Tony Buzan spent a week with Michael Jackson and his three children after the pop star became interested in Mind Mapping. Here he pays tribute to the 'modest' superstar.

“Michael and the children found three to four hours each day to spend with me. It was a free and friendly time. I found Michael to be a very good father to the children, very attentive to their education, encouraging them in scholastic endeavour. He was kind to them, but firm with them. The children adored and respected him.

“Michael was one of the most intelligent and intellectual celebrities I have ever come across. I was amazed how thoroughly he had read my book – nearly every page was marked, with additional thoughts and questions, which we went through together. We physically Mind Mapped together, and the boys took to the concept too.

“During the time we were together, Michael also reviewed his career with me, and extremely intense and exciting conversations ensued, covering his take on genius and the nature of genius… which he had obviously studied intensely over a long period of time. His ‘favourite’ geniuses included Leonardo da Vinci, Alexander the Great, Thomas Edison, Charlie Chaplin, and the celebrated American dancer and choreographer Martha Graham. He also particularly loved the Renaissance artists, from who he said he garnered great inspiration over the years.

“He also asked me to look at his videos with him. He was extremely modest, and objective about his performance, still looking at each one as if it were a draft, pointing out ways in which he could improve his performance and delivery. I liked the man, and I mourn that the world has lost one of its brightest shining superstars.”