Raleigh, N.C. — A Raleigh family remembered Friday the day that they performed for the King of Pop.

The Cade family was traveling in New York City in 2001 when they realized that Michael Jackson was rehearsing nearby. Gregory Cade appealed to Jackson’s management for a chance to have his singing sons and daughters meet Jackson.

They sang a Jackson 5 hit, “I Want You Back,” and moved the star to tears, Cade recalled.

“He just pretty much cried. It was just real touching to him,” he said.

“It was just like wow, oh my gosh! I couldn't believe that I was there,” LaTodd Cade said. He was 10 at the time.

The Cades believe their song reminded Jackson of his days singing with his brothers.

The encounter inspired the Cades in their musical career. “My whole mindset changed. Like, I got to be a singer,” LaTodd said.

The Cades have performed gospel songs in churches across North Carolina and at the Apollo Theater in New York.

When LaTodd heard the news his idol had died, he didn't take it well.

“Grandma was the first person to call and I said, ‘Grandma, don't tell me that. Don't tell me that. It's not true,’” he said.