I’m not  really sure how to explain what I’m thinking, but basically for some people success in music and entertainment can be seen as the ticket out of a tough life just like it can be for talented athletes, gifted scholars, and lottery winners. There can be an aspiration instilled to become "as good or better than…" but there are other hurdles that financial success won’t always help overcome.

The bulk of the old Motown roster reflected this and a lot of the lesser-known alumni who knew the big names before they made it are still around. A few even turn up online now and then (you’ll have to hang out and get to know people to learn who they are) - http://www.soulfuldetroit.com/forum/

They can provide a much better perspective, imho.

Some folks paid tribute at the little white house that started it all ~ http://www.allyeargear.com/gallery/Michael-Jackson-Motown-Memorial/IMG_2…

What a talented, troubled person he was. Like so many mega-stars, he was almost completely isolated from real life, living in a kind of hermetically sealed bubble. And, I believe he, like so many other stars, was surrounded by too many people who depended upon him for their income, their prestige or their business needs. And of those people, how many were able to tell him "no" or help him to set reasonable guidelines, or simply be there as a friend? I hope there were some people like that in his life, but he always seemed so lonely. The Peter Pan metaphor may have begun as an attempt to have some of the childhood that he did not experience in actuality, but it became a sad commentary on a person grasping at affection and fulfillment without the adult skills to carry out the responsibilities that accompany those needs.

As I look back at his career, the thing I think I will remember most is his marvelous dancing. It was exhilarating to see him so free and so joyful when he moved through his amazing routines. I commented earlier that I am concerned for his children, and I hope that first and foremost their needs will be met. They deserve to have some of the chances to be kids that their father did not experience.

In preparing for his upcoming shows, I understand he had engaged in a rigorous work-out and fitness regimen. It may have proved too much for him, sadly. But whatever the news brings in the days and weeks to come, one thing is clear: he touched a lot of lives with his talent.

Michael Jackson your one in a million

Your an Angel know who will look down upon your Children

rest in peace my friend you will be very sadly missed

Very Talented Artist

Angels are special So Are You

You have wings know and can Fly whereever you want too

guide your children as you will know how

bright twinkle star in the sky always a ray of sunshine whereever

you are.  Ill always remember you as you are one very Special Person till we meet in the sky.

all the best ones are Taken First,

In the 6th grade one of my peers made a fortune selling I Love Michael Jackson buttons. I paid my money and bought one as well.  He so inspired us in dance and voice.  I lost interest being a victim of sa, I bought into the media reports.  As I watched his videos, including his newer than Bad songs, on youtube before all this happened last week,  it hit me: if I seriously though someone had hurt my child as Michael was accused of doing, no one could pay me to back down.  This is sad all the way around.

"If you want to make the world a better place take a look at yourself and make a change…" from Man in the Mirror