WASHINGTON (AP): The King of Pop had a fan in the White House.

President Barack Obama described himself as a longtime follower of Michael Jackson, the legendary U.S. 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 entertainer 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.

``I'm glad to see that he is being remembered primarily for the great joy that he brought to a lot of people through his extraordinary gifts as an entertainer.''

The president said he did not see any controversy in the fact that he did not issue a formal public statement upon Jackson's death, and said he was unaware of any dissatisfaction in the black community with his response.

``I know a lot of people in the black community,'' Obama said. ``I haven't heard that.''

Obama added that Thursday's interview was the first time he had been asked about Jackson's death.

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