LOS ANGELES, CA - It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Michael Jackson, who died on June 25, 2009 - too soon - at the age of 50.

In 1972, a year after James Taylor and I each released, "You've Got a Friend," Michael Jackson included a truly unique version of the song on his Motown album, Got to Be There. And when I look at his sweet face on this album cover, it reminds me just how long he has been in our hearts.

Michael's extraordinary gift for music and entertainment brought generations, races, and nations together. Tragic in life, iconic in death, he was a friend to us all. May he rest in peace.

If you’d like to listen to Michael's version of "You've Got a Friend" click here.