Just what you want to read - one more personal observation about Michael Jackson and what he means to me. Many people are so affected by this death. Many others are outraged that so much attention is being paid, when "real news events" are being ignored. I have little tolerance for these rants. Each individual has the freedom to turn off the radio, change the television channel etc... This type of "non-news" is published EVERYDAY so obviously there is an enormous public appetite for it.
The last time I remember something similar was when Princess Diana was killed. I still remember where I was then too. One difference was the way and the speed with which this news was spread. On June 25th, I was at work, and my friend called me, and a co-worker sent me an email. We all immediately jumped online to check different news websites, in the ill-fated hope that this was a cruel hoax. I called my brother when I got home, and his friend had already texted him the news.
Why do people feel a connection to these superstars? Why do they mourn the deaths of strangers? Is it a chance to escape their everyday life, which might be difficult, or perhaps just humdrum? I'm not sure.
I felt sad that all the strange behavior and disturbing allegations against Michael Jackson that have overshadowed his amazing talent in recent years, and that his sudden death occurred on the verge of his final concert tour.
I grew up listening to his music. This nostalgia is probably part of the feeling for people in my age group. Off the Wall is the only record I owned on LP, cassette and CD. Mom, Michael and I listened to Thriller while dancing around the kitchen over and over.
Another way he stood out is that he was an original. I hear so much music that copies or samples other artists. Or a really great musician will just record an album of standards that we've heard many times before. I realize that this is also a form of creativity, but I admire the originality even more. I distinctly remember that when Michael Jackson released an album he was "cool". But then a few years passed, and then he was considered "uncool".... until the next release!
While he is not on my top-ten artists of all time list, he wrote many songs. Some inspiring and beautiful, others that make one want to get up and dance. If I am feeling grumpy, music is a reliable healer. If you are in this type of mood, you might want to put on:
Blame it on the Boogie (The Jacksons)
Don't Stop Till You Get Enough
Ease On Down the Road (from the Wiz)
If you want to feel uplifted and inspired, listen to:
Heal the World
Will You Be There
Man in the Mirror
If you've never seen it, check on the video on You Tube for "Man in the Mirror"
I was in college when Bad was released, and didn't have access to a television, so I'd never seen this video until a couple of weeks ago.
I have no way to know what type of person Michael Jackson really was. But what I do know is his songs. They were beautiful and original, and he will live on forever through his music. Hope I haven't offended anyone TOO much.
PS - I admit I watched the public service today.
The last time I remember something similar was when Princess Diana was killed. I still remember where I was then too. One difference was the way and the speed with which this news was spread. On June 25th, I was at work, and my friend called me, and a co-worker sent me an email. We all immediately jumped online to check different news websites, in the ill-fated hope that this was a cruel hoax. I called my brother when I got home, and his friend had already texted him the news.
Why do people feel a connection to these superstars? Why do they mourn the deaths of strangers? Is it a chance to escape their everyday life, which might be difficult, or perhaps just humdrum? I'm not sure.
I felt sad that all the strange behavior and disturbing allegations against Michael Jackson that have overshadowed his amazing talent in recent years, and that his sudden death occurred on the verge of his final concert tour.
I grew up listening to his music. This nostalgia is probably part of the feeling for people in my age group. Off the Wall is the only record I owned on LP, cassette and CD. Mom, Michael and I listened to Thriller while dancing around the kitchen over and over.
Another way he stood out is that he was an original. I hear so much music that copies or samples other artists. Or a really great musician will just record an album of standards that we've heard many times before. I realize that this is also a form of creativity, but I admire the originality even more. I distinctly remember that when Michael Jackson released an album he was "cool". But then a few years passed, and then he was considered "uncool".... until the next release!
While he is not on my top-ten artists of all time list, he wrote many songs. Some inspiring and beautiful, others that make one want to get up and dance. If I am feeling grumpy, music is a reliable healer. If you are in this type of mood, you might want to put on:
Blame it on the Boogie (The Jacksons)
Don't Stop Till You Get Enough
Ease On Down the Road (from the Wiz)
If you want to feel uplifted and inspired, listen to:
Heal the World
Will You Be There
Man in the Mirror
If you've never seen it, check on the video on You Tube for "Man in the Mirror"
I was in college when Bad was released, and didn't have access to a television, so I'd never seen this video until a couple of weeks ago.
I have no way to know what type of person Michael Jackson really was. But what I do know is his songs. They were beautiful and original, and he will live on forever through his music. Hope I haven't offended anyone TOO much.
PS - I admit I watched the public service today.
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