Michael Jackson would’ve turned 57 on Saturday, and celebrities like Lenny Kravitz and Chris Brown are marking the day by sharing tributes to the late King of Pop.
Jackson died in 2009, just two months shy of his 51st birthday. In the six years since, his fellow stars have kept the legend’s memory alive through interviews, musical performances, and social media. On Saturday afternoon, Kravitz posted the photo seen at right, which was taken at one of the Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Celebration shows back in 2001.
“Happy birthday Michael. I’m here ’cause you were here first,” tweeted Kravitz. “Love and respect always #happybirthdaymj.” Diddy also chose to share a throwback photo from one of the times he hung out with Jackson, writing, “Happy birthday King!”
He also asked fans, “What’s your favorite #MichaelJackson record?” The question led dozens of commenters to weigh in on both Instagram and Twitter. MC Hammer was another star who posted an old photo with Jackson, writing, “Happy Birthday MJ !!! The Greatest Entertainer Of All Time. #HappyBirthdayMichaelJackson #OffTheWall #Thriller.”
Brown tweeted, “RIP MJ!!! LOVE YOU AND WE ALL MISS YOU!!!!” And rising star Shawn Mendes wrote, “Happy birthday to the best..Michael Jackson.” Meanwhile, the Recording Academy created a photo tribute of Jackson’s Grammy moments, while Arsenio Hall shared a MTV article that looked back at Jackson’s greatest VMAs appearances.
As for the Jackson family, LaToya tweeted, “You Will Always Be Loved! Missed But Never Forgotten! Happy Birthday Michael!” She shared a photo hours later, writing, “Your Presence Elevated Everyone! Your Music Brought Us Joy! Your Gift Will Be With Us Always! #MichaelJackson.”
Jermaine Jackson simply tweeted, “Hold close the memories.” Tito Jackson posted a childhood photo on Facebook with the caption, “Happy birthday MJ.” And The Jacksons Facebook page also shared a photo of young MJ, saying, “Forever in our hearts…Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009).”
Many non-celebrities are recognizing the music icon’s birthday, too, as “#MichaelJackson” has been trending both worldwide and in the United States all day. Share your own Jackson tribute in the comments below.