The shock of Michael's death is immeasurable to me. How could it be? We're of the same age, and now he's gone. Thankfully, through his music he will always live on. My prayers go out to his family, friends and fans for the strength needed to get through this most trying of times.
Michael Jackson made me a music fan, period. As an 8-year-old child, Jackson was the first musician I ever really noticed. His collaboration with Paul McCartney, "Say Say Say," led to my discovery of '60s pop/rock and Motown R&B in one fell swoop. Almost every musical exploration I've embarked upon can be traced back, at least indirectly, to my early obsession with Jackson. But his best work transcends simple nostalgia; his best singles are era-defining masterpieces. And his generally underrated mid-'70s work with his brothers is electrifying. Listen to the title track from Destiny, in light of his tragic passing, and just try not to be moved.
Okay, first let me say I did not know Michael Jackson. But, like him, I was born in Gary, Indiana. Beginning with the song "ABC," throughout my existence Michael Jackson has been around.
Looking back at the times in which I grew up in I know there was racism, but it was through their success that they transcended color. Like a local football team, they were home town heroes. When the Osmonds came on the scene, they were they were the enemy. The Jacksons were our guys.
The Jacksons faded and Michael came to the spotlight with his solo career. Even moreso, he was one of our own. Again, his success transcended boundaries. Today, many talk about his eccentricities, his weirdness, and his lifestyle. Like Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman, good or bad, Michael Jackson will always be a hometown hero.
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..