Michael Jackson fans gathered in impromptu vigils across North Texas to remember and reflect on one of the most remarkable careers in music.
In south Dallas hundreds of fans held up vintage concert T-shirts and hand crafted signs as they shared their favorite memories of the "King of Pop," and swayed to his music.
"I feel like part of my heart is gone," said Patty Lee, a Dallas resident. "I was in love with him ever since I was little. I did the moonwalk, I did it all."
Shock and disbelief could also be seen outside Cowboys Stadium where news of the superstar's unexpected death quickly changed the tune at the American Idol auditions in Arlington.
"He's an idol to everybody," said Joshua Hernandez, a Grand Prairie fan. "He's the King of Pop. --If it weren't for him a lot of us wouldn't be here."
Justin Davis, another aspiring singer, recalled how the pop icon was so much a part of his life growing up.
"Sunday was church, cook, clean and listening to Michael Jackson," the Dallas resident said.
North Texas R&B Station 94.5 KSoul joined many others playing Jackson's music nonstop and letting listeners share their sentiments.
"I feel like we have lost a legend," one caller said. "The whole world should be sad."
In 1984, 40,000 fans packed Texas Stadium for a sold-out concert where Jackson joined his brothers for their Victory Tour. A massive crowd gathered again in 1988 when Jackson returned for another concert stop in Dallas.
The pop icon died Thursday at the age of 50, apparently after collapsing from cardiac arrest at his rented Los Angeles home. He had been preparing for an upcoming concert tour which was touted as his final comeback.
Jackson was pronounced dead at 2:25 p.m. at UCLA Medical Center after doctors and medical workers tried for at least an hour to resuscitate him.
His body was flown by helicopter to the coroner's office where an autopsy will reveal the cause his death. Police are also investigating, which they said is standard procedure in high-profile cases.
