Devastating is the word used by local entertainers and broadcasters to describe news of Michael Jackson's death on Thursday.

Chattanooga native Usher Raymond IV said Friday on "Good Morning America" that Mr. Jackson's loss was "devastating for the music world."

Radio personalities Keith Landecker of WJTT-FM 94.3 and Tommy Jett with WLND-FM 107.5 echoed those sentiments.

"It's a devastating thing that happened," Mr. Jett said.

Mr. Landecker added, "It was devastating for people when Elvis died, and that is what you are getting now."

A native of Detroit, Mr. Landecker said he, like a lot of blacks who grew up in the 1970s, saw Mr. Jackson as a hero and role model.

"As a young kid growing up, I was proud of him," he said. "He looked like me. His family looked like mine, and he was doing it. Our family identified with him. That's what he meant to the African-American community."

Mr. Landecker said Mr. Jackson's solo career made him a star.

"It didn't matter if you were in Malaysia or Africa or China, you knew all the words," he said. "When he released a record, it was an event. You had all this buildup and anticipation and special events surrounding it."

Mr. Landecker said Power 94 opened up the phone lines this week to allow "the fans who stood by (Mr. Jackson) -- the ones who bought the records and followed him when he was in trouble -- to vent and share." On Friday, the station featured special concert and award-show moments and kept the phone lines open.

"He had his quirks and his controversies, but I just hope fans continue to listen to the music because the boy was really, really good," Mr. Landecker said. "It was about the music, and nobody has done it better."

WJTT on-air host Eric Foster said fans were calling in to talk about their favorite Jackson songs. Mr. Foster said he also was reflecting back on Jackson memories. He said his friends bought their blue jeans too short so they could wear beaded socks like the King of Pop.

"I was like 12 when 'Thriller' came out. At the parties, you didn't want to dance with girls because if they got too close, you would kick 'em," he said. "Thinking about it reminds me of the good times and the freedom we felt."

Mr. Jett said Mr. Jackson is often remembered for his flamboyant stage presence, but he said the star had the total package as an entertainer.

"I was a big fan because of the uniqueness of his talent onstage and his flamboyance -- the white glove and the moonwalk, but he was really a great singer," Mr. Jett said. "I think one of my favorites is 'Billie Jean.' "