Philadelphia Region Local News

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Michael Jackson, "The King of Pop," died Thursday at the age of 50. CBS3.com asked its users to share their thoughts on his passing.

Name : Sue Savage
Hometown : Liberty NY
Your Thoughts : My prayers go out to Michael Jasckson's family, friends and fans around the world. I hope and pray that at least in death this beautiful caring person will have the peace that he was not able to get in life. He will live forever thru his music and his family. God Bless you Michael and thank you for touching peoples lives.



Name : Tiffany Russo
Hometown : South Philadelphia
Your Thoughts : I love and miss him and we will be holding a memorial for michael tonight at 8:30 on broad and oregon all fans welcomed ty

Name : Sweetnesss,NJ
Hometown : Burlington,NJ
Your Thoughts : I'm still devastated days later, I just cant believe it. My thoughts & prayers go out 2 his family during this terrible time. With prayer they will get through it.

Name : The Rivera Family
Hometown : Norristown,P.A
Your Thoughts : Is really sad lost a member of your family, I really feel bad for the entire family but the most His 3 Kids I lost My Dad when I was their age and belive me no boby can fell that deep hole in your heart. Let's all get toghter and Pray Our Lord that he can Rest In Peace, and be his Kids Guardian Angel.

Name : Myra
Hometown : Cheltenham
Your Thoughts : June 26, 2009 To Michael There was never a time in my life that I thought you wouldn?t be here with us. You were so awesome a person that I knew you were heaven sent. You, yourself were a melody, so there was no surprise at the music you made. As a young girl you were cool, my future mate. I waited patiently for you to find me. I couldn?t imagine that there was any one on earth who loved you more. In the 80?s when everyone was dressing like you, I dressed like Ola Ray. I wanted to be yours, not you. Over the years as I watched the people you trusted violate you and your trust, I prayed that you could withstand the ills of this world. If I could have talked to you, I would have told you to be strong, hold on and never lose your faith. As you lay now at rest, I wish that God could have waited, there was so much more for you to do. I have peace knowing that you will no longer suffer in this world where you gave us hope and we just beat you down. I thank God for delivering in my lifetime, a man that through his music changed the world. I send my condolences to your family and ask that they are comforted through this trying and difficult time. One of your millions of number one fans.

Name : viknasan
Hometown : Malaysia
Your Thoughts : Micheal Jackson i am a very huge fan of you .... i love you so much and i miss you so much ! You always in my bottom of my heart. Hope you will be peace . Love you so much!

Name : Andrew
Hometown : California
Your Thoughts : Knowing that Michael died is sad.. music is a body and we just lost the heart and soul of music. Rest in peace michael you will be missed

Name : Natasha M.
Hometown : germantown
Your Thoughts : I still cannot believe he's gone he has been with the world since forever. I can say a billion things good about him but not one thing bad, he was a good man and im going to keep doing the robot in memory of him. Im very sad but happy that he can finally be in peace from the media.. Until the tests come back. LOVE YOU MIKE

Name : syreeta
Hometown : Harlem USA
Your Thoughts : I enjoyed all his music... my favorite song was "Ben"... and I will always remember the Pepsi commercial when he jumped out of the plane... my daughter who is now 26 used to cry every time she saw that commercial... that was so cute... May your soul rest in peace Michael... you will be missed...


Name : Steven Wilson
Hometown : Dover, DE
Your Thoughts : Michael Jackson 1958-2009 So who was Michael Jackson? Michael Jackson was a music legend, a great songwriter, a great dancer who had graceful moves like Fred Astaire and James Brown. Who could light up the stage no matter who was standing next to him. It?s hard to believe that BEN is a song that was about a rat the way he put a weird emotional twist on it to go with the song?s melody proving at a an early age that he could sing any kind of song. Only a true artist can have such a big artistic effect on their work. Once in a lifetime. Once in a generation. From Ben, Never Can Say Good-Bye, Human Nature, PYT, to Thriller, Smooth Criminal, Say, Say, Say to Another Part Of Me. Now we must all remember the time. We must all remember his artistic achievements from child star to an adult. A true icon. The music will live forever. 40 days and 40 nights for 50 years. A life cut way too short. A prisoner of his own fame and weird behavior. It was Never land that put him in a whole in which he never had the chance to get out and who?s court cases brought on a dark cloud that still to this day is murky about the truth that overshadowed him and nearly destroyed his career. A man who never really had a childhood. A child who was trapped in a man?s body. A poor kid from Gary, Indiana who once had nothing and conquered the world with his music and died with nothing. He lived the lavish lifestyle of a billionaire. When he was a millionaire. He was caught up in his own hype and loneliness and isolation. Just like when a person is with the wrong guy or girl you can have some of the happiest moments of your life and still be lonely. A dollar amount can?t help you with your own personal prison of isolation and loneliness. The only thing you feel is pain 24 hrs. a day and no drug in the world can help you and with waning years the pain becomes worst. When true love has been wiped out of your path nothing can help you. It can take on many forms. The King Of Pop earned his name by putting his hits on all of the charts people need to remember that this wasn?t a title that was given to him by tabloids and columnists. The Billboard records will always speak for him. BILLIE JEAN and BEAT IT opened up the doors for artists of African American descent to have their videos on MTV. Because MTV had refused to do it. Which is odd. Because music is supposed to be universal. No matter what color your skin is. From each form of music one string is taken from another and a song is born. That is what makes it beautiful. BEAT IT was the WEST-SIDE STORY of music videos. BEAT IT was a mini-movie and started a whole new trend of videos with dancers and inspired other artist to follow with it?s funky beat, Jerome Robbins like choreography and Robert Wise direction. That inspired a whole new generation of artists who learned how to feel the beat, feel the music and go with the flow. For men dancing was now the rule, dancing was now cool. Music is about rhythm. Music is about the beat. Those artists who took control of their music immediately knew that success can?t be achieved. When you sell your creativity short. Thriller maybe everyone?s personal favorite. But you all must remember it would have never been possible without BEAT IT. Because it still is hands down the most spectacular 5 minutes that I have ever seen in any movie or video in this or any era. That?s setting the bar high. That?s what you?re supposed to do in the entertainment business. Whether you?re a musician or otherwise. Because true success can?t be achieved by bad decisions and slacking. To the Jackson family. I?m sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace, Mr. Jackson. Your time on this planet has given the entire world memories that will last forever.

Name : Felicia Hickson
Hometown : Philadelphia PA
Your Thoughts : Michael Jackson KING OF POP 1958-2009 Felicia Hickson Fan since 1984 *I pray for the comfort of his family, friends and fans. The world has truly lost the most talented and special artist who has ever graced a stage with his presence.* Michael Jackson?s musical talent was nothing short of genius; he was truly blessed. There?s been many artists who has tried to mirror the essence of Jackson?s style. Millions idolized the singer?s unique voice, expressive clothing and innovation dance moves: Michael was truly one of a kind. Gifted enough to captivate and melt the hearts of millions of people around the world. Michael was gifted with a charisma that charmed people of all ages and generations. Michael Jackson was a genuinely kind and caring person who gave millions of dollars to charities for children all around the world. However, just as human as I; Michael Jackson experienced pain, abuse, judgment, rejection and torment from the very world he so desperately tried to change. Through music, Michael sang out a message of hope with songs such as; Man In The Mirror, Heal The World and Human Nature. Michael Jackson also reached out to the world through children. Treating them to the experiences he didn?t have as a child: Michael created a world of Make-Believe out of his very own home and called it nothing other than Never Land; titled after the infamous storybook land where children never grew old. It included a full facilitated petting zoo and Amusement Park. He opened his doors to underprivileged kids around the world. Michael Jackson celebrated childhood freedom. Michael Jackson acquired a devotion to his fans; bringing them the same quality of music time and again with an undying dedication. Though sometimes more renowned for his eccentrics and charged with more accusations than he deserved, Michael Jackson remains at the heart of modern music, with a one of a kind sound that artists are still sampling today. Michael, the world is now a bit more dim without your emanating light. Your presence will be forever missed. Though you?re not here with us any longer, We (your fans) promise to keep your memory alive by continuing your message of hope for the world and the works to make a change. We thank GOD for the gift of you; and know that there could never be another to replace you. You were and still are the greatest performer who?s ever lived. We know also that HEAVEN is now graced by your presence and is rocking to the beat of your drum, just as we had for so many years. R.I.P Michael Jackson Written by: Felicia J. Hickson

Name : Ciera B
Hometown : Philadelphia
Your Thoughts : I love Michael as if he was my own family. I grew up with his music and trying to do his most famous moonwalk dance he will truly be miss. Blessing to his family and most important his children I love you Michael you are truly the KING OF POP!

Name : moises
Hometown : reading pa
Your Thoughts : michael jackson was a gift from god.i hope i know hes found the peace hes been searching for all his life.we got hear your music down here,now its time for the angels and gods turn to appreciate you.by the way where is diana ross when all this is happening?i thought she was real close to him.saw them hugging in the we are the world video.god bless you michael may you sleep with the angles under the stars in your eternal neverland.

Name: Gloria-Gaye
Hometown: Broomall
Your Thoughts: I remember when I saw you at an after concert party. It was the highlight of my teenager life. Thanks for the memory.

Name : mtws
Hometown : sicklerville
Your Thoughts : Let go of all the negativity regarding Michael Jackson. Let him be remembered for the great music that he made. Let him rest in peace.

Name : rebecca simmons and lisa reese
Hometown : lebanon, pennsylvania
Your Thoughts : we miss him so much. he has been our idol since we were little girls and lisa had such the biggest crush on him. we love his music, and we dont beleive any accusations against him at all. he was and still is the most beautiful person in our hearts and his music will always be played at our house and he will be forever missed and in our hearts.

Name : M.C. Doug E.D
Hometown : Philly
Your Thoughts : Michael Jackson is the Greatest of ALL-TIME!!! There will NEVER be anyone ever like him again! NEVER! Thanks for the great memories!!! He is simply the GREATEST of ALL-TIME!!!

Name : jessica
Hometown : folcroft
Your Thoughts : i grew up listening to Michael Jackson and fell compleyely in love with him and his music. He is the reason that the music industry is where it is today. Til this day it makes me laugh how all these people could actually accuse and believe the lies people said about him molesting those children. Now that Michael is in GOD's hands he will be safe. I will always love and miss Michael not only because of his music but because of how much he loved everyone and anyone!!!!! he is the most amazing man to ever walk the face of this earth!!! and as for all you people who talk or have talked down on him you should be where he is at!!!!!!!

Name : Kimberly Ford
Hometown : Chesilhurst
Your Thoughts : Michael was truly the king of pop. his death has greatly impacted us all. he will truly be missed but his music will live on in our hearts and souls forever. I'll Miss you Little Michael. Rest In Peace.

Name : Sheila & Pichi
Hometown : Allentown, PA
Your Thoughts : In Loving Memory of Michael Jackson. Michael has touched many lives and many people touched Michael's life. We will forever hold his memorys in our hearts.

Name : keidra spell
Hometown : egg harbor city nj
Your Thoughts : it became a shock to me and everyone in my family my 2 aunts took it worse michael jackson is the king of pop he will be remembered through his music rest in peace mj

Name : The Zepeda-Rivera Family
Hometown : Norristown,P.A
Your Thoughts : OUR THOUGHTS PRAYERS ARE WITH THE ENTIRE FAMILY,SPECIALLY HIS KIDS AND THE MORE IMPORTANT HIS FANS IT WAS REALLY SHCKING I WAS LIKE YEAH RIGHT,THAT'S A JOKE,BUT IT WAS REAL AND DEEPLY SAD. LET'S PRAY FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY AND MAY GOD COMFORT THE ENTIRE WORLD. HE BE AN ANGEL.

Name : Cheryl A Trojan
Hometown : Tuckerton
Your Thoughts : Yesterday is now a date we will always remember. Much like 9/11, the deaths of Elvis and John Lennon.In years to come we will know what we were doing and where we were when we heard the tragic news. I was first in Shock after hearing that he was rushed to the hospital with cardiac arrect. Next came the Denial in learning he had died. Followed by the Anger in the believing those around him may have contributed to his death because of prescription drugs.And for the drudging up of the scandal in his life a few years ago. He was a man without a life. The kind of life we all take for granted. Being able to go to the store, a movie, a park with the kids. He was a prisoner. That is no way to have to grow up and live. Another example of how money can't buy you happiness. Which is sad, because he, along with his brothers have brought us so much happiness through their music. They brought us together as one. People of different race, ethnicity, religion. We were one. Soon will start the Exceptance. In knowing we will never see him perform again. I'm just not there yet. I will always remember The Jackson 5 on Ed Sullivan. Seeing Michael and The Jacksons in concert. Watching Michael and Diana Ross in The Wiz. So many memories, so many years. Yet so little time. I'm hoping and praying that Michael finally has the peace in heaven he never had on earth. That he can be a child again, or should I say finally. My thoughts and prayers to his family. He will be missed. He will not be forgotten.

Name : Cherylee
Hometown : Swedesboro New Jeresy
Your Thoughts : God bless Michael Jackson's family. Many he rest in peace now with God.he was a good singer and a great person to put up with people in this life time.

Name : BAM
Hometown : Plymouth Meeting
Your Thoughts : "The Thrillers Gone" Said goodbye to lots of love, today we lost a star. The greatest lover next to John (Lennon) the greatest loss by far. We watched and saw for years, a boy, a man who moved, His mouth and body and our hearts, went with every groove. Wonderful and full of wonder changes made us see, Glory with a price, but glorious was He. Defying those who want to kill, what only walked in love. Like Jesus, John and Martin, ('cept he wore a glove!) Touching hearts and minds, the stage gave us his heart. Talents from the Heavens, no others could impart. In the souls of men, in the special being, Evil tried to put him down, and taint what we were seeing. But Michael strange and true, withstood the stares of time. Representing special love, in more than rhythm and rhyme. Today we said goodbye, to the STAR, the music legend, And sadness fills the world, now that he's in Heaven.

Name : MARTY SANCHEZ
Hometown : BETHLEHEM PA
Your Thoughts : ITS VERY SHOCKING FOR HIS LOSS I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS 8 YEARS OLD I USE TO DANCE HIS SONGS, MY CONDOLENCE GO TO THE JACKSON FAMILLY

Name : Stephanie Beras
Hometown : Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Your Thoughts : May his soul rest in peace.

Name : candy
Hometown : philadelphia
Your Thoughts : this icon of an entertainer will trutly be miss his music right now in the music industries there is no one that can have the title of king of pop the way he and elvis held my prayers go out to this entire famly and his fans we will miss you micheal love you always candy

Name : marilyn Townes
Hometown : Cinnaminson, Nj
Your Thoughts : I was saddened to hear about the death of Michael Jackson. He was an extraordinary entertainer and will be greatly missed.

Name : charity hill
Hometown : burlington city,nj
Your Thoughts : Its seems unreal to me that he's gone. You put celebrities on a higher level than anyone else and in reality there only human. I love you micheal and you will be forever missed. Love your Liberian Girl

Name : Ms. Tee
Hometown : Philly
Your Thoughts : This is really a hard pill to swollow!! I still don't believe he's gone. I feel like I lost a brother. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. To the"Man in the Mirror"...R.I.P Mr. Jackson.

Name : Ms. Toby Robinson
Hometown : Camden, NJ
Your Thoughts : Words can not express the joy I had when I went to The Victory tour concert twice. That's because I was the driver. This silent moment is one that we will treasure forever in our hearts.

Name : Donald L. Valentine Jr.
Hometown : Philadelphia
Your Thoughts : WOW ! I'nm in total disbelief. I am 51 years old and have listened to the Jacksons and little Michael all of my life. Just as I listened to others in music who've left us...this is the worst. At times you think that we get old in what we do as artists of music, but, we are all mortals. This was not expected at all. Mike was " Great " and we will never, ever forget him. I grew up with him, James Brown and other very good music artists of that time. They used to say that I looked like him, but, I was year older than him. He shares his birthday my sister who is one year younger than Michael. May he rest in eternal "peace". He will never be forgotten. I will miss him and his great music.

Name : Steven Wilson
Hometown : Dover, DE
Your Thoughts : Michael Jackson 1958-2009 So was Michael Jackson? Michael Jackson was a music legend, a great songwriter, a great dancer who had very graceful moves like Fred Astaire and James Brown. Who could light up the stage by himself no matter who was standing by him. It's hard to believe that BEN is a song that was about a rat the way he put a weird emotional twist with the song's melody proving at a young age that he could sing any song. Only a true artist can have such a big artistic achievement. From BEN, Never Can Say Goodbye to Human Nature to BEAT IT, BILLIE JEAN, THRILLER and ANOTHER PART OF ME. Now we must all remember the time. We must all remember his artistic achievements from child star to an adult. Moon-walk baby on some soft silky clouds. The music will live forever. 40 days and 40 nights for 50 years. A life cut way too short. A prisoner of his won fame and weird behavior. It was Neverland that put him in a hole in which he never had the chance to crawl out of with millions of dollars being spent every day that went down the drain and the dark cloud from his court cases that still to this day is murky about the truth that overshadowed and almost destroyed his career. To the Jackson family. I'm sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace Mr. Jackson. Your time on this planet has given the entire world memories that will last forever.
Name : Barbara
Hometown : Philadelphia
Your Thoughts : I am so shocked I watch my daughter and her girlfriends dancing and trying to teach me the moon walk. His performances were always breath taking. He will truly, truly be missed.

Name : Steve b
Hometown: Roxborough
Your Thoughts : dont matter what anybody says Michael Jackson is the best ever.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

CBS3.com Editor's Picks

• Celebrities On Twitter
• 2009 Celebrity Deaths
• 'It Girls' Gone Bad
• Openly Gay Celebrities
• Celebrity Snapshots
• Who Are The Greenest Celebrities?