Berry Gordy Statement

Berry Gordy, the man who started Motown and signed the Jackson 5, issued this statement yesterday via their website:

I am shocked beyond words. It’s like a dream - a bad dream. This cannot be! How can Michael Jackson not be here?

As a kid, Michael was always beyond his years. He had a knowingness about him that was incredible.

When I first heard him sing Smokey’s song, Who’s Lovin’ You at 10 years’ old, it felt like he had lived the song for 50 years.

Somehow, even at that first meeting with him, he had a hunger to learn, a hunger to be the best and was willing to work as hard and as long as it took.

I had no concern about his ability to go to the top. He was like my son. He had warmth, sensitivity and two personalities.

When he was not on stage, he was loving, respectful and shy. When he WAS on stage, he was so in charge you would not believe he was the same person.

Michael was and will remain one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived.

He was exceptional, artistic and original. He gave the world his heart and soul through his music.

I extend my sympathies to Joe, Katherine and the entire Jackson family. My prayers are with them.


Berry Gordy
Founder, Motown
June 25, 2009

More Celebs React to MJ's Death

Here are a few more reactions to Michael Jackson's death, courtesy of AOL...

Dick Clark
"I knew Michael as a child and watched him grow over the years. Of all the thousands of entertainers I have worked with, Michael was THE most outstanding. Many have tried and will try to copy him, but his talent will never be matched."

Britney Spears
"He's been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I'm devastated he's gone."

Dionne Warwick
"We have lost an icon in our industry and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and children in this hour of sorrow that they are now going through. He will live on in my memory and most definitely through the music he shared with so many."

DJ AM
"The world has lost one of the most talented people we've all ever known. He was a hero for me as a child, and his music helped my career to become known as an adult. He will always live through my turntables. Rest in peace, Michael."

Russell Simmons
"Michael Jackson was my generation's most iconic cultural hero. Courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He'll be missed greatly."

The Neville Brothers
"From one musical family to another our hearts go out to the Jacksons. We are greatly saddened by the news of Michael's passing. We know his music will continue to inspire generations to come, as he was one of the most influential artists of all time."

Smokey Robinson
"It's always hard to lose a friend."

John Mayer
"I think we'll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to Thriller on the record player. Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ."

Randy Jackson
"The greatest performer ever. He lit up the stage like no one else."

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
"Michael was a pop phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity. Though there were serious questions about his personal life, Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer and his popularity spanned generations and the globe."

Wyclef Jean
"Michael Jackson was my musical God. He made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music. He can live forever! I love Michael Jackson. God Bless him."

Miley Cyrus
"Michael Jackson was my inspiration. Love and blessings."

Celebs Weigh in on Michael Jackson's Death

Naturally, everyone is commenting on the untimely death of Michael Jackson. Here are a few celebrity quotes, courtesy of Entertainment Weekly:

Steven Spielberg
"Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend."

Martin Scorsese (director of the Bad”video)
"Michael Jackson was extraordinary. When we worked together on Bad, I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other. Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion. He was wonderful to work with, an absolute professional at all times, and — it really goes without saying — a true artist. It will be a while before I can get used to the idea that he’s no longer with us."

Lisa Marie Presley (who was married to Jackson from 1994 to 1996)
"I am completely shocked and saddened by Michael’s death. My heart goes out to his children and his family."

Madonna (Jackson’s date to the 1991 Academy Awards, in an exclusive statement to People)
"I can’t stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."

Eddie Van Halen
"I am really shocked, as I am sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on Beat It back in ’83, one of my fondest memories in my career. Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace."

Brooke Shields (who briefly dated the singer)
"My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing."

Will.i.am (who was working with Jackson on his long-anticipated comeback album)
"I am so grateful to have worked with the King. He was a gift to the world. He is a bright light and I wouldn’t be surprised if the world stopped spinning tomorrow."

Ne-Yo
"Michael Jackson will live forever through the thing that he put all of his life energy into: his music. I will do my part to keep the melody alive, to keep the energy forever changing form, but never ever dying! Long live Michael Jackson."

Don Cornelius (longtime Soul Train host)
"I met Michael Jackson at the age of eight — when his father and my new friend Joe Jackson first began to bring the Jackson 5 to Chicago, from their home in Gary, Indiana, for concert appearances. As the word of the Jackson 5’s devastating abilities as concert artists had already begun to spread like an out-of-control forest fire ... Michael Jackson’s... amazing power as an entertainer was clear and unmistakable; and has never slowed to this very day! His passing will be grieved far beyond that of any other singer,composer, producer, dancer and choreographer, in the history of the world."

Quincy Jones (friend and producer)
"I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the ‘80s. To this day, the music we created together on Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all … talent, grace, professionalism, and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

JC Chasez
"Words can’t begin to describe my sadness for the loss of Michael Jackson. I was honored and humbled to have the opportunity to perform with him several times and he had a profound influence on my career. Michael forever changed the world of music and entertainment and I will always remember him for his kind and sweet spirit."

John Landis (director of Thriller, who sued Jackson over the video earlier this year)
"I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime. Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure. My wife Deborah and I will always have great affection for him."

Say It Ain't So!

I'm so sad to report that Michael Jackson has died. There are various reports about how and when, but the general consensus was that the 50-year-old King of Pop was unconscious when they took him to UCLA Medical Center today.

For most of us of a certain age, Jackson was one of the defining musicians of our childhood. How many of us wanted the red leather jacket and the glitter glove? The picture I've included is one of my favorites. I was a young teen, and I thought I'd either sing a duet with him or marry him. Either way, I was completely smitten.

Recently, my Mr. Wonderful -- who also works in the industry -- took me to a rehearsal hall where Michael was rumored to be practicing for his upcoming tour. I told him that I would be completely impressed if I got a chance to meet him. Unfortunately, it won't be happening now.

Despite all his troubles -- legal and otherwise -- Michael Jackson was an amazing entertainer, and he will truly be missed. My prayers go out to his family, friends, and fans.

Chrihanna at NBA Finals Game 4

Chris Brown and Rihanna may be in the midst of a legal battle in Los Angeles, but that didn't stop them from enjoying last night's NBA Finals game in Orlando. A source told People that the two had asked for seats together, but it didn't look like the request was granted. When ABC's cameras showed the celebrities in attendance, they flashed a lone shot of her on the screen. Sources said that the two have attended earlier games separately.

While the game was probably a fun distraction, the only joint venture RiRi and Chris have up is a court date. The Good Girl Gone Bad has been subpoenaed to testify against Brown at a preliminary hearing on Monday, June 22nd.

As expected, Rihanna's rep had nothing to say.

Usher Says "I Don't" to Tameka

Here's one we never saw coming -- wink, wink. After months of being photographed without his ring, In Touch Weekly is reporting that Usher has filed for divorce from his wife, Tameka Foster. The 30-year-old singer filed the paperwork in Atlanta yesterday morning. Apparently he's been out of the house for almost a year after nearly two years of marriage.

At this point, Usher wants to handle his divorce delicately because of their two sons, 18-month-old Usher Raymond V and six-month-old Naviyd.

This is probably one time Usher wishes he'd listened to his mother. Apparently Jonnetta Patton never approved of his relationship with the 37-year-old mother of three teens. It was so bad that his momager skipped their multiple wedding ceremonies back in 2007.

Since Tameka has never been cast in a good light by the media, the former stylist has taken to Twitter to change that. According to AOL's Black Voices, she's been on the social networking site misquoting Bible verses and posting inspirational quotes lifted from various spiritual gurus. In addition, she's supposedly hired the same public relations firm Kim Porter used after her split with Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Naturally, Usher's rep was mum on the subject. Stay tuned...

Jaden Smith is "The Karate Kid"

The Karate Kid lives again, thanks to Will Smith. According to MTV.com, the rapper-turned-Oscar nominee's production company, Overbrook Entertainment, is remaking the 1984 classic. Will's son, Jaden, is starring in the title role, with Taraji P. Henson doing the honors as his mother. The martial arts instructor will be played by none other than Jackie Chan. In the original, Ralph Macchio, Randee Heller, and the late Pat Morita played those roles.

Seriously?

Could Miley Cyrus and Sean "Diddy" Combs be Hollywood's next power couple? Even though x17online.com reported seeing the rap mogul leaving Hannah Montana's home in Toluca Lake, California last weekend, we can probably rule out a love connection. The two could've been discussing the possibility of him making a guest appearance on her upcoming tour. The more likely story -- in my honest opinion -- is that Diddy was locked out of his nearby house. Either way, if there's anything to the story, we'll find out soon.

Kimora & Djimon's Twitter Baby

Congratulations are in order for Kimora Lee Simmons and her fiance, Djimon Hounsou. The two have become the proud parents of a baby boy last Saturday. According to E! Online, the Baby Phat mogul gave keeping everyone informed of the impending birth via Twitter.

While this baby, whose name is not yet known, is Hounsou's first, Kimora has two daughters with her former husband, Russell Simmons. The girls, nine-year-old Ming Lee and six-year-old Aoki Lee, currently appear with their mother on her hit reality show, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane.

J-Hud's Reported Baby Shower

Note to Jennifer Hudson -- if you don't want anyone to know you're expecting, do not throw a baby shower. And if you do, tell your friends to keep quiet. While the 27-year-old Oscar and Grammy winner has yet to announce her pregnancy, her friend Felicia Fields told the Chicago Tribune that a celebratory soiree was held in Hudson's honor last week in Chicago. She described it as a low-key affair consisting of friends and family. When asked whether she received more blue or pink gifts, Fields said that they got more yellow things since the sex of the baby is currently unknown.

As you probably know, the child will be Hudson's first with fiance, David Otunga. The Chicago Sun-Times estimates that she's about seven months along, and while the couple has reportedly set a date, they haven't revealed it to the press. Stay tuned.

Whitney's Got a Date

Look out world -- Whitney Houston's on the comeback trail. According to Billboard.com, the former Mrs. Bobby Brown -- who hasn't been on the music scene in seven years -- will drop her much-anticipated album on September 1st. While some may be questioning whether Ms. Houston's voice has survived after years of drug abuse, Akon insists that it has. The rapper, who put on a producer hat for Whitney's album, said, "The voice is there. I don’t think anyone could ever take that from her. As long as we apply that voice to hit records, she’ll be right back where she left off." For her sake, let's hope so.