We were woken up this morning (literally, on the radio alarm) to the announcement that Michael Jackson, legendary pop icon, had died.  This is truely a sad day for music.  Despite a turbulent past few years, Jackson is credited with a fine list of musical history, which includes the biggest selling album of all time, Thriller.

I expect that many people have appeciated his music over the years, and many still will, long after today. 

So RIP Michael Jackon.

Countdown presenter and long-term face of channel 4 Richard Whiteley has died at the age of 61 [news.bbc.co.uk]. He was recovering slowly after being hit by pneumonia in May, but died today.

He had presented Countdown on Channel 4 since 1982, with Carol Vorderman the maths guru. Quite a well known figure who will be missed, I would say. RIP.

Distinctive Soul singer Barry White has died in hospital in Los Angeles [news.bbc.co.uk]. He was 56 and had been ill for a while. He leaves behind a list of great songs.