I was sitting at my desk getting ready for my sports segment when I heard someone in the hallway mention to another co-worker, "Michael Jackson is dead."

I couldn't believe it. I checked all the news websites from CNN to TMZ in search for the truth. It was shocking news to me to find out that indeed he had passed away. His life was filled with controversy, but his legacy will undoubtedly live forever.

I felt sorry for Michael for some of the poor choices he made in his personal life, but I will remember him best for what he did on the stage. I have always been a Michael Jackson fan for as long as I can remember. In the summer of 1991 I had two things on my birthday wish list. I wanted my first boom-box stereo with CD player for my bedroom, and I wanted Michael's new album "Dangerous." I got them both. It was also the first CD I ever owned.

Black Or White, Remember The Time, Heal The World, Who Is It, Keep The Faith, In The Closet, Dangerous... some people say his last great album was "Bad," but "Dangerous" was filled with great singles as well. Of course there was also the "History" album as well that was a compilation of new hit singles and some of Michael's greatest hits.

And then there were the dance moves. Jackson was so innovative and well ahead of his time with what he was able to do on the floor. So many of today's entertainers were strongly influenced by Jackson's style such as Justin Timberlake, Usher and Beyonce just to name a few. If you don't like Michael Jackson's music or don't like listening to him sing but you like hip-hop dance, then you have to go out and buy or rent the "History" DVD and watch some of the greatest music videos of all-time. The DVD includes Thriller, Smooth Criminal, Billie Jean, and his epic performance at the 1995 MTV Music Awards. Turn down the volume if you don't like his tunes and just watch him move. He was incredible!

There are so many great albums (most of which I own), so many great videos, and so many monumental things he did as a pop music entertainer that you can't doubt his influence in the world was widely felt and noticed from an entertainment standpoint. Whether you like him or not, whether you disapprove of his lifestyle and personal choices, whether you have ever heard him sing or watched him perform he still deserves the recognition and the title "King Of Pop." That's what he was and that is what he always will be.

Rest in peace Michael Jackson.

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