I stole away a couple minutes while at work yesterday to write about Motown's upcoming Fanthology, a collection of 50 of Motown's greatest songs as chosen by fans. In writing about the trouble of picking just five songs, I made mention of a time when Michael Jackson was famous for being a singer rather than any number of other real and imagined tabloid topics. Within a few hours of that article being published, we all learned of his passing.
Only the myths and legends of Elvis Presley and The Beatles rival that of Michael Jackson. Elvis got there first. The Beatles were four men yet became a single movement that galvanized a moment in time. Michael Jackson became a towering, transcendent figure. All of them probably understood something about the others, while taking their own unique place in the zeitgeist. All of them became famous for many things, but it started with their music. Many have and will continue to discuss the other parts of Jackson's life and persona that grabbed headlines.
Today, several Blogcritics writers have gathered to focus on his music, which is both a universal phenomenon enjoyed by tens of millions across the world and something personal and solitary. Join us in looking back on the music of Michael Jackson.
Connie Phillips, Blogcritics Music Editor
Michael Jackson ruled the charts when I graduated from high school in 1985. "We Are the World" was my class song and at that tender age we believed what he sold — we could change the world. He proved it by flipping the music industry on its ear with Thriller. The video for that title song was a world-wide event. Even the cynical adult I've gown into can't deny that simple fact.
My younger sister was the hard-core fan; it was the songs that would turn my ear. I always favored "Billie Jean" to "Thriller" but couldn't deny that video would forever change the way artists approached music videos. Despite the mystery and rumors that surrounded his personal life, when it came to music, dancing, and the even bigger picture of performing, there lived a talent that won't soon be replaced and will be sorely missed in the pop world.
Article comments
1 - Karen Stoessel
Thanks Kit...although never a big fan of Michael Jackson's, I did enjoy some of his music. I wish him peace in his spiritual Neverland.
2 - Matthew T. Sussman
He was juuust before my time. But his mark on pop culture was indelible even as an embattled caricature in the nineties. I'm sure a lot of people would like to remember him strictly by his music, but it doesn't do his legacy justice as a tragic figure who never really had a childhood.
3 - tink
Reading this, I am struck again by the breathe and span of MJs life work. Like other greats that have gone on before him, Elvis and Sinatra come to mind, there is no denying the fact that he had the ability to reach different generations of fans. And that he, like them, will continue to do so in the future.
Thanks to Josh and Connie for the opportunity to be a part of this article.
4 - Josh Hathaway
You're probably right, Suss. I don't think any of us can be exclusively defined solely by any one thing be it the best or worst thing we've ever done. Michael Jackson was more than a musician, no matter how significant his achievement in the field. Music made him world famous. Other factors took that fame to a completely different level. All of it is worth reflecting on, I suppose, including the music. Lost in the flood of everything else is that the guy was wicked gifted.
5 - Rosie
He was a game-changing musician, despite his psychological problems. I agree, living life to the fullest is a powerful message for us to take away.
6 - Sherry
Very nice article and thoughts about his music.
7 - The Other Chad
Enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts - thanks, Josh, for letting me contribute.
8 - Jordan Richardson
Well done and beautifully stated stuff, gang.
9 - zingzing
i'm listening to bad for the first time since i was 10 or so right now, and i think "liberian girl" could probably be a hit today. #1: it kicks ass. #2: r&b has stagnated, so the dated qualities, however small, might not matter. #3: if the streets of brooklyn, which have been absolutely filled with mj over the past few days say anything, this shit is hot right now. #4: i'm listening to it again, and it's better than the first time (or 150th, good god knows how many times i listened to it back in the late 80s).
10 - Josh Hathaway
Thanks again go out to everyone who participated and shared their thoughts. Thanks Rosie, Sherry, Jordan, and zing for the comments and kind words.
11 - Kit O'Toole
I enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts as well as readers' comments. I'm glad that you, Josh, gave us a chance to talk about MJ's musical legacy instead of rehashing all the controversial stuff. And zingzing, I agree, "Liberian Girl" is an underrated song.
12 - Susan Keeping
Tink, I love what you said. I am the same age as you and that was it...Michael was our age. I remember them playing ABC at my grade 8 graduation dance. I lost interest later in life but I'll always remember that little boy and his incredible talent.
13 - graham woods
well now the three kings of music are in heven.king of rock and roll elvis.king of contrey johnny cash.king of pop michael jackson.thank you to all..