Carmen Keigans of the band I NINE grew up idolizing Michael Jackson just like many musicians.

Growing up, she used to wear a white glove 'a la Jackson and sing along to hits like "Thriller."

Thursday afternoon, someone told Keigans the "King of Pop" had passed away. She didn't believe it at first.

"I was definitely shocked by his passing," she said.

Keigans likened the sudden nature of Jackson's death to the demise of another music legend, Elvis Presley.

"He's been the iconic figure. He basically made videos what they are," Keigans said of Jackson.

Keigans' band mate, guitarist Brian Whitman, is in Los Angeles this week. Whitman said the mood in Jackson's hometown is resoundingly somber.

"Everybody is playing Michael Jackson on the radio," Whitman said.

Whitman compared the immense reaction to Jackson's death to that of the Beatles' John Lennon. He believes Jackson's legacy and music will stand up to the test of time.

"He's definitely not someone the public ... will forget about," he said.

The artistry of Jackson showed him what could be realized in music, Whitman said.

While traveling on the tour bus, Keigans said her band would often "jam out" to Jackson.

"Forever, he will always be the 'King of Pop.' He will never be replaced. There will never be another 'King of Pop' other than him," she said.

Whitman added, "He's somebody that no matter who you are, you recognize the importance and the impact he had on society."

Local historian and musician Richard Reid said the passing of Jackson leaves a gigantic void in the entertainment industry.

"He meant so much to so many people around the world," Reid said.

Reid pointed out that Jackson attracted fans both young and old with his music.

Friday morning, Reid and his wife were talking about the catchy Jackson Five song "ABC."

He said Jackson leaves behind an enormous legacy despite his shortcomings.

"It's sad his death came so early," Reid said.

"It's a real shock to me," said Harry Palmer, a drummer and singer for the Vibrations band.

He said he will always remember his favorite Jackson song, "Billie Jean."

Jackson sung that Billie Jean was "just a girl." However, Palmer says Jackson was far from being just another performer.

"Everybody can relate to his music," he said.

Palmer came up in the era of the late "Godfather of Soul," James Brown. He said Jackson was largely influenced by Brown but crafted his own unique style.

Michael Jackson's ascension to the top of the charts was due to his consummate professionalism and dedication, Palmer said.

"He was a perfectionist. He wanted everything to be right.

"We're going to miss him a lot."

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T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060. Discuss this and other stories at TheTandD.com.

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