Metro Detroiters were rocked today by news of Michael Jackson’s death. Here’s what area music industry leaders, disc jockeys and fans had to say:

“He was the ultimate entertainer. He was what everybody, including Bobby Brown, wanted to be. There were well-seasoned, trained operatic singers who couldn’t do what Michael Jackson could do at 11, 12, and 13. He had an ability as a child to sing and touch everybody. … He will be missed by people around the world.”
—John Mason, disc jockey, WGPR (107.5 FM)

“There is now a huge hole in the universe in terms of creativity, talent and showmanship in performance. He’s a once-in-a-generation rare talent. Love him or hate him you can’t deny his talent.”
—Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp, former entertainment lawyer
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“When M.J. was at Epic he was the No. 1 priority. What I remember is that you had to give 180% because Michael gave 180%. There was a professionalism that you had to bring to the table. … “He really changed the music game as a young adult, in terms of owning masters, making sure you had control of your catalog and if others had a significant catalog, like the Beatles, you bought that too.”
—Brian Stevenson, vice president of Fathead publicity company and worked for Epic Records when Jackson began his solo career
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“He always talked about the right time he was going to make a major comeback and feel he’d get the respect he was entitled to in America.”
—Don Barden, the Detroit business mogul who paired up with Jackson as a business partner in a failed 1998 attempt to win a Detroit casino license

“There are a lot of younger people who may be only familiar with the downside, the tabloids, but his influence was unbelievable. There was a lot of great music.”
—Spike, disc jockey, WKQI (95.5-FM)
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“The happiest period of his life seemed to be the lost childhood he spent most of his adulthood trying to recreate. The mind, body and soul appeared to be battling for simple peace. It’s an apparent a war was going on inside. In his war, Michael Jackson is not the only casualty. The whole world mourns and is suffering the loss of the gift of Michael Jackson.”
—The Rev. Oscar King, president of the Council of Baptist Pastors in Detroit and Vicinity, who grew up watching and listening to Jackson

“I’ve interviewed Madonna, Eminem, Kid Rock and other big stars — but Michael Jackson was larger than life. He was the ultimate showman — you totally got your money worth when you saw one of his concerts."
—Mojo, disc jockey, WKQI (95.5-FM)

“Michael Jackson was a musical genius — he was ahead of his time. His influence is so wide-ranging, when you see people like Usher perform, that’s from Michael Jackson. I’m at the hotel bar, people keep coming through and looking at the television in disbelief. Whether they’re white, black — everyone — they’re all upset about this. It’s a very emotional time.”
—Bushman, disc jockey, WJLB (97.9-FM)

“I’m not even remotely close to being a Michael Jackson fan, … but I am also completely stunned right now. How can he be dead? It’s just not possible. … I cannot believe he’s gone. I’m shocked.”
—Jeff Deminski, disc jockey, WCSX (94.7-FM)