I am saddened by the death of Michael Jackson. He is my favorite singer because of his ability to touch people emotionally with his music. I have vivid memories of listening to Jackson 5 records growing up. I loved the singles "I Want You Back" and "The Love You Save." I remember watching the Jackson 5 cartoons on Saturday morning. I still own the record of his first solo hit single, "Ben." Those early hit songs communicated an innocence that I found appealing as a youngster in the early seventies.
Michael came out with great dance songs in the latter part of the '70s. Some of my favorites from that time period are "Off The Wall," "Don't Stop Until You Get Enough," and "Rock With You." Those songs are constant reminders to me to enjoy life to the fullest.
Michael had his greatest success as a solo artist in the '80s. His classic album Thriller was released on my birthday in December 1982. Hit songs like "Beat It," "Billie Jean," and "PYT" are classic songs that I love to this very day. Those songs also touched me. They taught me to approach life with a sense of confidence.
Michael released the album Dangerous in 1991. One song in particular stood out for me on that album. "Black Or White" is a song that touched me. The message of that song is to embrace people of different ethnic backgrounds.
In 1983, he introduced the moonwalk on the American Music Awards. I was amazed at the way he danced backward. I thought it was the epitome of cool. Also in the same year, the video for "Thriller" debuted on MTV. Prior to "Thriller," MTV only showed music videos by white artists. "Thriller" was a fifteen minute mini-movie. It included the song and some of the best moves I have ever seen in a music video. Michael broke the color barrier for black artists. Many black artists followed his example after that. He was a pioneer in the music video world.
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1 - tink
One of the most interesting things to me when talking about Michael's music, is the wide span of eras to talk about.
Very nicely put, Robert. Thanks for your view into the one that affected you the most.