“I can't think of a single artist who has influenced music and performance more in my lifetime than Michael Jackson. I remember when his “Thriller” video was debuting; we were all glued to our TV's to watch. It was groundbreaking. This is such a tragic and unexpected loss. We've lost an icon. During the past few days I've heard his music everywhere I've been, whether sitting in a cafe or driving down the street listening to the music from other people's cars. Hit after hit, all with his incredible videos running through my mind. Thousands of people are standing in line a few blocks from my house in Hollywood to put flowers and notes on his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And that's just in my neighborhood. This is happening all around the world. There is so much love for him all around the world. He leaves an incredible legacy of music and dance and performance. Thank you, Michael Jackson, for being there to change our lives through your music. We will miss you.” - Mindi Abair
"I am at a loss for words right now. I don’t know what is in the air but I am hiding. Phone and emails are off the hook from the press. I don’t know why or what to say.
I pray for his kids and family. I will process this and let the family speak first as they should. Be well” - Steve Lukather
“I got into radio the year “Thriller” was released. Being a huge Toto fan I was pleased that Michael and Quincy Jones had used Jeff and Steve Porcaro, David Paich and Steve Lukather of the band all over the place on the album. In fact “Human Nature,” written by Steve Porcaro was basically Toto featuring Michael Jackson on lead vocals. Interestingly Mike Porcaro who didn’t appear on the track, said later that if Toto had recorded the tune (it was rejected by the band) there was no guarantees it would even had been a hit, probably not that big anyway. If Michael sang on a song, it changed its whole atmosphere, its whole direction, purpose and acceptance.
When my wife Shannon bought her new car last year, I put “Thriller” in the CD player when she picked up the car. Her appreciation for the album is far beyond mine and I rate it as one of the best albums of all time. We both listened to it, like millions of others, yesterday. It was still in her car. We were reminded how much the songs have stood the test of time, (well maybe not “The Girl is Mine”). For one of the most over-produced albums of all time (everything was thrown into this mix) it remains as the closest representation of an era that was still juggling an undefined highway. Were we about Disco back then, dance, R&B or Pop. Jackson showed us that cross-polonaise the whole damn thing and throwing every conceivable sound effect, could actually work if the songs were strong and the singer stronger.
Though I have no proof, most of me believes Michael is in his own utopian place right now. I believe he gets what’s going on down here. I also think, for once, it all makes sense to him. He gets it. I hope so because he was a deeply distrubed soul. He made eccentricity a word that will eventually kill you. In his case anyway.
The title of “King of Pop” came with many rewards and, in his case, a cavalcade of red tape, confused personal destinations and self expressions. ‘It also came with shady characters that never had Michael best interests in mind. Some cheated him while others enabled his distructive behaviour. This singer reacted to the world, sometimes, in truly bizarre ways but in the end what are we left with? Long after we’ve forgotten about chimps, surgery and those kids, his music will be heralded as the example of what happens when a talented young man gives almost everything he’s made up of to break racial, personal and musical barriers. To create an album that will never involve ‘catching up to.’ He build something that was too big for even himself but I think in the big scheme of things, he wouldn’t have changed a thing, at least not musically” – by John Beaudin President of Smooth Jazz Now
“He created many of my favorite songs. I'm very sad to see him go so young and I offer my condolences to his family.” - Boney James
"I don't believe there will ever be another Michael Jackson in this lifetime or maybe ever. Michael was one of a kind. We grew up listening and watching him be spectacular. So, it will take another very special person to fill that void and I don't think it will happen.. God rest his soul” - Nick Colionne
“It is a special gift that few are given and Michael Jackson had that gift. It is the ability to find a common bond that reaches and touches all of us. He did this with his music like no one had ever done. His legacy will live on with his music, but we mourn this tragic news and pray for his family.” - Kim Pensyl
“One of my favorite albums of all time is Michael Jackson's "Thriller". Every song is superbly written, performed, and produced. He is a great loss to the music world. There will never be another one like him.” - Daryl Stuermer
“Along with Quincy and his other musical partners, Michael Jackson had the guts to create new ground, to bridge R&B and Pop as it was never done before. I'm going to guess that he didn't even think of it as ground breaking. It was what he naturally had to do because it flew out of his soul. Without the guts to search and take chances, people who play instruments aren't really artists. Michael Jackson was an artist.” - Noel Webb
“I don't think I can remember one person who wasn't amazed by Michael's artistry. Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack, some of the greatest artists in the world, all told me how in awe of him they were.
I come from a musical family but it wasn't until I heard Michael Jackson that I decided to become a musician. The Jackson Five were so exciting and so talented. As a ten year old, I decided to get serious about music because Michael and the Jackson Five had me that excited. Hey, they were my age and they were already professionals, I actually felt like I was late and had some catching up to do!
In my neighborhood in NY, we dressed like them, wore our hair like them. I'm sure it was the same all over the country. He and his brothers really defined our childhood.
I never played with him but I never minded that because it allowed me to really stay a fan forever without being concerned with playing the bass or writing songs. I just enjoyed his records like everyone else.
I eventually went on make music in a more jazz and R&B vein than him but I always felt like I carried that spark that Michael Jackson instilled in me. I used to make Miles listen to Michael Jackson records! He loved "Shake Your Body Down To The Ground"! He said, "Man, that's some bad s**t!!"
For young African-American kids, he was the defining voice of the seventies. What's incredible is that he went on to be the defining voice of the eighties as well. And this time, it wasn't just for African-American kids; it wasn't even just for kids. EVERYBODY bought "Thriller" - from the grandmothers right on down to the 5 year olds. Not many artists have ever had that sort of universal appeal, if any.
I heard that, in the seventies, Sammy Davis Jr. always left the door open at his Hollywood Hills home. And if you were visiting Sammy, you'd often see young Michael Jackson, letting himself in to go into Sammy's video room to study Sammy's extensive video collection of the old dance geniuses like Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, the Nicholas Brothers and Sammy himself. Sammy's collection of photos and videos is legendary. Imagine what a young genius like Michael Jackson learned from watching those tapes.
If you listen to the old Jackson Five records, you hear the J5 hits, of course, but to fill out the album, the Motown producers would have Michael and his brothers do covers (remakes) of Motown and other R&B hits of the day. It's incredible to listen to Michael doing songs in all those different styles. He would sing like William Hart from the Delphonics on one song, then like Smokey Robinson on the next. He even did a cover of the Bobby Day tune, "Rockin' Robin". This was an incredible vocal history lesson for Michael, who's capacity to absorb all these different styles was scary.
In the eighties, Michael put it all together. In his slender frame, he embodied the entire black entertainment tradition. From the Nicholas Brothers through Sammy Davis Jr., Little Richard, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, Smokey Robinson, the Delphonics, Stevie Wonder, and on into the future. Watching MJ was like taking a history lesson and a lesson on the future at the same time.
If that weren't enough, MJ then went and single-handedly revolutionized music videos. It's amazing that today, some twenty-five years later, everyone who makes a pop music video still feels obligated to include a "group dance" sequence like the one MJ pioneered in "Beat It". That's how influential and ahead of the times he was.
I truly feel sorry for people who only know the Michael Jackson of the later years. It's unfortunate that they will only see the "out there" Michael Jackson who was very obviously dealing with demons created by a childhood that none of us can ever imagine or understand.
I feel sorry for people who only know Michael Jackson as "Wacko Jacko" - because they've missed witnessing a display of talent that, most likely, the world will never, ever see again.
Rest In Peace MJ” - Marcus Miller
“I was at the studio yesterday over dubbing horns on my new CD. We were talking about the passing of Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett. Talked about how these things always come in threes. Wow! Who'd have thought it would be him.
Short story...We (Tower of Power) were waiting at the bottom of the steps of the stage at the Forum in L.A. in 1973. Opening for Santana. All of a sudden a door opens and security ushers the Jackson Five in to meet us. Michael starts singing to us, “You're Still a Young Man....", and telling us how much they like that song. He must have been about 13 or 14 then. We went on stage and never saw them again that night.” - Greg Adams
“I was stunned to hear about the passing of MJ. I believe he was the greatest entertainer ever. His music and style has shaped so many artists and will continue to for a long time to come. I hope he is remembered for all the positive things he accomplished.” - Jim Adkins
“I was totally devastated by the passing of Michael Jackson. He was one of my biggest childhood influences. I will truly miss him". - Darryl Williams
“Like Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and John Lennon before him, Michael Jackson’s death has captivated the nation and left an incredible hole in the world of music entertainment that will be difficult if not impossible to fill. For people in my generation (early 30’s), Michael Jackson dominated the airwaves and defined our standards of music. My very first album at age 5 as was “Thriller” and the very first poster in my bedroom was one of Michael Jackson in a yellow sweater. I also anxiously awaited the premieres of the “Thriller,” “Bad,” "Black or White” and “Remember the Time” videos on network TV. To my knowledge, premiering music videos on network television did not happen before Michael Jackson. I am devastated that this legend has, in the words of one of his songs, “Gone Too Soon.” He has left us physically but I am grateful that his gentle spirit and his music will live on forever.” - Joy Hall, Contributing Editor - Smooth Jazz Now.com
“Jackson's music has followed my musical journey since I was 10 years old. I have been influenced by his work, especially by "Off The Wall" & "Thriller". He really knew how to groove, and with Quincy Jones behind him, he set a new vibe for popular music yet to come.” - Jonathan Fritzen
“I am the same age as Michael, so I grew up with his music. I remember being a little shy kid and seeing him on the Ed Sullivan show.
I loved music at a very early age and was already playing guitar for a few years when The Jackson’s were on that show. He really gave me the inspiration
to start performing at an early age. With Quincy Jones behind him, his music really had some jazz elements to it. My favorite tracks of his are still
the ones with Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton producing and writing. Amazing vocals, songs, and production. A recipe for success in music!” - Patrick Yandall
"Michael Jackson is one of the most fascinating symbols of Americana - in all regards, from the great to the bad. He was the American dream - rags to riches, fame and fortune, and of course the all too publicly aggrandized issues. Musically he wrote some of the most memorable songs and was by and large the best entertainer in dancing, singing, staging and all around mystic. He was an extraordinary phenomenon who will be celebrated and remembered not only as a brilliant artist, but a fundamental icon of Americana." - Mark Rapp, Jazz
“I started my set off with "Rock with You" last night at my CD release!! Even as a horn player, I've learnt so much from Michael, especially from how he executed his performances on-stage. I always play every show like it's my last!! Bringing the energy and intensity!! And of course, his style and finesse - who can top those outfits! He was THE BEST at what he did and his music will live on for centuries!!´- "Sax-Man" Elan Trotman
“I have to say that this loss is as personal to me as the loss of a close friend. Michael exuded such life, energy, and electricity. His ability to conceptualize and breathe life into those concepts right before our eyes in concert or onto our ears in the studio was absolutely uncanny. Now, this remarkable icon takes his rightful place with comrades like Jimi, Miles, John Lennon, Otis Redding, James Brown, and Elvis. He will be so sorely missed. The world has lost a piece of its heart, but its memory will remain alive forever with the images of this King of Pop.” - Ronald Jackson – Contributing Editor Smooth Jazz Now.com
“In the Music Industry there are few that become Legends and Superstars. Michael Jackson was that and more. His great talents and compassion reached out to the whole world. He will surely be missed, but never forgotten. His music and spirit will live on to influence many generations to come.” - Thomas Borino of Airborne
"Michael Jackson left a timeless legacy of music that not only entertained generations of Global music fans, but made people think, feel and respond to changes in the world around us. Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones together developed a new sound that will forever be the model and standard for creating timeless music. MJ. You will be missed. Will Donato, Innervision Records” – Will Donato
“He had the spirit and heart of a child, which is precious and spotless! He contributed to the music arena as no other musician has. Not only in his ability to perform, but as a composer, and not to leave out his gift of rhythm. What was unfortunately his downfall, he did not realize what he meant to so many, and how important his spirit needed to be here ... and that he was always working on his .......wings....” - Aishia Ragsdale
"Michael Jackson was an undeniable force in music and entertainment in our lifetime. He was beyond another voice in pop music. He was a unique voice in our cultural landscape. Like Chaplin, Picasso, Jackson has influenced generations and will continue to influence those to come. His personal life was testament to the fact that you shouldn't confuse the art for the man and vice versa. What he gave to his art he seemed to have suffered proportionately in his personal life. RIP MJ - thank you for your gifts!" - Daniela Nardi
“Just where they were, and what they were doing, when news of Michael Jackson's untimely death was first heard is something all true music fans will remember for the rest of their lives. For me, it was being in England and being woken by wife to be told what was being reported, late night UK time, on the news channels. Also, for me, Jackson will take his place in music history as the first to attract a generation of white listeners to the genre of soul and in so doing create a now unbreakable link between black and white cultural appreciation; and man, he could really dance!!!” – Denis Poole – Contributing Editor Smooth Jazz Now.com
I'm devastated by the news. I have been a MJ fan since I was a little girl growing up in P.R. I remember dancing to the Jackson Five songs when I was twelve or thirteen years old or even younger. My mom would put their music on and I would "perform" dancing and imitating his moves. I just ADORED him. I had all his albums, I sang all his songs. Yesterday, the local radio stations played his songs over and over again. I felt like crying every time...
Michael was born on August 29, 1958. I was born August 29, 1960. He was an idol in Puerto Rico. The King of Pop, as they commonly refer to him. Puerto Ricans adore him (notice I use present tense 'cause that's never going to change). When he paired up with Quincy Jones for the Off the Wall album, it was as if he had been touched by grace. In my opinion, that was his best album ever. Thriller revolutionized the market. Time and time again, he would reinvent himself and come up with fresh new stuff. He also contributed a lot to many charities.
I'll tell you a quick story. My little sister had a chance to meet him a long time ago in L.A. at a restaurant. He walked in with his entourage and my mom approached him and asked him if he would be willing to take a picture with my sis. Mom says that he didn't even hesitate. At once, he sat by my sister's side and took a picture with her. That photo, which he signed, sits in a very special place in my mother's home in West Hills. Mom lives very close to the Encino spread he shared with his family for many years. Mom bumped into Germaine a couple of years ago while Michael was going through a period of really bad press and told him that we didn't believe any of the things he had been accused of and that we still loved him. His brother's eyes filled with tears.
Regardless of his eccentricities, I don't think will ever see a star shine so bright.
In my culture, they say death comes in threes. First Ed McMahon, then Farrah Fawcett and then Michael.” - Fran Samuel – Contributing Editor Smooth Jazz Now.com
“I was lucky enough to be working in Kansas City Missouri for The Handleman Company (North America's Largest Distributor of Pre-Recorded Music) back in the 80's and saw first hand the Thriller Phenomena. It was staggering to see Semi-trucks full of one album come into the warehouse and be shipped out to all the K-mart and Wal-Mart accounts in a 15 state area, we simply could not keep it in the stores. When the Victory tour that reunited the Jackson's opened their World Tour in KC at Arrowhead Stadium I was lucky enough to be on the stadium crew and have a seat about 20 (football) yards from the stage. It was magnificent! I will never forget the fact that due to the lasers on the show opening the airport had to re-route air traffic at KC International Airport, I will also remember that the tour was sponsored by Pepsi at the time and after the extravaganza left KC the hotel staff found Coca-Cola products in the performer’s rooms....oops. Seriously though there will never be a musical performer that crosses boundaries like Michael Jackson, he crossed barriers and races and showed that music can be the most universal form of art reaching all races and ages. I doubt that there will EVER be another talent that can do so. Now with the excitement of 5.1 audio mixes his catalogue should be recognized for the brilliance that it deserves. I have always looked for an artist’s work as their legacy, not their personal life issues and that being said the King of Pop is and will always be missed on the airwaves of life.” - Paul Ericson – Contributing Editor Smooth Jazz Now.com
“Simply one of the most gifted men to walk the planet. The voice, the songs, the presence, the dance, the musicians, the producers...it was all there. A timeless body of work that will forever remain the standard. He simply transcended music, and as evidence I heard tributes to him on any kind of station yesterday: R&B, folk, pop, Latin, talk, and even sports radio. What an incredible person and musician. He will be missed across the globe.” - Matt Marshak
“As a musician in the same age I did experience Michael’s strong influence on pop music. He created new rhythms, a whole new sound and presented this all with highest possible energy. And songs like "We are the world" also showed his heart and soul. God bless you, Michael.” - Gunter Hauser, Spirit'n'Jazz
“I was very shocked and saddened at the news of Michael's untimely death yesterday. He was one of the most influential artists of the last 20 years. He was the ultimate performer, singer and song writer. I like many others of my generation grew up listening to him and his brothers from an early age. People who love his music range from 6 to 60 and only a few weeks ago I introduced my children to his "Off The Wall" album, (my personal favourite). They showed the same love for it as I do. The King of pop may be gone but his music shall touch the hearts and souls of generations to come. R.I.P Michael” - Paul "Shilts" Weimar
“Michael Jackson was one of my inspirations as a kid growing up in the 70s. He entertained us and he left us with a great achievement as "King of Pop!" And no one will ever take this away from him! He changed the music industry and his legacy will live on! We'll miss you Michael, and may you rest in peace!” - Freddie Fox
“Michael's death was very surreal to me. He has been such an Icon throughout my life. His death has once again made me realize how fragile this life is, and had made me re-focus on what is important. He will be missed!” - J.P. DeLaire
“My sincere condolences go out to the Jackson family for there loss! May God give you the strength to endure the coming days! M.J. was the pioneer in bringing music videos to life and the major choreographed productions to concerts. Not to mention the music that touched every ones life, from old to young, through decades. I know James Brown has the title "the hardest working man in show business" but I think Mike was right up there with him!
He raised the bar when it came to other artists performing and recording. Everyone wanted to be like Mike! Guitar play Tommy Organ (Featured on my CD "Smoove on the Move") was the guitar player in the band that was going on tour with Mike in July and is deeply saddened by this tragedy. He Will Definitely Be Missed!!!!!!! May God have mercy upon ALL of our souls. - j.dee
“I feel that Michael Jackson has had as much a profound impact on all genres of music as the Beatles. He was one of the first artists to incorporate and use all forms of the arts (dance, acting, drama, etc.)
When performing his music. His absence will be missed.” - David Klee
“I‘m still in shock and sad after hearing that Michael Jackson suddenly passed away! Before I officially met Michael in 1980, I used to see him in Encino driving his Rolls Royce down Ventura Blvd. and waving to me. It was in London, England in 1980 at the Holiday Inn Hotel when I officially met Michael and his brothers. I was on tour with Herbie Hancock and he was with the Jackson 5 staying at the same hotel. I was in the mezzanine talking to his brothers when Michael came upstairs from the pool wrapped in two white towels, dripping wet. An embarrassed Randy Jackson said, “This is our brother Michael” - I shook his hands and told him my name and Michael said to me in a high pitch voice, “Hi!”. Michael was a genius who influenced me the way Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder did. A month ago, I paid homage to Michael when I replicated one of his vocal riffs on my son Alphonse Philippe (aka LIL COOL) rap/hip-hip CD “MAIN ATTRACTION” that I’m producing and playing on. Michael Jackson heavily influenced two of the songs from that CD! I was shocked and still am shocked and sad over his passing. I still think I’m having a nightmare and will wake up to find it’s not true! It feels so surreal to me. He was and still is the “King of Pop!!!” - Alphonse Mouzon (this quote is scheduled to be part of Mouzon’s official book “The Alphonse Mouzon Autobiography”
“I was not a personal fan of “The King of Pop.” However, I do acknowledge and admire the artist and his immense musical genius like more than 750 million people who bought his records (I was among them) and currently mourn him.
I recently listened to his 1986 humanitarian smash hit “We Are the World” and it might be sadness or nostalgia, I was moved by the news of his sudden death. Certainly, it was not his best track, but it was so representative of the MTV generation in the eighties. Indeed Daryl Hall or Bruce Springsteen were already music stars at that time. And Jackson became that great music star to ever shine on today’s popular music.
Indeed that was also Michael Jackson’s genius beyond his skills in composing, performing and “moon walking.” He became the master of crossover, being with “Billie Jean” the first Black American artist with a video played on the then White and rock-oriented MTV. He was also the first one to invite famous musicians who did not share his soul/R&B background: Eddie Van Halen took part to «Beat It» (1983) with his distinctive rock guitar solo; hard rocker guitarist Slash (from Guns’n’Roses) performed guitar on hits “Black or White” and “Give In to Me” (both from Jackson’s 1991 album “Dangerous”).
One can admire or dislike “the King of Pop” for his music, his character related to his controversial and agitated life. However, I think that this revolutionary artist needs to be regarded as a genuine legend in today’s popular music.
Jackson has simply crossed various boundaries (musical, cultural and racial) and is now a part of the world’s pop culture. So let us pay tribute to his unique musical legacy.” - Akbar Nour, Smooth Jazz Now Head Writer for Europe
Review Policy - Smooth Jazz Now.com believes money
does not buy a positive review. The music world is filled
with magazines and websites that will play you, or positively review you if you buy advertising. That's
not what we are about. It's a little thing called credibility.
If you want to advertise with us, we welcome you and will
do our very best to make sure anyone who visits this site
will know your name, but we won't guarantee you a positive
review. If you work with a magazine that gives you these
guarantees remember it's your reputation that's on the
line, they've already sold theirs. - John Beaudin, President,
Smooth Jazz Now.com
Sacramento Loses Their Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 March 5, 2010 – Smooth Jazz has gone dark in Sacramento. Entercom Communications, owners of Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 FM pulled the plug on the station this week. More
Now 3 Chances to Win “Classic Smooth Jazz 6 Packs” February 27, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now wants to thank you for listening. Starting Monday March 1st listen for your name andyou could win some of the biggest albums in Smooth Jazz history. More
In Conversation with U-NAM on his latest CD ‘Unanimity’ February 23, 2010 - French Smooth Jazz guitar sensation Emmanuel Abitebol, more known as U-NAM, came to fame with his widely acclaimed somophore album ‘Back from the 80’s’ released in 2007. More
Sade Is Queen Again February 23, 2010 – The new Sade album is kicking some serious butt on the charts. After a 10 year break the sultry singer is back on top of the Billboard Album Charts with “Soldier of Love.” It sold over 500 thousand in its first week of release. More
Record Numbers of Votes Registered for the 6th Annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards February 22, 2010 – The annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards ballot count ending last Friday (Feb. 19) reflects a dramatic increase in voter interest. Awards co-chair, Mary Kirk, of Wave 94.7FM says, “Thank you to the huge number of fans from all over the world who took time to send in their ballots.” More
In Conversation with Paula Atherton February 19 - 2010 - Smooth Jazz female sax players are not numerous, but there is a collection of talented performers such as Candy Dulfer, Jessy J and Paula Atherton among others. Mrs. Atherton does not only perform sax and other horn instruments, she is also a consummate singer. Read the interview
March 5, 2010 – Smooth Jazz has gone dark in Sacramento. Entercom Communications, owners of Smooth Jazz KSSJ 94.7 FM pulled the plug on the station this week. 
February 27, 2010 – Smooth Jazz Now wants to thank you for listening. Starting Monday March 1st listen for your name andyou could win some of the biggest albums in Smooth Jazz history
February 23, 2010 - French Smooth Jazz guitar sensation Emmanuel Abitebol, more known as U-NAM, came to fame with his widely acclaimed somophore album ‘Back from the 80’s’ released in 2007. 
February 23, 2010 – The new Sade album is kicking some serious butt on the charts. After a 10 year break the sultry singer is back on top of the Billboard Album Charts with “Soldier of Love.” It sold over 500 thousand in its first week of release. 
February 22, 2010 – The annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards ballot count ending last Friday (Feb. 19) reflects a dramatic increase in voter interest. Awards co-chair, Mary Kirk, of Wave 94.7FM says, “Thank you to the huge number of fans from all over the world who took time to send in their ballots.” 
February 19 - 2010 - Smooth Jazz female sax players are not numerous, but there is a collection of talented performers such as Candy Dulfer, Jessy J and Paula Atherton among others. Mrs. Atherton does not only perform sax and other horn instruments, she is also a consummate singer.