Michael Jackson: The Trendsetter
Swagger Like Michael
From “Off the Wall” to “Bad,” Michael Jackson’s style quotient has been through the roof since he stepped onto the scene. Even when his big brothers were on stage with the child prodigy, it was M.J.’s appeal that forced the world to recognize the man who would be King.
Join us as we look back at the icon’s style over the last five decades.
The Michael Jackson Memorial: Read our Live Blog Report »
Michael Jackson’s life in photos »
ESSENCE.com Editor Emil Wilbekin on what Michael Jackson means to him »



I am a Christian and I miss Michael Jackson. I did not know Michael Jackson personally, however, I feel as though I lost a friend. I rember my teenage years. Michael Jackson always had gracefulness about him that, he drew your attention to the TV. I admired him for his dress code as the years went by. He never performed with the droopy pants look. His music was positive and clean, and not with violent and negative wording. Rappers and singers must help make our nation a better place, because the young are listening to the lyrics and looking at the droopy pants that may influence crime and violence amongst young Blacks. Michael Jackson was running a race totally different from todays generation of Artist. Michaels' music made sense to the world of listeners and he gave his ALL to the World. He did not care about what it would cost him. I believe that GOD said job well done.
Posted at 6:30AM on July 12th 2009 by im
i will always keep you in my heart. your performances were just magic,may you find peace at long last.you will never be forgotten.
Posted at 1:01PM on July 8th 2009 by grandma
Give honor to whom honor is due. He's definitely the world's greatest entertainer.Does the whole world has to answer right nowand tell you once again who"s Bad? Michael jackson may you rest in Peace . You will always be loved and remembered.
Posted at 10:10PM on July 3rd 2009 by Glenda webster
So many mocked him through the allegations, accusations. No doubt MJ went through alot. What matters the most though that He was right with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Posted at 4:55PM on July 2nd 2009 by Rachel
michael jackson my payers goes out to your family, your kids and my heart is hurting because you will be missed. i remember all your songs very talented man of all t-i-m-e-s...we love you m.j. always...
Posted at 3:43AM on July 2nd 2009 by janet
Great Collection of pics!!!! We Luv U Michael!!!!
Posted at 11:49PM on July 1st 2009 by Cherise
There are no words to adequately express the magnitude that Michael Jackson had in the world of entertainment. He transcended generations and children as young as two or three can be seen trying out a M.J. move. Around the world Michael Jackson left an impression that will never die. I've been a fan for 30 yrs and my children are fan well. His extraordinary musical genius will be deeply and dearly missed. Condolences to his children, family, and close friends. RIP MJ. Quita from Motown
Posted at 10:30PM on July 1st 2009 by Marquita
To all you stupid ignorant people out there including the media, get a life. This is not the time to be throwing stones. I'm pretty sure you have something hidden in your closets. Instead of bashing Michael you should be praying. He is with the Lord now. You and no one else can hurt him now. He is with "THE LORD". You should pray that one day you will be there, that is if you know who The Lord is. May the Lord continue to bless his family especially the children to keep them safe from stupid people like you.
Posted at 9:29PM on July 1st 2009 by Linda
MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO MICHAEL JACKSONS FAMILY TODAY AND THE MANY NIGHTS AND DAYS AHEAD. I HAVE THIS BURDEN IN MY HEART FOR WHAT HAS HAPPEN AND FOR THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS. ONE THING IS FOR CERTAIN MICHAEL AND GOD KNOWS ALL ABOUT EVERYTHING IN MIND,SPIRIT AND BODY OF MICHAEL AND I'M CONTENT WITH THAT CAUSE WHAT HE HAS DONE ON A LARGER SCALE FOR THE NATION AND FOR PEOPLE OUT WEIGHT THE NEGATIVE. I AM REMINDED OF THE WORK OF GOD, LET HIM WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE. GOD MAKES NO MISTAKES. TAKE THE NEGATIVE AND USE IT AS AN HEALING TOOL AN EDUCATIONAL TOOL FOR GOOD BECAUSE GOOD WILL COME OUT OF THE NOT SO GOOD IF WE AS HUMAN RACE BUILD UPON THE GOOD. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS US ALL.
Posted at 7:37PM on July 1st 2009 by DEBORAH
They say God gives you as much as you can take, well MJ had enough and God said its time to come home. May you rest in peace no more pain,suffering, no more drama. You will be missed greatly.
Posted at 6:39PM on July 1st 2009 by janice willie
I truly grieve the death of michael, a man who making others sing, clap and dance on the outside but down inside of his heart groaned, wept and bled. One thing i know was that his love for Diana Ross which was not duly reciprocated turned him into a recluse for life. However, I pray that God will console his children and the Jackson family especially Janet.
Posted at 4:58PM on July 1st 2009 by oyinda lawal
I truly feel sorry that Michael died. God said to him, you have nothing else to prove, so I am taking you home. Goodnight Micheal. It will never be goodbye. Thank you so much for the joy you brought. I only hope that you were happy at least most of the times. May God continue to bless you.
Posted at 4:47PM on July 1st 2009 by Marie Smith
Michael still is the epitome of good talent, phenomenal music, and unrivalled entertainment. He was a living legend and will now live on through the thing he loved most: his music. He was once asked 'how' he did his dance moves with such ease and his answer really captured his essence: "It's [music] in my soul . . . I'm just a slave to the music"; and you could tell that music was the blood that ran through his veins. That comment has always stuck with me because it also eloquently describes my love of his music. I find it hard that even in death, most of the media cannot give him the respectful privacy and peace that he deserves. My condolences go out to his children, his family, and my fellow fans. A musical master and genius has made his final appearance and the outpouring of love from his fans is a testament to the greatness of his life.
Posted at 4:33PM on July 1st 2009 by Dr. Lois Mendez Catlin
I feel as if a member of my own family is gone. My favorite Jackson 5 song is "Maybe Tomorrow"., which showcases MJ's amazing vocal range. He was a genius, and I, along with many other 60's babies, was totally in love with him.
Posted at 2:32PM on July 1st 2009 by CyntMB
I am deeply, deeply sorry for the sudden death of our Icon. My prayers goes out to his entire family. His legacy will forever continue to live in our hearts and through his music. He lead the world in a direction that no other entertainer has ever accomplished!! My prayer is that Michael will find the peace in death that he was robbed of in life!! Rest in God's Peace, Michael..Love You
Posted at 2:18PM on July 1st 2009 by Denise