Michael Jackson is dead. That is a heart aching statement. He was only 50 years old.
For kids and young folks during the 1970's and 1980's, today is a sad day as we lose another pop icon that contributed to our memories.
Michael and my mom shared an August 29 birth date. He and Monica were the same age. Me, Monica, my nephew and my mom and my friend Susie endured seats on a muddy White Sox Park field to see the VICTORY Tour. I could never wear those mud soaked shoes again, but the magic of the special effects and astonishing showmanship of that performance was worth it. It was spectacular. I was lucky enough to have seen the Jackson 5 before at, I believe it was the Chicago Amphitheater. They were all teens then.
After Quincy Jones and MJ teamed-up in the most successful collaboration in music history, for the making of Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, there was no doubt that Michael was the biggest star on the planet.
My step-dad was the worlds biggest Michael fan. He read everything MJ and seemed to take a fatherly pride in his accomplishments. I know it disturbed him that Michael had issues with his father. He loved that Michael transcended and surpassed every record and every imaginable barrier.
The Motown 25th Anniversary Special was monumental for MJ and for music. I remember the day of that show, Rick a co-worker, saying Michael was overrated as an entertainer. He came in to work the next day and ate crow. A complete 360.
Michael had introduced the moonwalk during his "Billy Jean" performance which became the biggest hit and video on Thriller. Thriller was not only the largest selling album of all time but each song broke records as a single. Thriller changed everything. Black music was not even played on MTV, until Thriller. It opened all kinds of doors.
Michael was eccentric and isolated and obviously troubled. Yes, his looks and actions became downright weird. We have all known him practically all of his life. We have all watched him change. Now, we may or may not ever know for sure what caused him to alter his face or what caused his demons.
I cried when they put Michael Jackson in handcuffs. Not because he was guilty or innocent but because it hurt that for whatever reason, he had come to that moment.
My sister had Michael's posters on her wall
and years later her son had MJ posters on his wall.
Michael was one of the most important and influential musical figures of the 20th century.
People of all ages have some memories of Michael Jackson's music.
Rest In Peace, little brother. Maybe you can finally go out and play.
