I shall always cherish his first words to me 35 years ago - "Jonathan King - I've always wanted to meet you".

One of the giants of our world and one of the most monumental tragedies.

A lesson to us. The boy who said "I love you" to the universe didn't know what love was.

L.A. Times confirming this sad news.....One of the greatest entertainers to ever live. As I've said on this forum many times... his electrifying performances on The Flip Wilson Show as a ten year old, were for myself, and many in my generation our Beatles on Ed Sullivan.

I'm really at a loss for words.

The single greatest live performance I ever saw was Billie Jean for the first time at the Motown anniversary show in LA.

The entire music industry was open mouthed in amazement at the level of talent in front of us.

I spent 20 minutes talking to him at the party afterwards trying to tug him back down to earth.

Interesting list, to which I would add two names: Edith Piaf and Maria Callas. The latter, in particular, was another gob-smacking talent with a very troubled life (although nothing illegal was involved). She died heartbroken most likely from medication, with the possible involvement of a close aide. her ashes were buried in Pere Lachaise in Paris, but the madness that surrounded her followed her to the grave when the ashes were subsequently stolen. After they were recovered, they were eventually scattered off a Greek island.

Norma: www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/mar...rma-casta-diva_music