Few have had a bigger influence on today's musical artists than Michael Jackson.

Younger singers, from Justin Timberlake to Usher and Chris Brown, have emulated his dance moves, his look and his sound. He was, for many, the ultimate performer. "[His influence] feels like something that is instilled and embedded in anyone who wanted to create anything musically," said Marsha Ambrosius. For many of the younger generation, he was the first to not just cross over but explode onto the pop charts from the R & B scene. His phenomenal talent and worldwide appeal made his throne one to be aspired to even as they stood in awe of him.