RIP MJ

As most people already know and have heard Michael Jackson died yesterday at the relatively young age of 50. The whole world stopped in shock to mourn his sudden passing.

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I myself have been struck hard by the news. I know why but I don’t at the same time. Over the years many celebrities I have grown up with have passed on and I would be sad but I never wanted to cry or it didn’t affect my mood. But this, this is something different. It is not just me that feels that way it is everyone. The mood generally seems somber.

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Michael Jackson was an icon (saying ‘was’ hurts). He defined ‘icon’. Most musical careers that followed were based on his. Everyone wanted to be as rich, famous, and talented but no one has ever reached his level. Even with all his eccentricities and flaws his immense talent always over shadowed all of it. Especially now that he has passed you get to see how people really felt about him. They may not have liked his actions or how he presented himself but when his music is played people listen and they dance.

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Even the media who have a habit of focusing on and sensationalizing the bad have managed to mostly say good things about him. There were a number of impromptu retrospectives on last night that followed his career. They only skimmed over the scandals and focused on his impact on the world.

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He has been making music since he was 9. While most of us would have been playing in the mud or with dolls he was out singing his way around the world. Ever since the Jackson 5 won that talent contest at the Apollo he has been on the go, singing, dancing, and sharing himself with the world. His bright eyes and shy smile drew you in and his energy, enthusiasm and skill helped him to make his way into the homes and lives of people around the world.

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Jackson’s voice was a wonder. Even without back-up it was musical. He could stand and sing and everyone who could hear would be lost in it. He never just sang a song he lived it, felt it. From a fast tempo to a slow ballad he makes you feel and understand every word. When you hear song like “Man in the Mirror” or “Beat it” or “Ben” or “Thriller” it is just so easy to get lost.

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Then there was his dancing. The biggest influence to his style was James Brown. If you look and his early performances there is Brown’s trade mark shuffle, side step and drop split present. He managed to take those moves and evolve them into something of his own. Dancers, choreographers, and other artists will continue emulated Jackson’s unique style and moves.

No matter what happened later on, Michael Jackson was a treasure. Not just in North America but the world. His was a talent that will never be seen again but will be shared for generations to come.

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