TINA TURNER - FAMOUS FRIENDS AND CONTEMPORARIES SAY GOODBYE TO JACKSON

FAMOUS FRIENDS AND CONTEMPORARIES SAY GOODBYE TO JACKSON

Music legends TINA TURNER, NEIL DIAMOND and SMOKEY ROBINSON have reached out in tribute to late King of Pop MICHAEL JACKSON.
Turner revealed she planned to visit Jackson during his London residency this summer (09).
She tells Spinner.com, "I am shocked and saddened by Michael's passing. I, along with his millions of fans, looked forward to seeing him tour one more time. Now, may he rest in peace."
Diamond adds his own tribute, hailing him as "one of the most brilliant musicians I've ever known. The world will be a sadder place tonight because he is gone."
And Motown legend Robinson offers a few emotional words for a contemporary and pal: "It's always hard to lose a friend."
A host of modern stars who have worked with Jackson and were inevitably inspired by his music have also come forward.
Sheryl Crow started out as Jackson's backing singer and performed with him many times.
She says, "I am deeply saddened to hear of Michael's sudden passing. His was a rare talent that we witness once in a lifetime. One who makes such an indelible mark that for generations singers and dancers attribute him as inspiration. I had the great privilege of watching him every night doing what he did best... entertain. I am grateful to have known him for the two years that I worked for him and will mourn his loss with his many millions of fans across the world."
Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am, who remixed Jackson's hit Thriller to mark its 25th anniversary in 2007, tells Spinner, "I am so grateful to have worked with the King (and always will be King) of the music industry. He was a gift to the world, he is a bright light and I wouldn't be surprised if the world stopped spinning tomorrow."
R&B singer Akon worked with Jackson on tracks for a comeback album that never happened, and offered his own tribute, telling Spinner, "Michael Jackson's done and accomplished so much that there's not even words to explain what he's done to urban music and pop music. Every artist that I personally know has been influenced by him."
Jackson died on Thursday (25Jun09) after suffering a cardiac arrest at the age of 50.