Remembering Michael Jackson

Remembering Michael Jackson


I remember the first song I fell in love with sung by Michael Jackson. It was "I'll Be There". It is still one of my favorite songs, even after more than 40 years. There were other good songs that came out by the Jackson 5 at the time. Back then, I thought they might fade away like Sonny and Cher as music in that era started to drastically change. Musicians like the Doors, Jimmy Hendrix and the Rolling Stones started taking front and center stage. Who was to know this little boy with the crystal clear voice would become one of, if not, the most famous musicians who ever lived?

Fast forward to the late seventies when Michael went solo and put out "Off The Wall" with "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" and "Workin Day and Night". Then came the early eighties and cable t.v. M.J. exploded on Mtv like the A bomb with "Thriller". There was also " Billy Jean" with his famous moonwalk and white glove, not to mention "Beat It" and " Startin' Somethin", more of my favorites. You would hear his music everywhere; in the clubs, blasting out of people's cars as you were driving down the street, and see his videos constantly being played on m.t.v. Everyone wanted to be Michael Jackson or at least look like him. He was the on top of the world.

There are so many more memories of Michael Jackson. "Smooth Criminal" has to be one of the most amazing videos ever I have ever seen. How the gravity move is done, I will never know! The head morphing in "Black and White" was also something. I thought it was pretty cool in "Remember The Time" where they all spun around and turned into piles of dust. His creativity was like an endless waterfall or display of fireworks; always something different and amazing to watch.

Michael certainly experienced the highest of highs in the 80's and the lowest of lows in the 90's as the child molestation charges surrounded him. For anyone who believes those allegations, the ninth of the Ten Commandments is "Thou Shalt Not Bare False Witness". None of us were there. There has never been one shred of evidence in my eyes that has proven him guilty. Why did the PARENTS let the kids stay with him for weeks and months at a time if there was "proof" he was a child molester? Michael Jackson's fame and money seemed to be both a blessing and a curse, especially since he was such a ridiculously generous and wealthy celebrity.

It is not because Michael sold more records than any other entertainer in history that has made me a such a huge M.J. fan for so many years. It is not because of his 13 grammies, countless other awards, or his style and incredible innovation. It is not because of the eight Guinness World records he set that will doubtfully ever be matched. It is because he was an astoundingly talented person with an extremely generous heart. He gave more money to charity than any other entertainer in HISTORY. He helped countless less fortunate people all around the world. I truly believed the songs came from his heart when he sang about making the world a better place. Yes, he was very different. That's what made him Michael Jackson.

I was shocked when I heard about Michael's passing. My heart is still heavy as I write this article. It makes me so sad that it took his death for so many people to finally realize his unmatchable talent and contributions to this world. He has gone to a better place and in that respect I am happy that he no longer has to deal with the vicious attention seeking reporters and media. I wish I could have met him or at least shaken his hand. But all I can say is, I am so thankful to have lived in the era of Michael Jackson and witnessed the true King Of Pop. He showed more love and gave more joy to this world than any other entertainer I have ever seen or probably ever will.

So rest in peace, dear Michael. You deserve to. Your work is done. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and especially his children.