President Barack Obama described himself as a longtime follower of Michael Jackson, the legendary performer who died June 25 at age 50.

"I grew up on his music - still have all his stuff on my iPod," Obama said in an AP interview Thursday, adding that Jackson "will go down in history as one of our greatest entertainers."

At the time of his death, the pop icon was preparing a series of comeback concerts to overcome years of sexual scandal and financial calamity - a troubled history the president acknowledged without naming specifics.

"I think that his brilliance as a performer also was paired with a tragic and, in many ways, sad personal life," Obama said.

He expressed pleasure that the public is celebrating Jackson for his talents, instead of dwelling on his personal tragedies.