In the immediate wake of the news of Michael Jackson's sudden cardiac arrest, coma and ultimate death (a process that damn near exploded Twitter), I have few worthy words. He was undoubtedly one of the greatest talents of our time, creative or otherwise. That a young boy from Gary, Indiana, would make his way to Detroit and Motown is our profound fortune, not his. Jackson inspired intense love from people all over the world, a kind of love that is difficult for me to so much as attempt to articulate. For my part, I remember being nine-years-old and weeping at the video of "Man in the Mirror," so moved I was. (UPDATE: Thanks Mark B. for finding the link to the full video; makes me a bit emotional still.) Jackson's troubling family story, and distressing, often maddening later years offer no easy answers to the many billions of us who, despite ourselves, really care.
Which is not to imply that we didn't feed off his pain and his problems like scavengers, dignity be damned. We should be ashamed of ourselves. There are those out there who are spitting more than a few sick jokes even now. I am repulsed.
I hope he was happy, at least for a time or two.
Jackson, in his 50th year, was launching a serious of 50 concerts in London, scheduled to start in just a couple weeks. The concerts all sold out in nanoseconds. It is a testament to his immense genius that we are, still, loyal.
With that, let us turn our attention once more to a selection of the greatest moments of Jackson's artistic life, and in the lives of any music-lover.
My god, that voice, that music, those moves, that style ... Michael Jackson, we hardly knew ye.
Jackson performs "Billie Jean," a song from his new album, at the Motown 25th anniversary concert in 1983. Here, he debuted the moonwalk. UPDATE: In Jackson's 1993 interview with Oprah (his first television interview in 14 years), the artist said that after this performance, he cried backstage because he felt like he hadn't done good enough. He didn't feel better about the show until a kid complimented him in the parking lot; he trusted that the kid had no reason to lie.
The Jackson 5 performs "I Want You Back," a 1969 number-one single from the group's debut album (which in turn was titled Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5). Michael was ten-years-old.
Jackson performs "Smooth Criminal," a single off the 1987 Bad album, at a concert in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1997. "Smooth Criminal" was part of Jackson's film, Moonwalker--which in turn inspired this little gem.
At the 1988 Grammy awards, Jackson performed "Man in the Mirror" with a gospel choir. "Man in the Mirror" was a number-one hit that spring and was nominated for Record of the Year at the awards ceremony.
And of course ... this little revolution in 13.41 minutes.
Image Credit: The New York Times
The little boy from Gary Indiana.
Jackson Five and oh yes,
Michael.
The Michael Jackson doll they sold
and the one I bought for you.
To his songs I danced to since I was 8 then later to
Billie Jean and Triller too.
A man with much talent - whose music & talent no matter if you hated or loved him; nobody can deny and will live on.
For fantastic memories & music and WE ARE THE WORLD - thank you!
Posted by: Patti | June 25, 2009 at 07:56 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmxT21uFRwM
~ RIP Michael ~
Posted by: Patti | June 25, 2009 at 08:10 PM
I've got his music on high rotation now, and expect to for the next week or so, until maybe this sinks in.
Posted by: freeverse21 | June 25, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Love that video with the pictures of him with his brothers, as kids. RIP.
Posted by: STC | June 25, 2009 at 10:07 PM
I went to bed being sad about Farrah Fawcett, and I woke up with MJ dead. What's happened to the world? I can't wait to have Rosemary listen to the music like I did growing up. But it won't be the same.
Posted by: Elizabeth Clark | June 26, 2009 at 04:29 AM
Patti (Mom), thanks for the link ... and the Michael Jackson dolls ("action figures") who wore some sweet red leather clothes and sequined socks.
Freeverse21, I suspect the whole world's listening along with you.
STC, I love that video too! Can't believe it was a commercial. That image him and his brothers sleeping makes my heart ache.
Elizabeth, I think I know what I'm getting Rosemary for her first birthday ....
Posted by: Anna Clark | June 26, 2009 at 11:00 AM
he is a goooooooooooooooooooood dancer and singer in the world no one can do that work like michael jackson will ever be the king ok pop
Posted by: hemanth | June 28, 2009 at 05:38 AM
Nearly a year since he died...nd even though I didn't know him how much I wanted to...I hpe he is in peace now with GOD. I want you back Michael Jackson nd I really miss you. You rocked so many people's worlds and you are sadly missed by millions all over the world. God Bless you Michael Jackson, you were an angel sent down to Earth...xx
Posted by: Susie | June 11, 2010 at 01:10 PM