Michael Jackson's "Thriller"
It is unfortunate that my latest post is another memorial to someone that has been an influence in my life. Michael Jackson died Thursday afternoon on June 25th. There’s no need to compare my previous post of Manong Al Robles to this one. Many of my peers, fellow 80s kids, and millions worldwide will agree that the King of Pop has been a major part of our daily lives. When I was a kid, I sang to his music. I thought his music videos were phenomenal, and freaky all at the same time- i.e. “Thriller.” Speaking of “Thriller”, I wanted the red leather jacket or anything that looked like it. I wore one glove. I tried to Moonwalk. I own all of his albums- CD and cassette. I can honestly say that I fell in love with Michael Jackson.
Yes, there were his eccentricities, the ridicules, questionable relationships, and legal issues. “Wacko Jacko” is what the tabloids call him. A friend of mine responded on Facebook saying, “Not sure if I would pray for an accused child molester.” Ok, I get the point and many will concur. How can you admire someone with that kind of reputation? Honestly, it’s absolutely hard to accept, but it is reality because it was everywhere on the news. Michael Jackson’s entire life was in the spotlight. Was it the fame that caused his eccentricities? The lack of a “normal” childhood upbringing? Does it matter what the truth is? Then you might want to see Michael Jackson’s song and video “Childhood”, which he claims is his most honest song.
Many of our pop culture icons had their issues out in public- from Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Madonna, etc. No matter how much controversy Michael Jackson was drowned in, it was his music that elevated above all. The numbers speak for themselves- over 750 million sold worldwide and counting. The entire world was affected by his music. He also broke color barriers in entertainment. His music had heart and soul. Many of today’s music artists have been influenced by Michael Jackson. Let’s not forget the “We Are the World” project which brought the top artists of the 80s and raised millions of dollars for aid in Africa. Michael Jackson was compassionate and a very charitable person. Yes, I know there are other important news issues other than the death of a celebrity. Many are very cynical about Michael Jackson’s death. Regardless whether you hate him, love him, or don’t care- you can’t deny that Michael Jackson was influential worldwide.
We were all looking forward to his comeback next month. There were reports of Michael Jackson recording new music. Unfortunately, he never had a chance to complete that. I believe, despite his passing, Michael will still make a comeback. As we speak, Michael Jackson’s music sales have spiked incredibly (digital and retail) since his death yesterday. It’s funny in some ways how we take music for granted until the artist is gone, but that’s how life goes. I believe all the Jacksons, whom I admired over the years, will continue Michael’s legacy. Though little is known about Michael Jackson’s children, we’ll all be watching for years to come. Will they too, continue their father’s legacy? I myself, plan to continue his legacy by introducing his music and videos to my children.
There is so much to talk about, but it comes down to this… Michael Jackson will live definitely forever and I’m still in love.
Favorite songs: “Rock Wit U”, “Don’t Stop till You Get Enough”, “Man in the Mirror”, “Billie Jean”, “Butterflies”
Favorite videos: “Thriller”, “The Way You Make Me Feel”, “Do You Remember”, “Beat It”, “Smooth Criminal”
Memorable MJ Moments: The Jackson 5 (Thank you Motown), Michael Jackson introducing his nephews “3T” (I had so much hope for them), MJ and Lisa Marie Presley at the MTV Music Awards (What the heck?), Bubbles the monkey (hello there monkey), “The Wiz” (pre-plastic surgery), MJ and James Brown at the 2003 BET Music Awards (legendary).
