Locals react to Michael Jackson's death

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GENEVA – Jackie Hunckler, 20, has listened to the music of Michael Jackson all her life.

"He kind of influenced me in my musical taste," said the West Chicago resident. "I don't think you could match his style back when he was popular."

Hunckler was one of several customers at Kiss The Sky record store in Geneva who reacted in shock Thursday night to the news that Jackson had died.

"It was really surprising," Hunckler said. "I didn't think there was anything wrong with him."

Her favorite Jackson song is "Billie Jean," followed by "Rock With You" and "Thriller."

Clayton Brundige, 15, of Elburn, heard the news on the radio before arriving at Kiss The Sky.

"It was a big shock," Brundige said. "It came out of nowhere."

Jonathan Brandt, 15, of Sugar Grove, called Jackson "a legend."

"A lot of people loved him," Brandt said. "Thirty years from now, I'll remember him more than U2 or Coldplay."

As a disc jockey, Justin Pauly, 27, of Maple Park, plays Jackson's music on a regular basis.

"People like to dance to it," Pauly said. "It gets the crowd moving. I probably own every album of his."

Despite the scandals that surrounded him, Hunckler said Jackson leaves behind a strong music legacy.

"I hope people will remember him in a more positive light," she said. "His music is what matters most, I guess."

And she said no one will ever top the "King of Pop."

"I don't think anyone could ever reach the scale he had," Hunckler said.