By ANDREW RAMOS wpix.com

11:36 a.m. EDT, June 26, 2009
HARLEM, N.Y. (WPIX)—
When news broke Thursday of the shocking and untimely death of pop icon Michael Jackson, fans from across the globe took a moment to celebrate the life of the man many say changed the face of music.

In Harlem, thousands flocked to the historic Apollo Theater, where Michael made his national debut as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 in 1967. At only nine-years-old, Jackson and his brothers went on to win first place in the theater's famous amateur night, catapulting the group into super stardom.

With the marquee reading, "In Memory of Michael Jackson, A True Apollo Legend," mourners gathered at the theater to sing and dance along to the songs that made Jackson an icon.

"You gotta give tribute to Michael, he's the best," one mourner told PIX News. "There will never be anyone like Michael Jackson."

The crowd continued to grow Friday morning, as fans gathered to reminisce on the King of Pop.

Geraldine Chavis traveled nearly three hours by public transportation from Stamford, Connecticut to be among emotional fans who she said are like family.

"I can't even look back at my life and find a time where his music did not play some part," Chavis told PIX News. "We're all here because we feel the same way about a man who did so much for music, and for the world."

President and CEO of the Apollo Theater Foundation Jonelle Procope released a statement Thursday, reflecting on Jackson.

"The entire Apollo family is saddened to learn of Michael Jackson's untimely passing," Jonell Procope. "We will always remember Michael in our hearts as a true Apollo legend, known for his professionalism and grace. Our sympathy goes out to his entire family. He will be deeply missed."