It’s so hard for me to express to you the loss I feel over the death of Michael Jackson. First of all he was only 50 years old, secondly he was an icon and thirdly we have lost three great icons in so few days, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and now Michael Jackson. It still amazes me that we have lost so many "greats" in so short of a time. Who didn’t want to look like Farrah? Who didn’t want to be "Michael Jackson". For some Michael was an enigma to others he was a hero. No matter which way you look at it Michael was somewhere beyond amazing.
My first album as a thirteen year old was "Thriller". I was so excited to have it and believe it or not kids, yes I’m that old, it was on vinyl. I loved that album. As many of you know I am a professional singer and "Billy Jean" was one of the first Michael Jackson songs I learned, "Ben" was first. I can still recall clearly my cousin and I walking to our favorite swimming hole with me singing "Billie Jean" to her, showing her my vocal stylings.
Clearly not everyone feels the same about the eccentric artist. Regardless of how you feel about him, one has to recognize the man was a great musician, talented beyond belief and suffered greatly, as many artists do. His unexpected death is going to give all of his fans a hard blow. He touched millions, and that in and of itself is a feat on it’s own. He changed the face of music, not only his own but also how music was presented including choreography and costumes as well as music video presentation, particularly the "Thriller" album video production.
At the time of his death today he was in rehearsals preparing for a comeback tour and it is terribly sad that his fans will never get to see it. I’m more than touched by the sad loss of a controversial person who also held many treasured memories in my childhood. He may have had a rocky life but he gave so many so much and he paid for it dearly in the press, who loved to make him the sacrificial pig. He will dearly be missed. He is the next John Lenon, Elvis Presley, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix. The ones who leave us before their time is due and before the public has begun to get enough of them.
