It seems surreal typing this right now. Even after all the CNN, BET, MTV and Vh-1 coverage, I still can't grasp the fact that Michael Jackson is gone. We all have our stories of what Mike meant to us and what song made us want to throw our cares away and just dance the night away. I can remember growing up in Baltimore and wanting to watch Friday night videos to see the new talked about video from Michael of course known as 'Thriller.' As a 6-year-old in 1982, I was scared out of mind of that video but it was intoxicating to me even at a young age. I begged my mom to let to stay up to watch it and although I closed my eyes a few times I was hooked. Michael became my favorite artist of all times from that day forth.
I like any other kid and or teenager wanted to move like Mike. I wanted to have the precise moves and feet of magic. In our lifetime we rarely have a chance if ever to encounter greatness. I can honestly say I (we) all have encountered greatness from a special child from Gary, Indiana who grew to become the 'King Of Pop.' His music is timeless and fresh and will last for centuries to come.
Growing up I was that class-clown and some may argue I am still but I digress. :) But one of my favorite things to do and still till today is to dance like Michael Jackson. I had the moves down to a 'T'. There wasn't a time when I wouldn't bust out in a Mike dance routine as a kid when 'Beat It' came on the radio. Or in the hallways and talents shows at school. Most took it for laughs because of my long branchy body flying all over the place but to me I was Michael. I even took that same feeling as I became a man. Still today I will get a circle around me to bust out some Mike when one of his many songs hit the airwaves.
I know many will try to focus on the odd and peculiar things that have happen in the latter years of his life. But I ask why? We all have our demons and flaws in our life but just because this man was bigger than life it was blown out of proportion and set for the world to see. I believe those who were so quickly to revel in his greatness and pat him on the back were also the first to casts stones at him and shun him when things went bad. Michael was a visionary and truly gifted artist. He will be missed and greatly admired for his work to heal the world! Folks may focus on his idiosyncrasies and odd behavior at times but that won't ever take away from the bright star he was and will always be. Again in our lifetime we are only given a chance to witness greatness and when we do we must cherish those moments. So much love goes out to Michael Jackson. Thank you for all the magic you created and may God protect you now in the gates of heaven.
Enjoy this play list that I put together of some of my favorite Michael Jackson songs!
