First, they talk about “Big Boy,” the Jackson 5’s first single.

Then they go into the latter days of Motown. They inevitably mention “Thriller,” and perhaps “Bad.”

And they end on a note that is full of warm nostalgia, cool regret and hope.

The Indianapolis Star contacted a handful of personalities with local ties and connections to the music business and asked them to share what Michael Jackson meant for music and popular culture — and how he managed to exert such influence over so many for so long.

Following are edited excerpts of their reflections.

Thomas “Sparklesoxx” Griffin, 55, local DJ for 35 years (including stints at WTLC, HOT 96 and WZPL), president of the Indianapolis chapter of Indiana Black Expo.

The Jackson 5 got to be a big hit in the 1960s, when America was awakening to the fact that racial harmony really could work. White America was able to embrace him because he was a little kid, because he didn’t scare anybody. It was easy for mainstream America to fall in love with a little kid with a big voice. I was a little concerned when he tried to do the solo thing, but it’s amazing because once it happened, it took off. A lot of people were disgruntled when the Jackson 5 made the move from Motown, too, but even that went well. It feels like up until maybe the last 10 years, every move he made was a smart one.

Once you’ve created and reached that crescendo, you have to find things that are maybe contrary to the real you to re-energize your creative juices. The problem with him is that he set his own bar so high that it’s almost impossible to live up to those lofty standards. The funny thing about human beings, at the time of our demise, usually anything controversial is swept under the rug. I believe he’ll be remembered in a positive light, because mainstream America won’t want to harp on the negative, and that’s the way it should be.

As told to Konrad Marshall

“Super” Jay Johnson, former DJ with WTLC in Indianapolis, now an announcer for ABC/Citadel Media in Dallas.

Michael was a perfectionist. The occasions that I talked with him, I found him to be very attentive, a very good listener, and he was very much in control of that group even though he was the youngest member. He knew his place on stage, and as quiet as he seemed to be with his soft-spoken voice, when he was on stage, he was in command.

Michael, like every other product that came out of Motown, had a crossover appeal. There was something about that kid that was attractive. It was marketable. He had two decades of greatness, and it’s easy to see that staying power was not going away, even though the pundits may have come out against him — talking heads are doing it right now. People are spending so much time talking about the troubles he had rather than the great music he created and presented.

I can’t see how anyone could not know or think he is the greatest talent ever. I saw him several times, and when he walked into a room, even CEOs of major companies acted like groupies, running to the stage, doing everything they could to get autographs. His persona was gigantic, and his talent matched that. He was the self-proclaimed King of Pop, and that will not go away. Michael’s music is his legacy, and I hope it stays that way. I hope the clouds that were over his life don’t distort his shining star.

As told to Konrad Marshall

Lonnell “King Ro” Conley, former city-county councilman, announcer and the blues director for Jazz City Radio.

When I first met Michael Jackson, he was 10 years old. A friend of mine, Mavis Staples of the world-famous Staples Singers, introduced me and said, “You are not going to believe this.” She was right. He was a man-child when it came to his vocals and manner. I was knocked off my feet.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer ever to grace the face of this earth. The pop culture world is measured by this man — a man who had a good and kind soul. During one of the tours, he wanted to visit Haiti. When we arrived it was a cultural shock for all of us, but to see the hurt on Michael’s face — at these poverty-stricken people in this poverty-stricken country — it was devastating to him. He was real quiet all the way back.

I have been very fortunate to have been raised with James Brown, to work with Elvis Presley and to know Michael Jackson. It just don’t get no better than this, to know Michael Jackson — the man, the pioneer, the humanitarian. There are so many who owe this man so much. It’s ironic that Michael Jackson died at the age of 50, as we celebrate Motown’s 50th anniversary. Let’s turn down the negative chatter, turn up his music and give The King his props. Long live The King.

Asher “The Smash” Benrubi, musician, manager, former DJ on WNAP Indianapolis, currently an announcer with 97.1 FM-Talk Radio in St. Louis.

I saw Michael Jackson along with his brothers and band in 1967. They were the entertainment for the Sigma Alpha Mu rush party at Indiana University. Here was this little kid singing the songs and doing all the moves of James Brown. It was still a party, but more so a show. Everybody just stood in a semi-circle in front of the band, and Michael did all that was “Michael” before “Michael” was cool. The singing, dancing, working the crowd — it was astounding.

It was a game-changer. Here was this little kid who showed everyone how it should be done. I returned from that night in Bloomington having seen a master showman before he even became the master showman. It made me strive to be at least half as good. There were none greater.

And on the side of “real life,” there are many lessons to be learned also. He broke down walls and created a new level and expectation as far as an artist’s entertainment value is regarded. On what seemed like an unfortunate human side, he had to build and erect walls that would protect him from us and himself. It could be argued that in giving himself, he lost himself. All controversies aside, as was and is Elvis “The King” from one era, Michael Jackson will be heralded as “The King” of another epoch and time.

“The Daniels house was full of Michael Jackson’s music for all the years our girls were growing up, and I think Cheri may have been a bigger fan than any of our daughters. His music will live a long time, and Indiana will always be proud of the Jackson family.”

Gov. Mitch Daniels

“Michael Jackson was a god in my house. My sisters had all of his posters, and I had such a big crush on him. His death was a really big loss for the music world.”

Sara Sharma, 32, Beech Grove

“I remember the Jackson 5 reunion he had with his family. It was nice to see them all together.”

Brenna White, 16, Indianapolis

“My favorite was the video ‘Scream’ he did with his sister. He’s the king of entertainment. From beginning to end, I can’t say anything bad about that man. There’ll never be another Michael Jackson.”

Randall Bullock, 49, Indianapolis

“My sisters and I used to watch BET videos after school. We would imitate Michael Jackson’s dance moves and do the moonwalk together.”

Charlene Saunders, 29, Indianapolis

“I remember seeing the ‘Thriller’ video when I was younger. There was also the ‘We are the World’ performance with the big Earth in the background.”

Ethan Hartman, 19, Indianapolis

“I’m actually still in shock. My favorite songs were ‘Billie Jean’ and ‘Thriller,’ and I actually had the Michael Jackson jacket.”

Tyra Smith, 33, Anderson

“My favorite memory was the ‘Thriller’ music video that he created. They’ve been playing that a lot lately, and I think it’s great.”

David Boltz, 19, Indianapolis

“I was sad about it, because he was a young man and a very talented artist.”

Mary Teeter, 55, Fishers

“It was kind of sad, because he’s one of those icons. He’s one of those stars that you always think will be around, and to see what happened was a memorable day just like with other memorable stars like Elvis.”

Jason Puma, 37, Fishers

“I loved his moonwalk. I just thought that was the neatest thing, and I remember wondering how he moved like that.”

Jim Jackson, Elwood

“When I was in the fourth grade, me and my family went to see the Jackson 5 in concert when they opened up for James Brown. To this day, that was the best concert I had ever seen.”

Curtis Jones, 46, Noblesville

"Obviously, I was shocked at his death. I quickly thought about the time he had the three kids at the hotel with him. And you think: ’What’s going to happen to those kids?’ “

Dave Ferrer, sales manager, Canterbury Hotel, where Jackson stayed during his last visit to Indianapolis

”When I was a kid, I used to idolize the Jackson 5. I had posters in my room and everything.“

Bob Beasley, 46, Franklin

”We are deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of Michael Jackson, the king of the music world. No words can adequately explain the emotions we feel from losing one of the greatest musical prodigies of our lifetime.

“We will celebrate the wonderful legacy that Michael has left behind — his extraordinary talents of music and dance as well as his philanthropic contributions to mankind. Indiana Black Expo Inc. is blessed to have honored him during our 23rd Summer Celebration.”

Tanya Bell, president and CEO, Indiana Black Expo

—— Compiled by Star reporters Mary Beth Schneider, Bill Booher, DeAntae Prince and Amber Travis