Remembering Michael

By USHER

UPDATED 07/13/2009 at 01:00 AM EDT • Originally published 07/13/2009 at 01:00 AM EDT

"It goes without saying, the world has lost a true musical icon. A man who set the bar for artists to focus on a cause bigger than themselves. I'll miss the magic that is Michael.... The pinnacle of my career was performing with him on Sept. 10, 2001 in New York City for his 30th anniversary. On the eve of our performance, I remember him saying to me, 'None of this is about making a moment, but about making history.' His magic was striving to be the best. History will remember his body of work, which encompasses more than just music. And I will do my best to follow in his footsteps."