When I heard Michael Jackson had died, it occurred to me that this will be another day forever etched in my memory like 911, the death of Princess Diana and the Space Shuttle explosion. I always will remember where I was when I heard the news.
I actually feel a tad melancholy over his death. Yes, I know there was most likely some depravity going on with him, but there also was major talent. Look at your pop stars today such as Justin Timberlake and tell me he hasn't borrowed a lot from Michael's vocal and dance styles.
For me it goes deeper than that though, back in the day Michael's stardom transcended race. It was cool to see that, as well as ironic, given the changes Michael made to himself over the years. At a time when there was more segregation in music, I felt like Michael's songs were embraced by nearly everyone. If you didn't like Thriller, there was the quite catchy, older hit A-B-C or the disco-inspired Don't Stop 'til you Get Enough. My personal favorite album by Michael is Off The Wall and for song, it would have to be Rock with You. (Video might take a moment to appear).
I knew people in my youth , male and female, who were obsessed with Michael. You could not say a negative word about him without having to deal with their ire. I never understood their devotion, but I appreciated and respected his talent and mass appeal.
3 comments:
Oh my gosh! 'Rock with You' is my favorite Michael song that I was trying to remember today at lunch. I can't believe it's the same favorite as yours'! He was such an icon. I cannot even begin to understand what his life must have been like. I was watching an old interview with him on the news this morning where he was explaining the media frenzy. He said that was the reason he spends so much time at home (and really why his estate is so massive). He said that all of his favorite things were behind the Neverland gates. So, sad to think about that kind of isolation. Perhaps he has at last found some peace.
Melancholy. Me too. What a talent.
M.G.
I foresee some additions to my IPOD.
Post a Comment