Beyonce Writes To Michael Jackson On The Third Anniversary Of His Death

X. Alexander | June 26, 2012 11:56 am

It’s now been three years since the world lost one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived, but even in the wake of other tragic losses since — including Whitney Houston and Amy WinehouseMichael Jackson‘s legacy continues to be unique. On the third anniversary of the music world’s loss, Beyonce took time to pen a note to the late legend, citing his influence on her as a performer: “Michael taught me that sometimes you have to forget technique, forget what you have on. If you feel silly, you have to go from the gut just let it go.” Read Bey’s message in full below.

“When I was just starting out, my first producer used to make me listen to Michael Jackson’s live performance of ‘Who’s Loving You.’ He would have me watch that for hours back to back to back.

What he wanted me to learn was his soul. You could hear his soul. And he was this little kid who hadn’t experienced love but he was a vessel. For whatever reason he could evoke more emotion than an adult. It was so raw and so pure. It was these little things that he did that were just swag. It’s something that’s God given.

Michael taught me that sometimes you have to forget technique, forget what you have on. If you feel silly, you have to go from the gut just let it go. Michael Jackson changed me, and helped me to become the artist I am – thank you Michael.

Love always, B.”

The message was posted on Beyonce’s website.