Your writing, as always, is excellent and poignant.

Andrew – So well written! Yes, he was a genius and was abused. i had no idea of any prescription abuse until this evening, but will wait until the autopsy report before making conclusions myself.
Very sad day today – losing Farah Fawcett and Michael Jackson riht on the heels of Ed McMahon's death.
Kay Airola

Very TRUE and correct. Think of other's wha are also victims, this is a wake up call to the psychological problems he experienced and what the unfortunate outcome was for him, sad & lost soul. He has finally found peace.

The only person that is in the class of Michael Jackson was Elvis. They lived similar lives. They died similar deaths. Alone and relying on chemicals to get through the day. A self loathing that showed itself in constant physical morphing. Michael through surgery, Elvis via overeating.
The father was abusive and a taskmaster undoubtedly. But the glare of uber fame without grounding is a recipe for ultimate tragedy.

Thank you for providing the best piece of writing thus far on Michael Jackson. Well said, very true, and needed. Too many people are overlooking the harsh realities that Jackson faced.

Michael rest is peace....the music world will never be the same without you.

Jacko Rest in peace...music world will never be the same with you

It is so true that we tend to take people for granted and nevertheless great people. We did not protect and take care of MJ like we should have but now he will be embraced with the love of God that we so neglected him from having here on earth. I am so sad and shedding tears alone. Michael died from a broken-heart and loneliness. We broke his heart.

I love you Michael Jackson R.I.P

Andrew,
Very well stated. Michael was an amazing talent with a sad personal side. When you see the changes, behavior as the years went on, pretty obvious there was alot of pain in his heart. May he rest in peace.

Thank you Andrew for shouting out loud the tragedies of Michael Jackson. I am 56 yo and remember well the little boy with the big smile and the even bigger Afro. As the years passed we all watched the horrors of his life unfold silently before us.
God Bless Michael. You are finally somewhere where you can be a
child forever in Neverland.

I loved and liked Michael Jackson so very much. He was so talented
it wasn't even funny I thought he was handsome too. I will cry very hard and miss him for a very long time, but I know michael is in Heven now.
I feel I grew up with him. He will stay in my heart forever. God bless michael jackson, his fans, and his family.

I very sad that micheal as passed away.. i hope that he will find peace now he was a great friend father and brother and i am very sorry that is family is going through all of this... micheal rest in peace my friend

HI AM WRITING FROM ANTIGUA HI AM VERY SORRY FOR WHAT HAD HAPPEN TO MICHAEL,PEOPLE NEED TO UNDER STAND MICHAEL DID NOT HAD A CHILD HOOD SO HE HE HAD WANTED TO BE A CHILD HIM SELF,WHEN UR CHILD HOOD IS TAKEN FROM U YOU HAVE NO CHOICE TO WANT TO BE A KID YOUR SELF. MICHAEL WAS A GOOD MAN AND WILL STILL BE A GOOD MAN. IT IS SAD TO SEE KIDS PLAYING AND U DID NOT GET THE CHANCE TO PLAY LIKE A CHILD THAT SI HOW MICHAEL FEEL,ALL WE DO SI RUSH TO JUDGE PEOPLE FOR WHAT THE DO NO KNOW. WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS TO HONOR PEOPLE WHEN THE ARE A LIFE NO WHEN THE ARE DEAD AND GONE.

Very true... but isn't this the way the entertainment industry functions? Many selfish, money and power hungry people thrive on geniuses like MJ. The recent example is Britney Spears who generates multi- million dollars revenue thanks to tabloid magazines and paparazzi. It's the price of fame that almost all talented artist have to pay.

I can't believe your really gone. It just feels like a horrible nightmere that i can't wake up from. You will be forever in my heart in this world and the after life. I will see you one day in heaven. My heart and prayers are with your beautiful children and the rest of your family.

RIP Michael Jackson Aug 29 1958-June 25 2009

I really believe that he was good person with everything you've said Andrew. Like millions, I am big fan of his music which was light years in the front of the music industry at his time!

He will find his peace between the stars on the sky.

In the name of thousands fans from Serbia, Rest in peace Michael!

Micheal will be missed so much i was waiting for the come back cause i know he had it in him. Mike expressed himself through his music like know other, you could liturally feel his music . His music made you want to dance or relaxe or make love.Mike was truly the King of pop worldwide R.I.P. we love you hope you made it to the right place.

Let us not forget: A CHILD MOLESTER!!!!

Andrew Sullivan with The Atlantic said everthing I would like to say and said it all beautifully about Michael.
I am a 50 year old white woman and when Thriller came out I decided I just had to try to moonwalk. I lived in Richmond, VA at the time. My ex husband was clerking at a law firm and when I told him the only place I could find to learn was a nightclub in an African American part of Richmond...a break dancing class -he thought I had lost it. I went and the club was so nice and the instructor showed me how to moonwalk.
You have done a wonderful tribute to Micahel tonight. Thank you.
God bless Michael and let us not forget the courage that Farrah Fawcet showed in dealing with the unbearable. Please remember to honor her courageousness as wonderfully as you have given tribute to Michael tonight. God be with both of their familes and friends now.

Michael Jackson was the best dancer ever and a wonderful performer.
Such a shame that everybody used him up for his money

There are no words to express the great lost. We as a nation have lost one of the greatest entertainers of all time. I grew-up listening to Micheal Jackson. Although, I am 5 years older I was impresssed with this music and dancing. I love you very much. There will never be another like Micheal. My heart goes out to his family. May you rest in peace the King of Pop.

Rest in Peace

love you bro r.i.p

Sleep well michael. Allah love you more. Sleep well, king. you are the world and you are the child of the world

I've appreciated your views, voice & insight for a long time Andrew. Thank you

Is upset at Jeffrey Toobin and his judgemental attitude towards Michael Jackson..This man just passed, give him the proper respect that's due. He's history and the King of Pop. Why bring up how unhealthy he looked and the molestation? What is this, this man always opened the doors to others, such as the song We Are the World. This started all of the humanitarian efforts for thise less fortunate, and all they can do is sit up and talk about the negatives? So uncool, and Mr. Toobin, I wonder what negative things America doesn't publically know about you???

AC THANK YOU...That is all

Maybe now he can be in peace...

all my respect to michael jackson "the king of pop", but he looked rather frail later, he should have kept his debts and lived longer

Goodbye Michael jackson. When I was 17, I took my girlfriend to see the Jackson Five perform at Madison Square Garden in NYC. it was a concert for the ages, because it is remembered very well. I still have the ticket stubs, too!

We enjoy the sounds that Michael made over and over again. We will listen to them over and over again. Bob Hope would say, "Thanks for the memories!!"– "Can't stop this thriller!!!"

Oh Yeah! That girlfriend then, is now my wife!

i was looking forward to the concert in London Michael was preparing.
And so were all the others who were going to make it a sold out event.
Amazing talent he was. My regards to his family and loved ones.
I will miss him very much.

Iam big fane of micheal I grew up back in africa watching him iam gona. Miss him very much he was my hero. My heart goes out to him.

(Michael Jackson, the music Messiah)

I like to give thanks to God almighty for blessing the whole World
with Michael Jackson the greatest Musician of all time.

Michael Jackson is not just a music Legend, but a music Messiah to the whole World.
Michael Jackson was my favorite & will always be.

Thanks Michael Jackson. R.I.P.

I am in the medical field. I am writing because I just have to say to someone, anyone, that any doctor will tell you that there is a more than even chance that the "family physician" needs to be taken into custody now. His presence is more than suspicious. Otherwise he will most likely flee. There is a better than even chance that he overdosed Michael with an intravenous drug. If so, it was negligent homicide. No wonder the Homicide Department is handling that case. Dr. Feelgood did it his way, instead of hustling Michael Jackson to a cardiologist on Wed. night. Very very sad. Thank you for giving me this forum. Perhaps now I can return to my practice tomorrow and no feel so badly about this profession.

I must agree with Todd: the lives being lost in Iran's struggle for freedom deserve time. I think we are over-saturated with celebrities and celebrity coverage. Michael did contribute a lot to music and was a wonderful entertainer. But there is much grief and misery in Darful and elsewhere.

Thank you for talking about the elephant in the room. Well written as usual insightful and soulful. You are always getting it right. Keep on....

I remember my first album i received for christmas "thriller" i was 9 years old.I played it until it wore out.Michael your pain is over iam sure in my heart that you have found everlasting peace in heaven.

this is no loss .. anyone that harms a child deserves to be gone... good by perv... once he harmed children.... i lost all respect for him... good bye perv

Let us not forget that people die by the dozens in Iran, Iraq, Gaza, Afghanistan, Somalia... and unfortunately don't get the same coverage

A truly remarkable pop Legend, who had a tremendous impact on my life as a child. You will always be remembered forever as the world's greatest Michael. Michael Jackson was and always will be the greatest pop artist. The media tarnished his image, and I am ashamed that they placed so much negativity on him. What disappoints me and hurts me the most, are the child allegations, that dragged Michael's name in the dirt. The King of Pop prevails as #1 in my heart always and will forever be remembered and cherished. God Bless you Michael.

Yeah if he was poor and had sex with children you would be damning him, but because he sang a few songs you are mourning him...what hipocrates...jerry lee lewis did far far worse and the world scorned him and yet you ignoranimi praise this piece of slime........he is in hell and all of you should join hm I hope

As I watched the news last night unfold, I was tremendously saddened. To know that we have lost such an amazing talented human being, at such a young age breaks my heart.

How many people will we have to lose in such a tragic manner before something is done? I believe, and only time will truly tell, that he suffered from addiction and the enablers around him should all be held accountable. It is disgusting that he had no one by his side who truly cared about his life.

Elvis, Monroe, Anna Nicole and so many many others who have died prematurely at the hands of doctors and pharmacists and sycophants.

Something must change.

there is always a price to pay. it is almost always related to drugs, alcohol, etc...when will we ever learn? how many more great artists do we have to lose? mj's death is another reminder but there will still be others who will go the same way......so tragic.....gone too soon

I will be have new music for him goodbye king

Thank you so much Andrew for putting into words what has been heavily on my heart since we first heard this. I love that you always take an objective point of view in your writings. Thankfully, Michael Joseph Jackson is now at peace.