Michael Jackson: The World Came To Standstill On June 25, 2009

The death of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson prompted shock around the world. Jackson died at the age of 50 years of a cardiac arrest in a Los Angeles hospital when he was due to make his comeback at a series of sold-out shows in London.

Around the world’s newspapers, Michael Jackson’s death was on their cover pages to show that he was indeed a major world figure and the most popular and most famous name in the world.

Italy’s CORRIERE DELLA SERA, had on its cover; Michael Jackson morte di un mito; Australia’s The Border Mail had on its cover, King of Pop Michael Jackson (1958-2009); United States’ Los Angeles Times had on its cover, King Of Pop is dead at 50; Jamaica’s Daily Observer had on its cover, Speechless, King Of Pop Michael Jackson dies at age 50; India’s Hindustan Times had on its cover, End Of A Thriller; Puerto Rico’s EL NUEVO DIA had on its cover, Michael Jackson 1958-2009; United States’ The New York Times had on its cover, A Star Idolized and Haunted, Michael Jackson dies at 50; Brazil’s EXTRA had on its cover, Michael Jackson 1958-2009; Portugal’s Journal de Noticias had on its cover, POP SEM REI: Michael Jackson 1958-2009; Samoa’s Observer had on its cover, Michael Jackson: Prodigy to Superstar; UK’s THE TIME had on its cover, Michael Jackson, the King Of Pop dies at 50; Sweden’s AFTONBLADET had on its cover, Michael Jackson (1958-2009): Kungen av pop dod; United States’ USA TODAY had on its cover, Michael Jackson 1958-2009: King of Pop dies, music icon, 50 helped shaped a generation; Brazil’s ESTADO DE MINAS had on its cover, POR QUE, ELE NAO MORREU; Canada’s CALGARY SUN: calgarysun.com had on its cover, Michael Jackson 1958-2009; German’s Bildam Sonntag had on its cover, 50 Jahre Einsamkeit: Die Michael Jackson Story; Uruguay’s EL PAIS had on its cover, Murio el atormentado rey del pop; Mexico’s REFORMA had on its cover, Termina show de rey del pop; Chile’s EL MERCURIO had on its cover, De un infarto murio Michael Jackson “Rey del Pop”.

Despite the allegations that trailed his life, which was eventually found to be false, most of the world remembered him for his musical legacy. His spectacular concert tours earned him comparison with Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, but to the most of the world he was the greatest entertainer that ever lived. This is even as clips of his greatest performances leapt to the top of YouTube’s video charts.

Celebrities including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Madonna, Justin Timberlake and Steven Spielberg paid tribute to the King, while his fans posted messages on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The intensity of the postings was so high and unprecedented that twitter crashed.

Byron Garcia, who organized the famous video of 1,500 inmates synchronized dancing to Jackson's Thriller at a Philippine prison, said that his heart was heavy because his idol died. Garcia, a security consultant and the inmates in Cebu held a tribute for Jackson with their Thriller dance and a minute of prayer. Tributes also come in from world leaders including former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who called his death lamentable news, and the former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, said mankind has lost a hero of the world.

The British government said the singer's death was very sad news for his fans and that former Prime Minister Gordon Brown's thoughts were with his family. Conservative leader David Cameron described Jackson as a legendary entertainer, adding that everyone would be thinking of his family, especially his children, at this time. The then UK Culture secretary Ben Bradshaw issued a press release to announce his grief, which revealed he was a long-time fan of Michael Jackson and had Billie Jean played as the first dance at his civil partnership. Even the infamous British Journalist Martin Bashir, who made the controversial documentary Living With Michael Jackson said the world has lost its greatest entertainer.

Paul McCartney of the Beetles who collaborated on tracks with Michael Jackson in the 1980s including the “Girl Is Mine” and “Say Say Say” called Jackson the massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. Their relationship was strained by Jackson's ownership of much of the Beatles catalogue.

Only hours after Jackson's death the great cash in begins. DVD Michael Jackson – The Trial and Triumph of The King of Pop, which was due to be released to coincide with his O2 shows, was rushed into shops with the press release claiming it was perhaps even more moving and poignant since his death. Michael Jackson’s brand of pop knew no borders and needed no translation, linking listeners around the world through the accessible corridors of rhythm, beat and dance. And as reaction to his sudden death poured after his death, its extent underscored how far his influence had spread. From Sydney to Hong Kong, China to Los Angeles, fans, officials and fellow entertainers spoke of their shock and sadness. His music echoed from cafes and car speakers, and everyone from national leaders on down seemed to weigh in.

In Paris, fans held a ceremony in his honor in front of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and a memorial moonwalk at the Eiffel Tower. Huge crowds gathered in the shadow of Notre-Dame, linking hands and chanting Jackson’s name, cheering and sometimes breaking into song. Some held flags adorned with images of Jackson, and others held up signs.

Fans lighted candles at a spontaneous gathering in Hong Kong, while in the Philippines, the former Philippine first lady, Imelda Marcos, said she cried on hearing the news, adding that Michael Jackson enriched our lives, made us happy. She said the accusations; the persecution caused Michael so much financial and mental anguish and that he was vindicated in court, but the battle took his life. She said that there was probably a lesson here for all of humanity.

Quincy Jones, who worked closely with Michael Jackson said that he was absolutely devastated at the tragic and unexpected news. He noted that for Michael to be taken away from the world so suddenly at such a young age had left him speechless. He recalled that Divinity brought their souls together on ‘The Wiz’ and allowed them to do what they were able to throughout the ’80s. He said to this day, the music they created together on Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world and that the reason for that is because Michael Jackson had it all, talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He also said that Michael was the consummate entertainer and that his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. He concluded by saying that he lost his ‘little brother today,’ and that part of his soul has gone with him.

Paul McCartney said that it’s so sad and shocking and that he felt privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael, adding that Michael was a massively talented man with a gentle soul. McCartney also said that his music would be remembered forever.

The film directors Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg also paid tribute. Mr. Scorsese said that Michael Jackson was extraordinary. He recalled that when they worked together on ‘Bad,’ he was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other. He said that every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time and that it was like watching quicksilver in motion. He noted that Michael was wonderful to work with, an absolute professional at all times, and a true artist.

The singer Celine Dion said in a statement that she was shocked when she heard the news of Michael Jackson’s death, revealing that she was overwhelmed by his death. She also said from the beginning of her career, Michael was her idol in show business, revealing that she had his poster on her wall.

The daughter of late King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley and ex-wife of Michael Jackson in reaction to his death said that she was confused with every emotion possible and heart broken for his children who she noted mean everything to Michael.

Nigerian music star Banky W in his reaction described Michael as the greatest artiste/ entertainer ever. Weird MC said Michael Jackson is one of the greatest artistes he looked up to revealing that he learnt a lot from watching his videos and his performances.

Madonna said that she could not stop crying over the sad news, revealing that she had always admired Michael Jackson. She added that the world has lost one of the greats, but his music would live forever.

Justin Timberlake in his reaction said the world has lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music. He said that Michael Jackson had been inspiration to multiple generations adding that he (Justin) would always cherish the moments he shared with him on stage and all of the things he learned about music from him.

Beyoncé described Michael Jackson as incomparable artiste that had made a bigger impact on music than any other artiste in the history of music. She noted that Michael Jackson was magic. She said for anyone who has ever seen, felt or heard his art, they are honored to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson.

Diddy said that Michael showed him that one could actually see the beat. He noted that the King of Pop made the music come to life and made him believe in magic.

Ludacris said if it were not for Michael Jackson he would not be where or who he was as a musician. He added that Michael’s music and legacy would live on forever.

MC Hammer who said that he loved Michael Jackson, said the music icon was his friend, brother, mentor and inspiration and that Michael gave him and his family hope.

Mariah Carey who said that she was heartbroken, stated that Michael Jackson should be remembered for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world. She said that no artist will ever take his place and that his star will shine forever.

Kim Kardashian simply said that music would never be the same. Usher said that Michael Jackson broke barriers, changed radio formats and made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. He noted that his legacy was unparalleled.

Akon observed that Michael Jackson accomplished so much that there’s not even words to explain what he’s done for urban and pop music. He noted that every artist that he (Akon) personally knows have been influenced by him. He added that the world has lost one of the greatest entertainers who shaped many generations and would continue to for years to come.

In Nigeria, a presenter on Radio Continental broke down live on air and could not continue her programme. A woman in Ghana burst into tears in the capital, Accra, when told by a BBC reporter about the musician's death. His death also shocked Brazil and less than a day after Michael Jackson’s death, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, announced that the city would erect a statue of the singer in Dona Marta, a favela that was once notorious for drug dealing and is now a model for social development. The change was spurred partly by Jackson’s 1996 visit to film the video for “They Don’t Care About Us.” Jackson shot two videos for “They Don’t Care About Us,” the fourth single from “History: Past, Present and Future, Book I”: one in a prison and another in Dona Marta and Salvador da Bahia, a colonial Brazilian city known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and music. It was reported that when Jackson was in Brazil to shoot the video, directed by Spike Lee, Rio’s local government became concerned that the singer would show the world an unflattering picture of poverty. Brazilians, like people the world over, saw Jackson as an idol. He had been to the country twice before, once with the Jackson 5 in the ‘70s and again in 1993, when he played two concerts in Sao Paulo to 100,000 people each night. Jackson shot scenes in Salvador, alongside throngs of people, accompanied by the Afro-Brazilian cultural group Olodum.

In the video, he can be seen dancing to the beat of hundreds of Olodum’s drummers and with cheering fans who reach out to touch him — and at one point burst through security and push him to the floor. The process to make Dona Marta better started with Michael Jackson said Brazilians. The place is now a safe favela. There are no drug dealers anymore, and there’s a massive social project. But all the attention started with Michael Jackson.

Leading South African R&B artist Loyiso Bala said growing up as a young black kid in a township, you either dreamed of being a freedom fighter or being Michael Jackson. The 29-year-old likens Jackson’s impact on his family to that of former President Nelson Mandela. He said that the whole family would drop what they were doing and watch, mesmerized whenever Michael or (Mandela) came on. Lupi Ngcayisa, a DJ on Metro FM, South Africa’s biggest national urban commercial station, said that Jackson’s rich lyrics changed the complexion of black radio. That impact was most visible in 1997 when the History tour came to the country for a five-date run that ended October 15 at Durban’s King’s Park Stadium, the performer’s final full-scale concert in support of a studio album. The shows are still the largest the country has ever seen, attracting 230,000 people. Equally notable for a country just three years into post-apartheid democracy was the audience mix. Black and white, young and old, Michael drew huge crossover audiences that are not seen often at shows in South Africa these days. Michael Jackson sold more than 2 million albums in South Africa. More important, Jackson’s music was a unifying point for a deeply divided society. South African radio was very racially segmented in the years before 1994. But Michael proved to be the one artist whose music was played on white pop stations and black R&B stations. It doesn’t sound like much now, but it was a very potent thing when you think back to how apartheid attempted to keep everything about black and white society separate.

China re-established diplomatic relations with Washington, D.C., at the beginning of 1979, the same year Jackson released “Off the Wall,” the state-controlled radio was almost devoid of Western pop music, and record companies had little distribution. But Jackson’s music soon took root. On his death Chinese Internet lit up with discussion of his life and music. The top video-sharing Web site Youku.com had dozens of posts of Chinese youths moonwalking to his songs in black loafers, white socks and high-water pants.

For many people in India Michael Jackson is Western pop. Alone among Western artists, his popularity isn’t confined to English-speaking urban Indians. Among the country’s rural youth his celebrity competes with Bollywood stars for one reason: his trademark dance moves. Anybody who dances well is compared with Michael Jackson, says Nikhil Gangavane, who founded India’s official, Jackson fan club. The moonwalk made Michael reach from the classes to the masses in India. The way Bollywood appropriated Jackson’s moves and style connected with Indian fans. Actors, established choreographers, aspiring composers, kids in dance shows — everybody borrowed ideas, according to British-born hip-hop star Hard Kaur. Indian actors, from Javed Jaffrey to Hrithik Roshan, say they were inspired by Jackson’s dancing. And the southern Indian movie industry still uses Jackson-esque routines, thanks to the influence of dancers and choreographers like Prabhu Deva, known as “India’s Michael Jackson” for his lightning-fast moves.

The news of Michael Jackson’s death caused such a stir in Japanese society that three Cabinet ministers took the unusual step of commenting on his passing. Fans ranging from teenagers to 50-somethings — many dressed in Jackson’s trademark outfits — staged an impromptu candlelit memorial June 27 in Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park. While some showed off dance moves and sang songs, others wept openly and prayed at makeshift altars. Jackson won over Japan like few Western stars before or since. Famous in the country since the release of “Off the Wall,” he became even bigger in 1987, when he started his “Bad” world tour at the Tokyo Dome. He sold out 14 shows, drawing about 450,000 fans and taking in an estimated 5 billion yen ($52 million). Hundreds of screaming girls greeted his arrival at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, which was covered by 1,000 journalists; another 300 covered the arrival of Bubbles, Jackson’s chimp, who came on a separate flight. Sales of Jackson’s catalog spiked, and six of his albums made SoundScan Japan’s Top 200 Albums chart. By the morning of June 27, Tower Records’ seven-story flagship store in Shibuya had three displays of his albums and DVDs.