King of Pop: MJ's Influence on the Next Generation

One year later, it's still hard to believe that Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer of all time, has passed. Just a few weeks shy of his 51st birthday, Michael's passing left us all saddened and shocked, because he was in fact -- gone too soon. His life and music touched numerous people from all walks of life, including those who also make a home in the music business. ESSENCE.COM spoke to a few of today's top R&B artists -- Alicia Keys, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo, Usher, etc. -- inspired by the King of Pop. These crooners, all younger than Michael, discuss their favorite MJ moments, and lessons they learned from both his life and his death. Michael will always be your favorite singer's favorite singer, check out what they had to say... Here's what you had to say: Rachelle commented via Facebook: "MJ was a big influence on Usher, and even Chris Brown." April wrote via Facebook: "Looking at R&B artists today, the ones who were most influenced would be Usher and Chris Brown. They try their darndest to be as good as Micheal was, and I must say, they have done great for our generation."