The King Of Pop has passed away.
I found out the other day, when I called my friend, a young R&B singer. I could hear she was in tears.
"What's wrong, are you ok?" I asked. What could it be? Boyfriend problems? Fight with her mom? Whatever it was, I was ready, morphing into the 'understanding friend,' like Clark Kent becoming Superman.
"Are you watching the news?" she asked. I feared the worst. It's probably a disaster of some kind. That's when she told me that Michael Jackson died.
There was a small sense of relief that it wasn't a terrorist attack, but this momentary elation quickly waned as the implications started to hit me. I thought back to the day John Lennon died, when I was eleven years old. I cried that day. And while I didn't feel that same emotional reaction in this case, I could sense the magnitude of millions feeling that loss.
When "Thriller" came out in 1983, MJ had been someone I and my peers mistakenly thought of as a 'disco' artist. There was no way you could get me to listen to one of his albums. But leave it to Michael Jackson to achieve the impossible.
For the song "Beat It," he and producer Quincy Jones brought in Eddie Van Halen, who was my favorite guitarist and arguably the most influential hard rock guitarist of all time. By doing so, they made a statement that hard rock and R&B could go together, forever altering the course of pop music. They also got legions of stubborn teenage male rock fans like myself to pay attention to Michael Jackson.
Suddenly his earlier work, such as the "Off The Wall" album, started to resonate with me. Was it going to replace Ozzy and Judas Priest in my cassette deck? No. But was it worth putting on once in a while? Absolutely. Besides, girls liked it.
Then I heard his work with the Jackson 5. It was understandable why Michael had been labeled a 'boy genius.' His singing at eleven years old was on par with his label mates, which included The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.
Anytime "Rock With You," comes on, I'm taken to a different time period. A more innocent one. A time where all of us were a little less cynical and less jaded. Great music has that quality.
Strangely enough, it was just last weekend, at an event, that I met the drummer who played on "Rock With You," John "JR" Robinson. He and others who've worked with MJ all agree that yes, he grew into someone odd, a mysterious figure with many unanswered questions. But more importantly, he was one of the great American entertainers, on the level of Fred Astaire and Charlie Chaplain, and a musician worthy of all the great musicians who've backed him up over the years. And while many of today's superstars rely on 'auto-tune' devices, digital editing and lipsyncing, Michael was the real deal. When those Jackon 5 albums were recorded, you had to just go in the studio and sing.
Sadly, there is darkness looming over the legacy of this exemplary artistry like a fecund rain cloud. Whether the numerous accusations against him are true or not, this was a man in need of serious psychological help. It is widely reported that no one could say no to him. In Erica Jong's novel, "Fanny," she describes a man who is a good person at heart, but whose behavior has "always gone unchecked. He never learned self-control, self-rule, or moderation."
I guess if there's a bright side to this, it's that, unlike Lennon, his death was not cause by an assassins bullet, but by him reconnecting with the artistry that we all associate with him. MJ was prepping for an upcoming tour. He knew that, unlike a Billy Joel or Paul McCartney show, his concerts could not subsist on just singing of the songs. The audience would not accept that. We need the 'Billy Jean' dance, the 'Beat It' gang fight, the "Thriller" Zombie routine and the Mafia stealth of 'Smooth Criminal.' In short, he had to get up there and be 'Michael Jackson' again. Unfortunately, his failing health and lost youth could not withstand it.
When I see the guy in the photo here, I see someone on top of his game. The little boy from The Jackson 5, all grown up and doing a whole new thing and ready to impact music for generations to come. This is the MJ I'm going to remember.
Whether we admit it or not, we have all been influenced by Michael Jackson.
11 comments:
Amen to that.
I love his music, I grew up listening to him,in fact he was the (1st) Singer I ever heard back in mid 90's, got all his albums on cassettes, concerts on VHS ! used to watch them all the time, watching his clips.his music is a personally thing to me,lots of memories connect to it.too bad I haven't listened to his albums for years now,probably over 10 years ! since I got into Metal/Progressive stuff.
I paid my tribute by going to Hitsville Records here in MI,place of Motown Records, lots of ppl gathered there and still !
the Legend have left us with a mystery & Music, I chose the Music to Remember him coz for some reason I haven't believed in any of the controversial issues that he got in!
"Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for
You and for me"
R.I.P MJ
Huthaifa
Hi Alex,
Thanks for posting this blog.
MJ was a talented young man
He had such energy and gave his all to his fans.
Looking back on some of the tributes they had for him this weekend... He did not have a very happy childhood,and he wanted to do so much for so many people and give back what he was denied as a child his body just said "enough,its time to rest"
Problably Michael was a most unfortunate people of show business. He had no childhood, had no teenager, and at last, had no life.
He dead with 51 kl, bald, ugly and sick, totally different of image that the world knows about "Michael Jackson", the idol. But I think that Michael, the person, died with 8 years old.
Thanks for this one. I wondered if you would write anything about Michael Jackson.
When MJs music was popular there was just so much of it on the radio and MTV that I became numb to it and sick of it to an extent. Now due to this unfortunate event I hear these same songs with a different ear and appreciation of Michael as an artist. So much of my youth have memories sealed with Michael's music that I can't help but hear it when i think back.
I cannot forget something that Michael said in a recorded interview that aired a couple of days ago...
"Artists get in the way of music...let the music write itself" - MJ
ALex-- Thanks for caring!I felt moved, and touched, I dont have TV, but for that day, I did. Everyone has their say on this..My heart tells me this:
With the death of a famous person, the legacy they leave lives on, in ways they most likely knew would be their talents. But once in awhile, poeple die and for the wrong reasons, and out of the sufferng we lift them up as Martyrs or Saints, Legends and Stars. They show us that the crowd mentality kills, and the innocent suffer. I find it fascinating there are articles out now revealing such insight and "truth" into the real MJ, and yet, if these "Writers" were so connected , and in the loop, then why did they not fight for a real book, in MJ's own words? ( I write books, Love books, Biographies rule! ) I am afraid that, we missed our chance to know him. MJ is not just another child actor that suffered, he is THE Hollywood CHILD that started life for much of us with a top tv show, hip music and knock out dancing, he was cool personified, with countless music videos and a huge pop culture> I SAW HIM, at the Oakland Colliseum, for the album " OFF THE WALL" 79',I had to have sparkly socks, and I loved "BEN" and "Shes Out of My Life ". Let him not die in vain, let him teach with his musical life, teach the things that we should know...Everyone has the Universal right to life...(look it up) everyone has a story, and we should not just sit and watch the tv, we should make sure we- get up, stand up,- and know the differnce between reality and entertainment. MJ was a beautiful African American MAN, he still is, who was he really?, MJ did not write non-fiction books, he wrote Music, I always believed he meant every word he wrote ( watch man in the mirror, shes out of my life,or DIRTY DIANA )...I hope he inspires everone to write your stories, how ever you may choose, make your life count.
I am watching Larry King about Michael Jackson right now thinking why can't they leave him alone now that he's gone. Let his family grieve and do the autopsies...it's none of my business. I am just a fan, I feel the only right I have to his personal life is his music and that's a lot. One of my first records (remember those?), was "Thriller." I remember my best friend had one of the jackets with all the zippers and everyone had the "glove". My first semester in college my roomate and I would listen to "Ben" when we needed to chill out. I have so many fond memories of good times with his music. I just want to remember him through his music, dancing, and all the joy and positive awareness he tried to bring through songs like "Man in the Mirror" and his part in "We are the World." I was just amazed when I heard the news Thursday evening and when I talked to my co-workers about it Friday, we did not talk about the eccentricities of his personality we talked about the fun memories we have that were associated with his music. I hope people remember him for all of the greatness he brought to the world of music!
Hi Alex,
I appreciate the fact that you have chosen to say a few good words for Micheal Jackson. Even though I am not a M. J. fan and believe that "Thriller" was the only good album he ever had along with a couple songs from the Jackson Five and a couple of solo songs from records other than Thriller, I give hime all the credit he is due. He electified many a crowd and for that I believe he deserves the title "King of Pop" because I don't believe that any other artist could achieve the same level of success that he has.
Other than that, I also think he deserves all of the scorn over certain things that he has done over the years.
So what should his legacy be? What ever you want it to be. In my opinion he was never more than an over-rated pop star but others worship the ground he walked on. I do however think that he deserves every bit of respect that he gets because he worked his butt off to achieve the level of success he has had. Paul McCartney may disagree with that statement but oh well.
An exquisite comment on MJ Alex. I prefer to remember and mourn the Michael Jackson in this picture also. While his later life became a mess and he,like many other music Icons; Elvis, Beatles etc., reach a point of saturation and retreat, there were many good years in his uniquely gifted musical life that we got to witness. And, from his pain/suffering, he revealed and developed his heart in and through his music. Tortured emotionally? gentle-souled, committed to his fans, disciplined, high Energy, he gave us some remarkable music. And, like remarkable music, reached out and hooked us and left a lasting impression. And, like remarkable music, left an imprint, a music life-line, where we connect to the feel and mood in our lives every time we hear one of his songs and remember were we were at and what we were doing when that song played. That is a gift and his legacy to us.... " how he made us feel"... for many, really, really good... like ELvis and the Beatles.... "And in the End, the love you take is equal to the love you make". While we reflect on this pop-icon's death, we need to reflect on our own and what legacy we will leave.... RIP MJ
Alex and friends,
Like you, I want to remember Michael Jackson when he was at the top of his game. Everyone’s comments to date echo my sentiments. MJ communicated a greatly through his music. While reflecting on his songs, I came up with the following:
Michael Jackson was Gone Too Soon.
Billie Jean, Ben, Dirty Diana, Liberian Girl and P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) were left Speechless, while others wanted to Cry or Scream.
By no means a Stranger In Moscow, MJ was recognized around the world. History will remind us For All Time, about his lost Childhood , a man at the Break of Dawn, who was Workin' Day And Night. Desiring One More Chance to Jam and saying, I want to Rock With You. He was a crowd Thriller, and left Blood On The Dance Floor. When it came to music, MJ wanted be Bad and Beat It.
People listen to Michael Jackson music and say Remember The Time …
Or that’s The Way You Make Me Feel …
Using an Earth Song theme, MJ reminded us about our stewardship of this planet. Exclaiming We Are Here To Change The World and Heal The World, because We Are The World!
MJ challenged us to look at the Man In The Mirror as neither Black or White. To ask our reflections, Who Is It, Will You Be There , is there Another Part Of Me? Do You Wanna Be Startin' Something? At the same time reassuring us You Are Not Alone, just Give In To Me, and I’ll Be There.
It’s Human Nature. Say Say Say what you want…
Was MJ Off The Wall, a Smooth Criminal, or In The Closet?
Did he sometimes feel - They Don't Care About Us? Even though his fans declared - I Just Can't Stop Loving You , you give me Butterflies, and You Rock My World!
Does it matter? Is It Scary? The press will continue to shout, Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough. They’ll pursue anyone who MJ said was The Lady In My Life, The Girl Is Mine, or She's Out Of My Life. Tabloids will keep chasing the Ghosts.
Can’t we just grant him one last wish???
As Michael would say just “Leave Me Alone”.
RIP MJ
These are some really inspired writings, thank you all for sharing them.
A post by the guitarist from Testament sparks an outpouring of creative writing in tribute to Michael Jackson.
Who'd have thought?
Well said, Alex. I think MJ's influence reaches far beyond the scope anyone would have imagined as the cute little boy fronting a fun R&B combo. Indeed, Michael influenced several generations of musicians, while himself merging seemingly disparate influences (R&B/pop and hard rock, as you mentioned) into his sound, infusing it with the kind of elements that makes pop(ular) music resonate with so many people. Not that they can't find fulfillment in more challenging forms of musical expression, but sometimes we all need that simple song sing along to. I think Michael gave us that, plus he gave rock fans a reason to listen to pop, and pop fans a reason to listen to rock. He bridged the gap & became the "gateway" if you will, for a lot of listeners. Unless someone can imbue the same formula w/ the same magic he & Quincy Jones tapped into for "Thriller" I suspect his 109+ million albums sold for that one album alone will remain a long-standing record.
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