Luther Jackson: 'I'm Trying to Be Strong'

TEMPE - Michael's uncle Luther Jackson performed Friday night in the Valley, holding a midnight candlelight memorial for the pop star.

The longtime blues vocalist talked to FOX 10 about the death of his famous nephew after the show, saying, "I'm trying to be strong, which I got to be strong, I'm not going to give up because we got to keep pushing in this world."

Despite his grief, the elder Jackson didn't cancel his Friday night concert with the Loose Cannons Blues Band. He says the show had to go on, to deliver what people came for.

"All musicians feel the same way; want to do the best you can. Give 'em the best show they can get."

And he feels his nephew, who always gave his best, would approve. "Michael was a musician, that's his job too, he'd want the whole world to feel good."

The elder Jackson gave his band's audience a chance to remember Michael with a midnight candlelight memorial and a moment of silence. And he shared some of his memories.

"Michael done did his job, now it's up to somebody else to come and do. Maybe you'll find another Michael and maybe not. I don't know. Ain't going to be but one Michael in this world to me," he says, touching his chest.

Luther Jackson says he believes music helps bring peace to the world, and he's looking forward to seeing what the next generation of musicians will do.