You know, it's been nearly nine months since Michael Jackson died. No matter what you think of of the man, how he died, what he has been accused of in his life, he has been a force in creativity of the likes we have never seen.
I came to the Jackson phenomenon later in life. As a preacher's kid, I was forbidden to listen to secular music, but when 1983 rolled around and I had my little clock radio, I listened to secular music by my bed as I laid down to sleep. When I heard "Thriller", I knew it was a song that transcended space and time. It was not a 'black' song; it was not a 'white' song...it was a song that was interplanetary. It defied the 'norm'. It was brilliance.
Over the past decade or so, I had lost track of Michael Jackson, but because of his abrupt death several months ago, I have been reminded of him as a mainstream pop idol. The last time I had him in my mind was when Princess Diana died. I was getting ready to do an all-night shift at work (11:00pm - 7:00am) and I was playing his CD. In particular, the track "History", over and over again. It was something about the lyrics that drew me in. Here I was a simple hotel clerk getting ready to do an all-night shift, just so I could be there in the morning to greet guests as they checked themselves out of a $525-a-night hotel room (more than I paid in a month for rent). His song gave me a sense of pride. It made me feel like no matter how low my station in life at the time, what I did, what I gave of myself was important...I was making history.
It was that night that SHE died.
I will never forget that. It was almost as if The Fates had brought me to an anthem of music that was to foretell of something that was about to happen.
Diana died that night.
This evening, I finally decided to watch "This Is It", the documentary that shows us how Michael Jackson was preparing for his 'last' tour. And I am beside myself. Watching the movie, I am humbled that he was such a perfectionist in planning, performing, and showmanship.
Whatever he has brought to the world, or whatever he has brought upon himself, you must give him one thing...he IS talent PERSONIFIED. I only wish the rest of us could be so uninhibited.
Remember, all we have is NOW. It's not the past, it's not the future. Life is NOW!
Tomorrow is NOT promised.
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9 Comments:
Good post. I think Thriller remains my favorite!
Oh, Cory, there is an obituary posted on Renee's blog. It went up about 30 minutes ago if you haven't already seen it. I teared up reading it.
Michael Jackson was a song and dance genius. It's a tragedy that the rest of his life did not enhance his reputation.
Great post. "Interplanetary" is just the right word. That is what I loved so much in Jackson - No matter if you´re black or white was his mantra and he lived that in his music. Once I have been in one of his concerts and being dancer myself at this time I was not only overwhelmed by his performance. There was a moment I noticed all the people of different nationalities and colors around me melting together to ONE powerful community full of happiness and euphory, it was incredible!!
My husband worked in a hotel in munich where Michael Jackson booked a suite for one week. They had to build in a dancefloor in this suite, specially for his one week stay (seriously!) - and my hubby said after one week this dancefloor looked like he used it for a year or longer. I think that tells much about what a perfectionist he was.
I wished this man did not end up so tragic. He was so inspiring and he wrote History indeed.
Thanks for remembering him.
Mahalo ~ Bettina
Very true indeed...he was and will always be an icon...
Very introspective! Like you, I grew up very religious also, so I couldn't listen to secular music. I remember watching the Thriller video at my next door neighbor's house during a sleepover. That was when I completely fell in love with Michael's music!
Great post! Although I am not a huge Jackson fan I find a few of his songs incredible and keep them in my playlist regularly. However, like you say, regardless of anything else he had a immense talent and will always be remembered for it.
Amen, brother.
I feel like "This Is It" was the concert we never got to see. It was said that Michael agreed to do the show so that his kids could see for themselves exactly what it is that he does.
Now we all get to see it also.
A tragic, tortured soul. I hope he is now, finally at peace.
I never saw it and don't think I will. Mainly cuz that Orianthi girl plays guitar in the concert and I HATE her song on the radio.
Besides, I doubt MJ performed mah FAVO Jacko song, "You Rock My World" from that failed album of his with the creepy cover art, "Invincible." LOVE THAT SONG!
"That's why I always have to have you heeeeeeeeeeeeere! (woooo!)"
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