The Untimely Death of Michael Jackson
The Legendary King of Pop Michael Jackson
As the news confirms the passing of Michael Jackson, the mood of the industry quickly becomes somber. Disbelief, shock, and states of confusion have all dissipated, and the reality of it all is slowly making its way into the hearts of all who knew his name.
His influence on all of our generations has been undeniable; he literally was your favorite artists, favorite artist. Legions of fans mimicked his style down to his socks, and for years comedians mocked his misconstrued personality in parodies on late night TV shows.
He was only a man; mere flesh and blood, but the scrutiny in which he endured was crippling. We sat back over the years and watched this man, transform into a mere glimmer of the physical image of familiarity, until the only recognizable feature we understood was the power of his instrument–his voice.
Call him what you want, “weirdo”, “wack-o”, “Jacko”, if you must, none of that matters now. The legacy that Michael Jackson leaves behind sparkles brighter than the glove that adorned his right hand and the moniker that will be quoted in every reference book will boldly state “The King of Pop”
The Artist
Throngs of fans gathered outside of UCLA Medical Center late Thursday afternoon as the news of Michael Jackson’s death swarmed in. Fans and passerby’s alike crowded the entrance just to be nearer to the man in which they so adored.
Michael Joseph Jackson, grew up in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1959. The seventh of nine, Michael’s star power was defined from the beginning. As the youngest member of the Jackson 5, he and his brothers were quickly thrusted into the limelight, he was 7, and he’s never left.
After separating from his brothers, Michael embarked upon a solo career, releasing Got to be There in 1972. Ten years and several platinum plaques later, Michael released the album that was arguably the best of his career—Thriller.
The master of definition, Michael’s Thriller album yielded the “moonwalk” dance, a dance that is still mimicked, and has influenced artists such as Usher, Ne-Yo, and Chris Brown.
“As an entertainer, I can’t sit on the phone and act as if I wasn’t influenced by Michael Jackson,” UGK member Bun-B said on KBXX Friday morning.
“Michael Jackson is half the reason I’m even here. If not for Michael and what he did, I wouldn’t be standing here in front of you guys right now. I think I speak for all R&B and pop music when I say that,” R&B Singer Ne-Yo comments.
The Legacy
For all that his music and generosity have touched, he will be remembered as a consummate entertainer, willing to carry the weight of the world on his shoulder to resist conformity.
Despite the tainted pictures the media has painted of this masterful artist, the impression that his craft has carved in the mind and souls of all he has inspired is evident. His reach knows no limits, his influence has no bounds. Michael Jackson is and will always be an ambassador of hope.
He is survived by three children, Prince Michael I, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II, and as the world mourns the loss of an icon, they mourn the loss of their father.
“Just woke up. Missing Michael. This is still so hard. Feeling blessed to have the power of his legacy. Still sad.” Solange Knowles, on Twitter.
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