LONDON — Legendary music producer Quincy Jones says Michael Jackson's sudden death is too surreal to process.

Jones is renowned in the music world for producing Jackson's most successful albums, including the best-selling "Thriller."

He told BBC Wales television that he never imagined Jackson would die before him.

Jones says losing Jackson was like losing part of his own soul.

He said they were "very close," and that the relationship between a producer and artist "is one of love and it's trust, tremendous trust."

Jones has produced classics by Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and other stars.

Jones was in the city of Cardiff Friday visiting the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.