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MICHAEL JACKSON…
By Anthony | June 30, 2009
Greetings,
Like many throughout the world I was stunned and saddened by the tragic news of Michael Jackson’s passing.
Initially I was a bit numb from the whole experience and wanted to avoid the news commentaries instead choosing to listen to as many of his musical gifts as possible – just think of the legendary greats he collaborated with – and then it hit me that the little boy who became a peerless legend is gone.
My favorite album is the 1979 mega hit “Off the Wall”, where Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder and so many other all stars teamed with MJ to create one of his many timeless pieces.
The more I listened to “She’s Out of My Life” and “Can’t Help It” – that seamless mix from song to song setting an amazing mood – I was reminded of how sincere he was to his craft and to the millions upon millions who appreciated the skill and showmanship.
As he matured artistically – at nine he was well beyond his years – MJ revolutionized the video music industry by turning his visual releases into world premieres and short movies with unmatched entertainment and messages.
Beyond “We Are the World”, “Man In the Mirror” and so many others I was reminded of the video for “Remember the Time”, the 1992 hit that was directed by John Singleton (MJ had film directors do most of his videos), with appearances from Iman, Magic Johnson and Eddie Murphy. It is set in ancient Egypt, and though there is a courtship between he and a female the backdrop conjures up powerful images of remembering the origins of civilization, and I’m sure that Michael had something to do with that.
What also should not be overlooked when speaking of music videos, and overall entertainment, are Michael’s forcing of the fledgling MTV network, and other largely white gatekeepers, to play the music of Black artists. Hopefully while many in the media are assessing his life they will point this out and realize that without MJ the world would not have had the opportunity to marvel at his greatness and those that followed him.
Among the many beautiful things about MJ’s works was that he pushed the envelope and teetered on the edge, but unlike some of today’s narcissistic artists Michael allowed his music and true skill to take you there. He was a master entertainer, who took great pride in studying every minute detail of his presentation, while also remaining a gentleman in his appearances with females.
One could not look at Michael Jackson’s nearly 51 years without addressing the pain he lived with, as no better example is the relationship with his father and the rumors of abuse. Well after Joe Jackson’s statements following the BET Music Awards, where he reminded everyone of his record label just days after his son’s death, even the unconvinced could certainly see there was dysfunction.
Yet, like many creative geniuses Michael willed his artistic expressions to the fore and allowed it to serve as medicine.
Sadly though, there were obvious demons that surfaced just like with Van Gogh, Thelonious Monk, Frank Lloyd Wright, Charlie Parker and countless others where the dichotomy of pain and creative perfection exists.
Over the last decade the molestation allegations had to take a huge toll even with the acquittal and light of truth finally exposing the accusers and their parents, while also compelling some in the media, like Aphrodite Jones, to recognize the sinister nature and report the conspiratorial possibilities, there was still irreparable damage.
For me the salient point is the way even the “King of Pop” became expendable and was kicked to the curb by the same industry that allowed him to reach mega star status on their terms - again, please know that MTV wasn’t interested in playing his/Black music until he threatened them. Yes, Michael revolutionized entertainment as we know it and winked at the masses by dropping social hints here and there, but after reaching never to be seen again heights at such a young age what else was left to achieve?
Subsequently, he became vulnerable again and even seduced by his own fame.
How ironic that because he never had a childhood he remained a child and was vicariously living through the many young fans he befriended, and that those in power knew the buttons to press to construct his demise. Oh, it would’ve been so courageous if someone in his inner circle could have alerted him of this.
On so many levels his death is surreal, but cold water nonetheless.
For not only does it raise seriously needed questions about the entertainment industry and prescription drug use it also clearly illustrates the depths of mental illness.
Now, we all have issues, demons and skeletons – I certainly do – and the levels that are taken to address, or not address, them can be severe.
MJ’s vitiligo notwithstanding, his conscious decision to drastically alter his natural appearance is disturbing and speaks to a level of self-hatred that lives in many.
Posthumously, I hope his passing will force many to choose self-empowerment over the need to have someone else’s perspective validate them and healing over self-indulgence.
PEACE
Topics: Videos |
July 27th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
M. Jackson
1 Thursday, 02 July 2009 15:15
George
Michael Jackson was a pervert and child molester. He doesn’t deserve the publicity he got with his death.
July 27th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Michael Jackson
2 Saturday, 04 July 2009 07:07
Matthew Langton
Michael Jackson,was and always be the greatest performer that has ever lived. We have had the honour of seeing someone with other worldly talent that comes once in a lifetime. RIP Michael. May you find the peace that you deserve, you will never be forgoten.
April 27th, 2010 at 5:51 am
I really miss Michael Jackson. He is truly the greatest pop singer of the century. Farewell king of pop..
May 3rd, 2010 at 12:21 pm
there is no doubt that Michael Jackson is the best ever pop music artist of the Centruy`-;
May 3rd, 2010 at 5:37 pm
i will really miss the King of Pop. michael jackson is truly the best pop artist in this lifetime.-”.
June 20th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
oh yeah! black music is the best.:;’
July 12th, 2010 at 5:33 am
black music today is sort of on the mainstream. any kind of music is still good music-’~