In the hours and minutes following the news of Michael Jackson [ tickets ]'s untimely death yesterday (6/25), messages began to pour out from the ranks of Jackson's fellow musicians, crossing all genre lines to express regret and sympathy.

"For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."--Quincy Jones, who produced "Thriller."

"It's so sad and shocking. I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever."--Paul McCartney, who collaborated with Jackson on a pair of duets in the '80s.

"I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I'm devastated he's gone!"--Britney Spears

"I am so grateful to have worked with the King. He was a gift to the world. He is a bright light and I wouldn't be surprised if the world stopped spinning tomorrow."--Will.I.Am, who was working with Jackson on his comeback album.

"Michael was and will remain one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. He was exceptional, artistic and original. He gave the world his heart and soul through his music."--Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Jackson's first label boss.

"I can't find the words right now to express how deeply saddened I am by Michael's passing. We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones."--Justin Timberlake

"I can't stop crying over the sad news. ... I have always admired Michael Jackson. ... The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! ... My heart goes out to his 3 children and other members of his family. ... God bless."--Madonna

"I am completely shocked and saddened by Michael's death. My heart goes out to his children and his family."--Lisa Marie Presley, Jackson's first wife.

"May God cover you Michael. We all lift your name up in prayer. I pray for the entire JACKSON family particularly Michael's mother, children and all his fans that loved him so much."--Usher

"I am really shocked, as I am sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on 'Beat It' back in '83, one of my fondest memories in my career. Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace."--Eddie Van Halen

"This is such a tragic loss and a terrible day. The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the king of pop! Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about how many moments in life that take your breath away. For anyone who has ever seen, felt, or heard his art, we are all honored to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson. I love you Michael."--Beyonce

"It's one of the greatest losses. In pop history, there's a triumvirate of pop icons: Sinatra, Elvis and Michael, that define the whole culture. His music bridged races and ages and absolutely defined the video age. Nothing that came before him or that has come after him will ever be as big as he was."-- Tommy Mottola, former president of Sony Music

"His was a rare talent that we witness once in a lifetime. One who makes such an indelible mark that for generations singers and dancers attribute him as inspiration. I had the great privilege of watching him every night doing what he did best--entertain. I am grateful to have known him for the 2 years I worked for him and will mourn his loss with his many millions of fans across the world."--Sheryl Crow

"Words can't begin to describe my sadness for the loss of Michael Jackson. I was honored and humbled to have the opportunity to perform with him several times and he had a profound influence on my career. Michael forever changed the world of music and entertainment and I will always remember him for his kind and sweet spirit."--JC Chasez

Musicians also joined the millions of online users who flocked to social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook to add their regrets. The following is a sampling of notable messages posted to Twitter since Jackson's passing.

"Such a sad day in Hollywood. You'll always be in my heart."--Kelly Clarkson

"I will be mourning my friend, brother, mentor and inspiration. He gave me and my family hope. I would never have been me without him."--MC Hammer

"Oh my God."--Katy Perry

"I truly hope he is memorialized as the '83 moonwalking, MTV owning, mesmerizing, unstoppable, invincible Michael Jackson."--John Mayer

"Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!"--P. Diddy

Additional coverage
Obituary: Michael Jackson dead at 50
Michael Jackson: A Remembrance