Michael Jackson was as much an idea as he was an entertainer; nearly every Jackson fan has a story about how the megastar changed their life, career, or the way they think about music.

Today, music journalist Nelson George recounts Jackson’s effect on his life as a writer with a look at his new book, Thriller: The Musical Life of Michael Jackson. Plus, we’ll take your calls and comments – let us know what musical figure made a profound impact on your own life.