Michael Jackson: Remembering the Talent
Watching the TV coverage of the death of Michael Jackson this evening meant watching lots of video clips of Jackson performing at his peak. I would place that period roughly between 1975 and 1987, before…. well, before he began to be more famous for other things besides singing and dancing. A co-worker reminded me that many younger people in the audience just might be wondering what all the fuss is about; people younger than 20 could well know him more for bizarre plastic surgery procedures and a trial for child molesting than for moon walking and selling tens of millions of albums.
That’s as it should be. The famous and the non-famous are all responsible for their own legacies—what others will remember about them on the day when they die. Michael Jackson’s life and career fell apart the last 15-years, and that’s what people who became aware of him during that time will take away. For others closer to my own age, Michael Jackson represents a golden and gifted life gone tragically wrong. As odd a comparison as it may seem, his life has me thinking about Yankee great Mickey Mantle; someone with God-given talents who used them for a time, then wasted them through abuse, irresponsibility, and unresolved personal issues.
But when I watch those clips of Michael Jackson…. my goodness, what a one-in-a-billion talent he was in his heyday. The way he snapped off those brilliant dance moves, his consummate skill as a vocalist and songwriter, his ability to transcend genres and race to become a superstar for everyone. When my young children ask me who this Michael Jackson person was, and why are they making such a big fuss over his death, it’s that part of his life I’m going to tell them about the most: his talent. His incredible, singular talent.
I’ll close with one quick, second-hand story about Michael Jackson I heard a few years ago. I was at a function with movie director John Landis, who directed the “Thriller” video, and became a close friend of the singer. Landis’s wife told a story from the time when Jackson was at the peak of his worldwide fame, in the mid-80’s. He had come to the Landis home for dinner, and then just stuck around at the house. It had gotten very late, she wanted to go to bed, and Michael Jackson was still sitting by himself in their family room, watching television. Finally pulling her husband aside, she whispered “I don’t care if he IS the most famous person in the world. I need to go to bed!” It was a funny story, but also poignant in the way it captured how this strange and gifted person could be so famous, and yet so alone. Feel free to leave some of your thoughts and memories of Michael Jackson in comments.
Comments: 26
It is with great sadness when I heard the news the the King of Pop is no more and has passed on. Michael Jackson was a truely gifted and creative man and the most dynamic in the 20th Century. His career was tainted with a number of freakish scandals but his fans never stopped loving him. His musice turned on many generations. He had a great depth of passion and love for music that was unparalleled. When he did the moon walk, I had to learn how to copy his moves like many others did also. We lost a great legend and the world mourns his passing.
I REMEMBER WHEN I WENT TO JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL I PERFORMED THE SONG "BEAT IT". DESPITE ALL HIS PERSONAL LIFESTYLE, WHEN HE WAS ON STAGE IT WAS PERFECT YOU JUST COULDN'T TAKE YOUR EYES OF HIM. I BELIEVE HE COMPLETED HIS DESTINY AND LEFT FOOTPRINTS IN THE WORLD FOR THOSE TO FOLLOW. REST IN PEACE AND KEEP DANCING IN HEAVEN
Micheal is a legend always has been always will be no matter what others think Micheal JAckson forever left a finger print on MUSIC~~~
Micheal is a legend always has been always will be no matter what others think Micheal JAckson forever left a finger print on MUSIC~~~
Micheal is a legend always has been always will be no matter what others think Micheal JAckson forever left a finger print on MUSIC~~~
Is there any other news?????????
Ch9 Has real news on if you want news
He will always be an icon. I doubt anyone will ever surpass the amount of records that Thriller sold. As for his scandals - we all have our personal demons. Who are we to judge others??
He will always be an icon. I doubt anyone will ever surpass the amount of records that Thriller sold. As for his scandals - we all have our personal demons. Who are we to judge others??
I was in shock upon hearing of the tragedies - two great stars are gone - Michael and Farrah. We are mourning their loss. Michael was indeed the King of Pop! No one can surpass number of copies of his albums sold. Farrah is a legend, the blond angel known for her stunning looks and physique.
I am missing them both. Peace on to them.
He is too young to die, just 50. Although he life these years is messy, but his performance (those MVs) in the 80's was one of the top. He was one bright star.
May God smile on you Michael. You were a talent that only comes along once in a lifetime. You left us too soon. My heart goes out to your family, friends and fans like me. May you finally be at peace.
I don't care what anyone says -- nobody could "Beat It" like I could!
i agree.
i agree.
i agree.
i agree.
i agree.
Why should the Jackson Family pick up any of the tag for crowd control.. Is the city of L.A. going to share the taxes it's going to collect.. Do the math, hotel, rest.. supermarkets, parking, airports, taxis please this might help L.A. more than hurt.. but that wouldn't be told...
Thank you, Kevin.
Thank you, Kevin.
Thank you, Kevin.
Thank you, Kevin.
Thank you, Kevin.
Thank you, Kevin.
Now, will someone please untie me???!!!