Michael Jackson Fans Gather at Motown Museum

[via LATimes] The music of Michael Jackson blared from car stereos tonight on Grand Boulevard in Detroit as a gathering formed in front of the Motown Historical Museum to commemorate the superstar.

Dozens of people were laughing, dancing and singing along to Jackson songs at the birthplace of Motown Records just a few hours after the Los Angeles Times confirmed that Jackson had died suddenly at age 50 after collapsing at his Los Angeles home. Instead of tears, the music icon inspired celebration among this crowd in Detroit, where the pop idol recorded his early hit records with the Jackson 5.

“As tragic as it is, it’s nice to see all these people out here mourning the loss,” said Zack Herman, who drove half an hour from his suburban home outside of Detroit. “He defined what it was to be a true musician.”

The museum closed at 6 p.m. today, but shortly after, many locals convened on the front lawn to pay tribute. Some laid flowers on the steps; others said they planned to light candles in Jackson’s memory.

“That just shows you the power of Michael Jackson,” said Richard Wilks, who lives nearby.

Motown Records celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and Jackson was one of its biggest stars.

“He means everything to the city of Detroit,” said Michael Dates, an area resident who drove to the museum shortly after hearing the news. “This was the springboard for him to become big.”

You could certainly feel the love in Detroit as folks couldn’t help but smile when reminiscing about childhood memories of listening to Jackson records.