Michael Jackson was especially for the black people a role model. For example for the Paris based DJ Paulette. We asked her, what MJ meant to her in her youth

Dj Paulette:
MJ means more than music to me. As a black kid growing up in a white Irish area amidst racism and much negativity, MJ and the Jackson 5 meant positive associations with the skin i was in. MJ presented a positive role model that broke down the walls, smashed the stereotypes and stopped the name calling. They were up there with The Beatles, The Osmonds and The Partridge Family (they had their own cartoon series!!! Which i watched religiously) Michael stood the test of time alongside McCartney. Every and any colour kid (and later adults, recording artists, you name it) wanted to be Michael and that speaks volumes.

For sure I am devastated – he shaped my youth, fashioned my adolescence and has influenced my adult career massively. If there is a good remix of Jackson i leap on it – Laidback Luke & Hervé’s ‘thriller’, Dafresh ‘Billie Jean’ both sit steady in my box.

I have cried non stop over Jackson since news broke but have now switched off the media and am mourning by celebrating via his music. Sure there is controversy, suspicion, scandal. There are demons that will haunt and blight his charactet forever but no-pne can deny that the man made timeless, classic, ground breaking music that touched millions of lives profoundly, and that even in death and after he will continue to do that and that will NEVER change or die. Moonwalk at every opportunity that’s what i say!!

We also have new comments by the ones of Mr Mike and Master Kev:

Mr. Mike:
Through the joys of childhood, the uncertainty of adolescence, the responsibilities of adulthood, Michael was always there. And now the realization that he will no longer be here is hard to take.
He gave so much.
May he now find peace.

Master Kev
Michael Jackson has most definitely helped shape the person I am today musically. Growing up as a little white kid in suburban Long Island, New York surrounded by rock and pop music, hearing the Jackson 5 and then later the ‘Off The Wall’ and ‘Thriller’ albums and his partnership with the great Quincy Jones made a true soul/r&b dance music fan out of me. For me it was both Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder that had the strongest musical influences in my life. MJ’s music is timeless, and with his death he goes down as the only true king of pop/soul/dance music. He had the biggest impact by far on these genres of music. He even had a very strong influence on rock music as well. Many of the rock greats have a deep respect for Michael and what he’s achieved.

Regardless of what negativity surrounded him in later years the fact is this, THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE HIM! He’s a true icon , a true legend and for as long as I’m on this planet, no one can ever touch him. I am truly saddened by this massive loss and will spend the rest of my life celebrating his music. May he find peace in heaven. I love Michael Jackson.