When I was a young girl, Michael Jackson was my world. I was a fan of the Jackson 5 Motown classics, followed his solo departure with Off The Wall and gave him my preteen heart with the release of Thriller. Every day I’d come home from school, put on the record and craft dance routines along with my sister in front of the poster image of my hero that adorned our bedroom wall. I would day dream about owning my own red leather “Beat It” jacket, seeing him in concert and becoming friends with the music and dance icon. In 1984, one of my dreams came true when my grandfather returned home with 4 tickets to the Jackson 5 “Victory Tour”. My grandparents took my sister and I to our first concert, THE CONCERT—the one that I had pined to see all summer. The four of us sang and danced and felt so lucky to witness the magic. When I returned home from the concert, I wrote a 20 page review—careful to note every detail of the show—and mailed copies to all my friends and relatives. I wanted to share the wonder of Michael Jackson’s talents with the world.
Yesterday my childhood hero—an artist who broke records, broke down racial barriers and influenced generations of musicians and dancers—passed away at the age of 50. The circumstances of Michael Jackson’s death are still unknown although attending physicians say he suffered a cardiac arrest. In the days that follow I suspect we may learn details that are reminiscent of the tragic deaths of Heath Ledger and Anna Nicole Smith, fellow entertainers who medicated private pains. However, Jackson’s pains were never private. He wore his demons on his bizarrely reconstructed face which aided in the polarization of billions of fans spanning the globe. As the news of Jackson’s parting spreads, I can’t help wondering what the truth was behind the many years of tabloid headlines and thinking the King of Pop really died of a broken heart.
He was a hero in his youth, a villain in his 30’s and 40’s. Many fans were outraged by Jackson’s plastic surgery, eccentric lifestyle and behavior as well as the accusations involving children. Other fans loved and supported the icon through every infamous headline. I am left in a state of limbo, confused by how to resolve the talent with the controversy. However, I overlook my own sadness over the passing of Michael Jackson which leads me to believe that, ultimately, my childhood perception of who he was will prevail.
OurStage would like to send condolences to the friends and family of the entertainer. We also want to invite the music lovers and musicians of our community to share your own stories and thoughts about Michael Jackson. As we all process his untimely departure let the memories of his music and the moments that defined his talent replay in our minds and hearts.
R.I.P. THE KING OF POP I’m writing a song for him now.
I am one of the many people who have happy memories of making up “Thriller” dance routines, and the Free Willy theme song still makes me cry. You are missed, MJ.
Amen, KB. I incorporated a Michael Jackson reference into my wedding vows — the King will be missed.
My sister was born when Thriller came out. I was born when Bad came out. My brother was born when Dangerous came out. It’s a shame we grew up with three very different visions of who he was. One of my earliest memories was watching the video for “Black or White” with my mom after kindergarten and having my mind blown by all the crazy morphing sequences. My mom then busted out our copy of Thriller when she saw I was digging it and we proceeded to dance around the kitchen. She then told me about sitting around the school yard listening to The Jackson 5 with her friends on her transistor radio.
He made a lot of people all over the world happy with his music for decades, but it’s pretty awful that his own fame destroyed him in the end. At least people will just leave him alone now…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNl2Pm9-7Vk
I am privilaged that I managed to have seen him twice in concert and if I hadn’t been such I fan I wouldn’t have been making music.
I am just so sad and sorry that this great artist will never be seen again performing and doing what he loved best.
Michael I just want to thank you for sharing your great talent. I will never forget what you did for charity and what you did for humanity. I have to say that perhaps now you will get the respect that you so deserve. Its just a shame that it has taken the death of you for people to see the “Real Michael Jackson”
Pop will never be the same and there will never be another king of pop
Rest in Peace Michael x
Michael Jackson is the reason I do what I do and strive to be an artist. I know all people in music have had some Inspiration from the KING OF POP… I mourned yesterday for our Loss.. Today I stay focused and look ahead and continue to make music. I know my goal of making music with or hearing input from Michael is no longer possble but in my mind I will still push to show the world that he has paved the way for pop artists like myself. R.I.P MJ YOU WILL BE MISSED
I grew up with Micheal and the Jackson 5, while I new at a young age that it wasn’t my style I did understand and appreceated his talent.
He was very similiar to Elvis in many respects. He was famous as a child but the album “Thriller” rocked the world when he was in his early 20’s. The1st time I saw him moon walk was on an award show in the early 80’s, my jaw hit the floor, WOW!
Later in life they both evolved into a sad freak show that was more a result of the incredible adulation and constant media attention than anything else.
Both were surrounded by hangers on, leeches, that would do or say anything just to be kept on the payroll.
What disgusted me today was hearing Liza Minnelli state that all hell would break loose after the autopsy, its a little late for that don’t you think Liza, I am digusted to know that friends and family will allow enablers to continue to supply drugs to artists, keep their mouths shut.
If its proven that he overdosed on perscription drugs I hope that the penalty to the enablers is extremely harsh, hopefully it will serve a lesson for future enablers.
Its very sad. Tragic.
music lost an artery…
Ay Rest in paradise MJ you touched alot of lives It was shocking when I heard the news that he past awai I couldnt belive he was gone The king of pop will always live on.I know you didnt get to finish your tour but i know your in heaven doing a tour up there.
God saw you suffering so he took you awai so you wouldnt be suffering no more Rest.IN.Paradise Michael Jackson Gone But never forgotten.Am actually doing a song right now that Features him on the hook.
Yo Boi Julio.G
Heartbroken…
((
I was four years old when I fell in love with Michael & the Thriller album. That’s when I knew what I wanted to do with my life. He’s the reason I’m in music.
It’s when the music is so embedded in you… it’s part of your landscape, your childhood, your life… that it feels personal…
I feel like I lost someone I loved. Because I did.
No my good friend, my name is Ras Paulo, Its for me very hard to accept that Michael Jackson is dead. Here with I declare my deep deep, very deep CONDOLENCE with Michael´s World. And we want for the 25th. 06.2009, to be a worldwide Holiday. I wish you well where you´ are.
Great blog KB.
Like I said in my mass message to my Ourstage Fans, “The King Of Pop is gone, and I´m speechless”. I stayed up and watched CNN all that night until 5 am, and had trouble to sleep, waking up every half hour. I grew up listening to Michael. He influenced me, and so many people, and became a Mega Star, (actually I think that name was created for him) who sold more records than the Beatles. I don´t think there will ever be anyone like him again. The sad thing is, the industry and media made him, and then tried to tear him down, and almost destroyed him. I´m not saying Michael wasn´t a little weird, but he was a major talent, down to earth, always helping people, and he never forgot where he came from, and stayed in touch with those people through the years. Most people get a little bit of fame, and they suddenly don´t know their friends anymore.
Michael was the true meaning of a MEGA STAR.
There will never be another like him.
The King Of Pop is gone, but he will always be remembered.
1
DICARLO
He’s made such an impact not only through his music, but with his humanitarian works as well. He will be missed.
A GREAT Star, an inspiration for all!
R.I.P. Michael
Orelie White
I am a music producer with songs on Ourstage. My track called “We are the World” reminded me of Michael. That’s why I produced it. I created this track last year as a sort of tribute to him. His views and feelings about the world. His contributions as a humanitarian. A superstar whose star dimmed to us before time. But whose light shines brightly in heaven. We love you Michael. I was born in 1987 so I remember your “Bad” album. My mom has your “Thriller” album to this day without a scratch on it. We shall keep it as our legacy from you always.
all of my friends are Michael Jackson fans, we would really miss the King of Pop.
Michael Jackson will be the greatest pop singer in the whole world. Everyone will miss him.