Some are wondering how Michael Jackson will be remembered. For his music as the true “King of Pop”? Or as the entertainer whose success was overcome by lawsuits, sordid accusations and bizarre behavior?
I suspect the question’s being answered loud and clear by the way the world is reacting to his sudden death.
How many of us went home last night and played his music? (I must confess I actually got out of bed, turned all the TV coverage off and cranked up the CD player.)
It’s been noted that Jackson set the entertainment standard that so many who followed have tried to emulate. That alone leaves his bold fingerprint on our culture.
He also blazed a new trail by combining R & B and pop and, in the process, became hugely popular with both black and white fans. He helped erase the color line. Today, both hard rock radio stations and urban contemporary stations are playing his music.
I grew up a huge Motown fan. I was terribly saddened in 1984, with the sudden death of Marvin Gaye. But today, 25 years later, I still have his music.
Many of us cannot forget MJ’s bizarre behaviour toward children. He bragged about sleeping with them as an ‘adult’. He bought his way out of charges of being a child molester. This was MJ, no doubt about it. So long MJ, we certainly are better off without you as a child ‘toucher’. He was a freak of nature and it showed everytime he appeared on TV. Who would attend court in PJ’S, for example? He is NOT an icon to be admired.
I think Little Richard was just so out there, back in the day!
Michael was the best!!!!!! He contributes so much to people no matter what their race was. I remember Hands across America. That was awesome. It’s a shame that no television or network has mentioned that. I believe that was Michael ways to bring this nation together as one. He will truly be miss. He is an untouchable legend.
I have been a fan of Michael Jackson from day one. I have always loved his dance moves, his music and his overall immense talent. He is and was a brillant and one of a kind entertainer. There will never be another Michael Jackson….never….However I have always felt sorry for him, people say how wierd he was etc. I think people need to try to have some empathy for him. He was SO famous, he could not go anywhere in the world without being recognized. That means, the places we take for granted…the grocery store, the gas station, the doctors, out in his yard. He was a prisoner by his fame. If you couldn’t go anywhere, you would have pets, animals, anything that would keep you company, that you could trust. Imagine not being able to even go outside because of the cameras etc. What a lonely life. I think the media goes to far…what right do we have to invade every aspect of their lives…when will it stop…..give them space….or you are going to continue to have Michael Jacksons, Elvis Presleys, Princess Dianas, die at early ages in part due to the pressures of their fame….they have shared their talent with us….but that should not mean that we feel the need to invade every aspect of their lives….they are still human beings. Look at Britney…I am sorry she should be able to go to the drive thru of a fast food restaurant and order a burger for gods sake….and the whole crotch shot…first of all in the private world…what someone wears underneath or not is no ones business….if the cameras were not looking…they would not have ever have known….someone needs to have some control over the so called “freedom of the press”….we are pushing these people to use drugs by cornering them, invading their privacy etc….they are turning to drugs, alcohol for an escape….how sad…
When I watched Michael Jackson as a young child singing I just knew he would change the world with his music.
I really don’t care what M.J did he was a great preformer. As a child watching M.J do his thing. I’m glad that i was born in the time of M.J.