I grew up listening to Michael Jackson’s music. Mostly because my dear sister absolutely loved Michael’s music and played it constantly. I’ve seen all of his movies too (e.g. The Wiz, Captain EO, Moonwalker), again thanks to my sister who owned them all. I think I was in 5th grade when Thriller dropped. That inconspicuous little cassette and its short play list (nine songs) changed music, music television (MTV) and white pop culture’s attitude toward black artists forever. Michael Jackson went mainstream and kicked down popular cultural barriers that few realized existed. America no longer needed its Elvis to be white. Eccentricities, oddities, and accusations aside, Michael Jackson’s talent, artistry, skill and love for music can not be denied.
It’s just a shame that once again we have all waited until he died to say it. We are a curious people. We love to build people up so that we can knock them down. Then when they die, we suddenly realize why we loved them and built them up in the first place. It’s strange.
At any rate, Michael Jackson had his problems, but he deserves a lot of grace. He obviously struggled with serious self-image and crippling family of origin problems. His personal struggles were put on public display for all to see because he perpetually occupied the biggest stage and lived his life under the brightest lights. Yes, he had personal struggles and issues, but he’s not so different than many of us in that respect, except that his incredible talent exposed him and his painfully private journey to the galaxy. Would you really want to work out your “stuff” on that big stage and under those bright lights? I venture not, so, in his death, give the guy the grace he should have been afforded in life.
That said, I want to personally thank Michael Jackson for a few of my all-time favorite songs. My iPod will forever be loaded with Human Nature, We are the World, Man in the Mirror and Will You Be There.
Godspeed, Michael. Thanks for the music. Rest in peace.
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What, no smooth criminal, billie jean, or thriller?
Also, why is the long version og Billie Jeam 30 cents cheaper than the regular verson on itunes?
Secondary note: Why can’t I spell?
Absolutely, Ray! Those songs are just there by default. Beat It too.
I really appreciate your thoughts. Perhaps we all have a lot to about ourselves by looking at the people and issues that we keep our grace from.
Thanks, Ben. I think you are right.
Michael Jackson is my favorite pop artist ever since i was a child. He is truly the King of Pop and i am saddened by this news.
michael jackson is a very very talented person to the point that he rose as a pop icon. he would live forever in our history books and memories.
there would be no other King of Pop like Michael Jackson. he would always be the King.
Michael Jackson would still be remembered as the only King of Pop. We would surely miss him.
Interesting comments about Michael Jackson. I just want to add how sad Jackson’s sudden death is. He was truly original and will be the ‘King of Pop’ for a long time to come.