Jackson Fans Unite to Celebrate the King of Pop

Michael Jackson fans celebrated the King of Pop’s life Thursday night as they gathered in several spots around the country after the shocking news of his death.

In Los Angeles, hundreds of fans huddled outside the UCLA Medical Center, where Jackson was rushed that afternoon, to pay homage and wait for any news. Fraternity brothers at UCLA’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon house, across the street from the hospital, opened their doors and windows and blasted some of Jackson’s most famous tunes (and there are many).

“We know that a lot of people out here care about him," SAE member, Edwin Alvarado told Entertainment Weekly. "So we thought we might as well play music for them, and as a way to commemorate him.”

On Hollywood Boulevard, about 75 fans could not access Jackson's star on the Walk of Fame – it was covered by scaffolding for the "Bruno" premiere -- so they improvised. They found another Michael Jackson star, one belonging to a radio personality of the same name, and adorned it with purple flowers and candles while singing "We Are The World," according to the Los Angeles Times.

On the opposite coast, Jackson fans flocked to the Apollo Theater in Harlem. A pint-sized Jackson got his start at the famed venue at age 9 as the lead singer of The Jackson Five and the marquee was quickly changed yesterday to read: "In Memory of Michael Jackson, A True Apollo Legend." Fans belted out his songs, wore a single white glove in homage, and reflected on the pop icon, focusing more on his positive contributions than his sometimes strange later life.

"He taught people to respect each other and he united the world," Amber Green told MTV News. "I've had the Michael Jackson doll since I was 5 years old, so I'll be putting that up in my room today."

Fan Benton Fredrick summed up the mood of the crowd at the Apollo, as well as the other masses gathered around the country. "It's shocking. I was inspired by him, and I think I'm still in shock. There will never be another Michael Jackson -- not even close."