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Country Stars React to Michael Jackson's Death

He was the King of Pop, but Michael Jackson's influence crossed all genres. The Boot has gathered reaction from country stars on the passing of a music legend.

"I will remember Michael Jackson as the kid that overcame, as the
mesmerizing, moon-walking worldwide artist. He was forced to fill shoes that must have been crippling to walk in, but yet MJ found a reason and a way to dance in them like no one on earth." -- Rodney Atkins

"He was larger than life. He's an artist that has had an impact on every other artist, consciously or subconsciously. Musically, he helped to change the world, and his records will live on forever." - Miranda Lambert

"I am so sad to hear this news. I am a huge Michael Jackson fan ... I grew up listening to him. I used to moon-walk down the hallway in school when I was in the sixth grade ... We have now experienced a day like my mom explained to me the world experienced when Elvis died." -- Jimmy Wayne

"'Thriller' was the first album I ever bought with my own money. Michael Jackson was truly a pioneer." -- Joe Nichols

"I am shocked and saddened by the passing of Michael Jackson. He was the most memorable and impactful entertainer on me as a child. My parents had Elvis to watch and adore. I had Michael Jackson. There will never be another person to sing and dance like Michael Jackson." -- Luke Bryan

"Even country boys like Jay, Gary and myself ... I count it as a blessing to have been inspired by his music and his artistry." -- Rascal Flatts' Joe Don Rooney

"Michael Jackson was a musical genius. What a shock." -- James Young, Eli Young Band

"Michael Jackson's music knew no boundaries and has greatly influenced entertainers from all musical genres. There is no denying that his impact was global and he was loved by people all over the world. I truly believe he was this generation's Elvis Presley. In fact, the parallels in their death, are uncanny ... I recently introduced my children to his music and the groundbreaking "Thriller" video. It's something we have all danced around to in our living room and have enjoyed together as a family. There's no doubt that his musical legacy will live for generations to come." -- Jason Michael Carroll

"A sad day for the world of music." -- Reba McEntire

"Rest in peace, MJ. You made a musical impact on my life like any other. You will be missed by many. Live on through your music." -- Josh Gracin

"Say what you want about his personal [life], he was one of the reasons I wanted to be a performer ... He was the first album I ever bought, first concert I ever went to, the first song I ever learned and my first crush." -- Rissi Palmer

"Teaching [my daughter] Owen about Michael Jackson right now, playing all these amazing songs. She's 3 1/2 and she loves it. Amazing, life changing music." -- Michelle Branch

"His was a rare talent that we witness once in a lifetime. One who makes such an indelible mark that for generations singers and dancers attribute him as inspiration. I had the great privilege of watching him every night doing what he did best -- entertain. I am grateful to have known him for the two years I worked for him, and will mourn his loss with his many millions of fans across the world." -- Sheryl Crow (who used to sing backup for Jackson)

Read the full story on Michael Jackson's death.


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Lisa

MJ was a true genius when it came to music. It is not our place to judge. He will have his time with God and only He knows the truth. MJ won't be able to buy his way out of that trial. He will be missed as a music icon. His personal life is just that "PERSONAL". I don't agree with asking or letting children in your bed even if they are related to you. He seemed to be a very childish adult who never had a real childhood. I think he was trying to make up for that in so many ways in his adult life. I love children and hate to see them in pain or facing death, but you have to draw the line and make good choices when you are an adult and a worldwide known public figure. My condolences to his family.
God is real - just look around you. Miracles happen everyday.

June 29 2009 at 3:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
star

NILPOSJ YEAH I SPELLED UR NAME WRONG U ARE SOMETHING ELSE I KNOW U ARE WHITE ALL THE PEOPLE THAT ARE MAKING BAD COMMENTS MAJORITY OF THEM ARE WHITE. MJ WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN ASK UR MOMA ABOUT HIM INCASE U DONT KNOW. michael gave the people in africa almost 300 million dollars your sister probably was 1 of them so dont judge

June 28 2009 at 5:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
piplner

HE WAS A PERVERT PLAIN AND SIMPLE HIM AND OJ ARE TWO KIND A KILLER AND A CHILD MOLESTER GOOD RIDENCE

June 27 2009 at 9:29 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to piplner's comment
neonub

Your use of all caps, total lack of compassion for a grieving family, and undeniable lack of literacy makes for an entertaining read. It does, however, mark you as someone who needs to worry less about a dead pop star and more about how the public school system and your parents could have failed you so criminally.

June 30 2009 at 9:33 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
M.Young

Michael never made it out of childhood in his mind. He connected with children on a level we as adults don't understand. THEY didnt want anything from him. The parents did, though, didn't they? No, it wasn't appropriate to share a bed with a child, even if nothing is happening...but he was never found guilty of pedophelia. He wasn't my favorite but he was immensely talented. He wasn't in Elvis's league as a sociological force of nature but he definitely had a tremendous impact on music, more than most. Makes me think that if Elvis had died in this day and age, it would have been like this. Geez, the man died 32 years ago and he is STILL in the news regularly. RIP, Michael...I think you knew.

June 27 2009 at 2:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve

Oh get over it yeah it was sick that Michael Jackson did what he did to those kids but guess what its between God and him now.. who are we to say anything about it when God is in the middle of doing his judgement on him probably right now as we speak. I will miss the normal Michael Jackson when he was a kid singing ABC and I want you back which was before my time, then the almost normal Michael Jackson when he was moonwalking and singing Beat It,Billy Jean, Thriller, Smooth Criminal..

June 26 2009 at 5:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bgattis8

Well Ilove micheal and I don't give a damn how anybody feels about it.Micheal was found not guilty,by law now the only other person he has to prove himself to is the man up above,not yall assholes!!!!!!

June 26 2009 at 3:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ed Baggett

Why did he mortgage his future to live so lavishly ?
It's as if he didn't give a damn about anything except his own selfishness. Very foolish & childish
freakoid.............

June 26 2009 at 12:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
annacannon5

R.I.P. michael. say hi to elvis for me

June 26 2009 at 11:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
hoenge2

I remember Michael Jackson from way back , he was the greatest Pop star and Entertainer.
I have all his Music and will always listen to it.

R.I.P Micheal Jackson , you will never be forgotten

June 26 2009 at 7:46 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
blutuxchic

Michael Jackson was a very talented singer and entertainer...and the man could dance. He was my generation's Elvis and despite all that he was accused of (never proven) that is how I choose to remember him. Thank you Michael, for years of great music that you gave to the world. You will be missed. May you finally find the peace and happiness that you so desperately needed in this crazy world.

June 26 2009 at 7:06 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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