Rest in Peace, Michael Jackson. 1958-2009
I never thought this day would come so soon. As I sit here staring blankly at the news, my mind wanders back to junior high, when I would rush home from school every day to record news reports about Michael Jackson on video with my best friends. I was definitely a fan. I was completely mesmerized and amazed by his music and stage performance. He made me believe in the magic of music and dance, the power of a great show. I remember watching his videos over and over, trying to emulate his moves, and just being fascinated by his short film stories that made you wish you were a part of his world.
Despite all of the weirdness that ensued later on in his life, I tried to remember the amazing genius that he was, and the positive things that he gave to the world. He influenced an entire generation of creative people, including myself. His music transcended all boundaries, and spoke directly to the heart, as only amazing music can. It moved people to laugh, cry, think, wonder, dance and sing. That is a gift from God. He was a man who was blessed beyond belief with talent, and he shared it with the world. He paid a high price for fame, but I don’t think he would have had it any other way. Thanks Michael, for the inspiration, for the beauty, for the music. There will never be another. May angels lead you in.
Because his career started at such a young age, he bridged a generation gap. I listened to him as a young man in my 20′s (I’m now 65). My favorite solo of his was “Never Can Say Good-bye”. Still, I think 50 years is a comparatively long life. Hank Williams, Sr. died at 29, Elvis at 43, Janis Joplin at 33, et al. Michael helped destroy racial stereotypes, because his music was too unique to be categorized. He was never perceived as a “black” singer, vis-a-vis, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, etc. He was really in a class by himself, and therein lies his fame.
Well said Hilary! I’m so melancholy about this. Rest in peace MJ.
~Gavin
A couple of my fav songs are on my Myspace home page.
http://www.myspace.com/silverpsalm
My little blog:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=54051378&blogId=496935628
So beautifully written, my friend. Michael shaped our culture in so many ways. As a child who loved music and loved to perform, Michael was one of those stars that I always aspired to be like. He challenged everyone to keep trying, keep learning. He was so magnificant at what he did. Yes, he got a little crazy towards the end, but can you imagine?!?!?! The life he led was truly unique, unmatched by anyone. My children and children’s children are going to know how incredible he was, I will make sure of that!
This is such an honest, beautiful post. As a kid, I never really listened to MJ, but as I got older, I grew to appreciate his music more and more. Despite all the weirdness, he really WAS a musical pioneer.
Yes, my kids are going to be fans, I will make sure of it! It makes me sad to think they will never get a chance to experience MJ as I did, but his glory days were over some time ago. So maybe it’s for the better.