News 12 at 11 o'clock, June 25, 2009

AUGUSTA---Many have compared the importance of Michael Jackson's death to the passing of John Lennon and Elvis. Some are even quoting the movie Jubilee: "As long as the music's loud enough, we won't hear the world falling apart."

Everyone has a Michael Jackson memory. News 12 caught up with two local men who actually met him.

When Clear Channel program director Minnesota Fattz hears Michael Jackson's music, he normally thinks of the time he met the artist. Now, listening to that music only brings sadness.

"Just the loss of Michael will definitely make an impact on music individually, and what he meant to the world and all of us, but you know his music will live with us forever," Fattz said.

Jackson's love of music brought him to Augusta in 2006. The King of Pop spoke at the funeral of one of his own icons, the Godfather of Soul. That's where local Rev. Larry Fryer met him.

"Being inspired by him really caused me to feel a lot of hurt," Rev. Fryer said. "I was disappointed about what happened, but I'm praying the family will be all right."

Though Jackson got attention for much more than music throughout his lifetime, for these two men, that's what they'll remember him for.

"He will be known as a musical icon to all of us," Fattz said. "We will miss Michael Jackson."

And of course, his music will live on. In fact, all weekend, local radio stations Power 107 and 96.3 KISS FM will be playing nothing but Michael Jackson.

News 12 also spoke to James Brown's daughter Deanna, who was emotional and heartbroken over the news of Jackson's death.