For me it is his appreciation for great harmonies, melodies and his synthesis of it all through his performances.
There are some great videos from Michael Jackson's perspective of his work and his legacy on youtube! Please explore.
If you read his book, Moonwalker, Michael Jackson says some of the same things in there which is in the below but it's great to hear Michael Jackson say who had inspired him.
I love that he was a HUGE fan of the classical composer Claude Debussy.
Though I haven't seen it, I've been told that the film, Twilight features Claude Debussy's song, "Claire de Lune."
From Michael Jackson's perspective:
Michael Jackson interview with Brett Ratner - Part 1
Michael Jackson interview with Brett Ratner - Part 2
Michael Jackson
Claude Debussy
Some of Michael Jackson's other favorites:
Motown Sound from the 1960s
The Beatles
Burt Bacharach
Burt Bacharach's Alfie
The Supremes
Peter, Paul & Mary
The Mamas And Papas
The Drifters



