Fans across Long Island celebrated the life and music of Michael Jackson Tuesday as a star-studded public memorial was held for the pop star in Los Angeles.

Many Hempstead residents told News 12 Long Island they?ve been fans of Jackson from the beginning. Priscilla James, who works at Latties Hair Braiding Salon, hails from South Africa. Even she says Jackson was an integral part of her growing up.

"Well, it was a great loss because I go way back with Mike,? says Derek McCord. ?Michael Jackson was one of my favorite singers and I named my youngest son after him.?