Martin Bashir: Michael Jackson, the Greatest Entertainer Has Died

June 25, 2009— -- On a special edition, "Nightline" takes a look back at the extraordinary life of pop star Michael Jackson -- the child-star with the dazzling dance moves and an infectious sound who rose to musical super-stardom to become the most famous man on the planet.

"Nightline" co-anchor Martin Bashir reflects back on the eight months he spent documenting Jackson's life on the Neverland Ranch, where he gained unprecedented access to the eccentric international superstar.

"I think all of us were shocked and deeply saddened by the news today. I was actually out running in Central Park when I heard, and came home, showered and came into the office.

Many of us were excited about the prospect of him performing in London. Thousands of people had bought tickets from all over the world. And now to hear to hear this news is very, very sad.

I think it's worth remembering that he was probably, singly, the greatest dancer and musician the world has ever seen.

Certainly when I made the documentary, there was a small part of that which contained a controversy concerning his relationship with other young people. But the truth is that he was never convicted of any crime, I never saw any wrongdoing myself. And last his lifestyle may have been unorthodox, I don't believe it was criminal. And I think the world has now lost the greatest entertainer it's probably ever known."