McCartney, Maddona, Britney: Stars mourne Michael Jackson

Stars from the world of show business and politics together paid homage to the star, which revolutionized pop music with albums such as Thriller, but whose later years were tainted by allegations of child abuse.

Sir Paul McCartney who dueted with Jackson in the early 1980s in Say Say Say, said: "It is so sad and shocking. I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented young man with a gentle soul. His music will last forever in my memory and memories of our time together will be happy. "

Madonna said: "I cannot stop crying over the sad news. I've always admired Michael Jackson - the world has lost one of its great, but his music will live forever.

My heart goes to his three children and other members of his family. God bless you."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute to Jackson, saying: "It's very sad news for the millions of Michael Jackson fans in Britain and around the world."

Britney Spears said: "I was so excited to see his show in London. We were on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly to see him in person. He was an inspiration throughout my whole life and I am devastated he's gone! "

Rev. Al Sharpton, stated: "Many ridiculed him. It is amazing to see how many people are now praising him, not even close to him in recent years, that he despised. In our last conversation a few months ago, when I teased him I would go to England to see him run again, he talked about how many people would see him. I told him he never lost his fans."

Quincy Jones, music producer with Jackson on Thriller, said: "I am completely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news."

Paying tribute to the singer's "talent, grace, professionalism and commitment", he added: "Today I lost my little brother, and a part of my soul went with him."