I heard the news today, oh boy...

At 7.30am (AEST), Michael Jackson was pronounced dead by the Los Angeles coroner, after what appears to have been complications following a cardiac arrest.

It is hard to describe the loss that the music world feels on this historic day. Very few artists have revolutionised music in the way that Michael did, and his influence has permeated through every facet of music since his humble beginnings with the Jackson 5 during the glory days of Motown.

Having sold over 50 million records in the 1980's alone, MJ was not only one of the most prolific artists of all time but one of the most idolised. He transcended what it was to be a musician and broadened the boundaries of stardom, his progressive dancing setting a new standard in music videos and his music was, and in many minds will always be, the epitome of pop music. And while the debate between whether Off the Wall is a better album than Thriller will continue for generations to come, his claim in creating two of the most perfect records is only part of his legacy.

A generation of musicians, whether fronting a hardcore band, trying to make it as an MC or learning acoustic guitar are indebted to Michael as he created a love of music for so many people. In sharing with them the gift of his music he influenced and inspired people across the world, a seed the world is now reaping a generation later, as we now enjoy a generation of musicians who cite Michael Jackson as a primary reason for their success.

If there is any justice in this world, the crass, debasing accusations against him that have lowered his public status in the past decade will be forgotten, as will the pointless and inconsequential controversy over his skin colour and his merits as a father. Michael will be remembered by those who loved him as the biggest superstar of the 20th century, the moonwalking, invincible man who gave us some of most beautiful music ever created.

Personally, Michael was with me throughout the first ten years of my life. Growing up with older siblings i fauned over their copies of Bad and Dangerous, I remember my sister making me watch the Thriller video on 'Rage' on a Saturday morning. I was mesmerised. His ability to move was unlike anything i'd ever seen before and it was a truly significant moment in my musical awakening. When i was 14 i bought a second-hand copy of Off the Wall and subsequently used Rock With You on every mix-tape i made for a girl in the next four years. I believe his music was so universally loved simply because it was life-affirming, and he injected his positive, utterly optimistic view of the world into every one of his songs.

I realise my own imposition that it is impossible to give worthy credit to such a man through this medium, his effect on the history of music is mammoth and cannot adequately be expressed in brevity. It is clear however that today the world lost a beautiful man and a musician who has few rivals. Like Lennon, Elvis and Cobain before him, he was taken from this world unexpectedly and prematurely, but his legacy will live as long as his music does.

Rest in Peace,
The King of Pop
1958 - 2009