To the world, Michael Jackson was a superstar. However, some knew him as the popular kid at Garnett Elementary School in Gary or the youngest member of the Jackson Five.

"He was very, very popular, and he loved to dance," said Elanor Johnson, who attended elementary school with Jackson.

In the wake of his death Thursday, those with personal and professional connections to him are recalling their favorite memories of a young Jackson.

Charlie Brum, talent buyer for the Star Plaza Theatre, worked with a 17-year-old Jackson in 1975 as the promotions director for a performance venue in Shady Grove, Md.

Even though he was the youngest member of the group, Brum said he knew Michael was unique.

"Michael was the darling of the media," he said. "Everyone wanted to talk to him."

Brum was told that he would be the Jackson Five's publicist during their 10-day stay and would cater to their needs.

"I feel so honored to have had those 10 days," he said.

Brum scheduled a variety of activities for Jackson, at his request, such as a visit to the White House and a tour of the local children's hospital to talk to terminally ill patients. Brum remembers Jackson's excitement when he was able to schedule these visits.

"Michael took more initiative," Brum said. "He was such a nice guy."

Johnson has similar thoughts about Jackson's personality in elementary school. She remembers Jackson as an energetic child with a style all his own.

"He loved to show off. He used to start dancing for people, but he wanted to be the only one dancing," she said.

Despite Jackson's dynamic personality, Brum and Johnson said they were surprised when he made it big as a solo artist.

"This was so unique because I knew him at the peak of the Jackson Five's career," Brum said. "Who knew that Michael would go on to be such a superstar?"

Johnson said she never saw Jackson as destined for fame and describes him as "an ordinary, friendly person."