"I played guitar on many songs for Michael over the years, not the least of which were "Beat It," "PYT," "Lady In My Life" and "Dirty Diana." 

In the studio, Michael was the consummate professional.  He always knew what he wanted to hear and stayed focused until he got it.  One time Michael called me into a Hollywood studio to play a solo on a song that turned out to be "Heartbreak Hotel."  I asked him what kind of solo he wanted.  He put a cassette in a tape player, said "This is what I want," and proceeded to play the tape. 

The solo I played on the record is what he sang to me note for note.  That's the Michael I will remember."  
- Paul Jackson Jr

"I think most, if not all musicians (no matter the genre) would have to acknowledge the incredible contribution Michael Jackson made to the world of music.

He was a true artist--always on the fringe (in his musical and
personal lives) and yet magically, accessible to a huge audience worldwide.

He had that 'thing'--often imitated, but never duplicated. And what a performer--we may never see another like him again."
- Dave Koz.

"Words alone can’t really express the way that I feel about the unfortunate and untimely passing of Michael Jackson - The King of Pop, just as the expression of music goes beyond words. I am deeply saddened that he is gone too soon. He had much more music to make and much more records to break.

He was the most prolific entertainer in history who transcended every barrier imaginable through music. His music touched me profoundly for decades. I was greatly inspired by his entire catalogue of music from The Jackson 5 days and then throughout his amazing and groundbreaking solo career. I Want You Back, I Wanna Be Where You Are, Enjoy Yourself, Show You The Way To Go, Living Off The Wall, Human Nature, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal and You Rock My World are just some of my all time favorites…my list is long. He used his voice in so many ways as an instrument like that of a saxophone, bass, guitar and even a percussion drum when the music called him to do so.

He was a true innovator and his music was always light years ahead of the Now.  The genius of the late great Miles Davis took note and paid tribute to the genius of Michael Jackson with his legendary rendition of Human Nature. Michael Jackson took the world by storm with his electrifying and magical musical journey. He changed the way music was thought of, felt and imagined through his short-movie style music videos. With elite class and monumental in achievement, he reached the pinnacles of success and touched millions and millions of lives globally and generational that has and will never be paralleled.  

His musical legacy is powerful from the light that shined so bright from his endless talent. His music will live forever in my heart, mind and soul. He will be greatly missed."
- Alfonzo Blackwell - Saxophonist/Songwriter/Producer

"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

"Michael Jackson is a musical legend who will be greatly missed by both artists and fans the world over. He has and will continue to inspire future generations of performers and writers with his musical genius."
- Tammy Weis

"Shock and disbelief on hearing Michael Jackson died. I was sad to think  this is how an amazing career ended.

Highlighted by his work with Quincy Jones, something seemed to unravel since the days of 'Thriller' and things just started getting strange.

On the eve of a possible comeback, fate took away what many were hoping was going to prove once  again his status as 'King of Pop'. Life can be cruel." - Chris Smith