I REALISE I’m probably in the minority, given that he has sold an estimated 750 million records, but the over-the-top reaction to the death of Michael Jackson is sickening.

While acknowledging his tragic private life, most obituaries have emphasised his musical uniqueness.

Some Jackson 5 songs, especially I Want You Back, were brilliant early Seventies’ pop/soul songs, but what exactly has the musical “legend” done in the past nearly 30 years?

From Thriller onwards his records are overproduced and bland and his voice anodyne.

Many much more talented musicians than Michael Jackson die each year but without a fraction of the publicity. I admit he could dance a bit and was a consummate showman, but “the greatest entertainer of all time”.

Don’t make me laugh. It would be facile to compare him to true greats such as Elvis, The Beatles or Frank Sinatra.

The rise of MTV and celebrity culture turned Jackson into an icon. In reality, he was a promising child performer who couldn’t cope with adult life and the trappings of global superstardom.

He was sadly let down by those who built him up in the first place – the celebrity-seeking publicity machine.

Unfortunately, the same publicity machine is turning his celebrity-driven life into yet another “he died too young” myth.

Dave Atkinson, Darlington.