Just like most of the country I sat and watched the Michael Jackson memorial service yesterday .  It wasn’t my intention to watch it but found myself in awe of the people, performances and stories being told about our “King of Pop”.  It was a beautiful memorial and a very classy way to put him to rest. 

Here are a few comments and stories that CMT.com posted from country artists remembering Michael Jackson:

“I am stunned. I remember meeting Michael and walking away thinking that he is one of the most unique artists of all time. I have always felt tenderness for him because of what he has had to endure. … We have lost another legend. It hits close to home. He is my generation.” — Wynonna

“No matter what kind of music you’re into, if you grew up in the ’80s, and especially if you had an older sister, you couldn’t help but be influenced and awed by Michael Jackson’s music and talent.” — Dierks Bentley

“I loved him since I was a kid. We all sang Thriller, the album itself, ‘Man in the Mirror.’ I can go on and on about the songs that he wrote and produced or whatever. But I do know that I could only wish to be as great musically as that guy.” — Billy Currington

“Thriller was the first album I ever bought with my own money. Michael Jackson was truly a pioneer.” — Joe Nichols

“My parents had Elvis. … I had Michael Jackson.” — Luke Bryan

“I am a huge Michael Jackson fan. I was just listening to his music two days ago as I was running in the park. I grew up listening to him and, in fact, I used to moonwalk down the hallway in school when I was in the sixth grade. My favorite song of his is ‘Billie Jean.’ I just can’t believe it. We have now experienced a day like my mom explained to me the world experienced when Elvis died.” — Jimmy Wayne

“He was larger than life. He’s an artist that has had an impact on every other artist, consciously or subconsciously. Musically, he helped to change the world, and his records will live on forever.” — Miranda Lambert

“I will remember Michael Jackson as the kid that overcame … as the mesmerizing, moonwalking worldwide artist. He was forced to fill shoes that must have been crippling to walk in, but yet he found a reason and a way to dance in them like no one on earth.” — Rodney Atkins

“I was in Kansas City, getting ready for a show, and I went to take a shower hearing that Michael Jackson was rushed to the hospital. When I got out of the shower, he was pronounced dead. … The first thing I started to think of was when I tried to moonwalk in my kitchen as a kid. We lost an amazing talent that touched so many lives. He will be missed.” — Chuck Wicks

“Michael was a once-in-a-lifetime artist that not only influenced us, but changed the whole landscape of popular music. We were shocked to hear the news of his passing, and will always remember his creative genius and far-reaching impact on all music genres and the world. He was such an inspiration to us, and his special soul will be greatly missed.” — Little Big Town

Thanks to Meg for sending us the info!

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