Thoughts on Michael Jackson's Death

If you've read some of my older posts, then you know that I have repeatedly cited the 80's as the decade which eternally ruined music; the so-called "powder-keg" which once lit, led to the unfortunate downfall of the music industry. However, despite my chronic disappointment of not having been a flower child, I am not ashamed to admit that one of the few high points of growing up during the Regan years was growing up with Michael Jackson (well, his music). Unlike the dreck that clogs the Hot 100 today, Jackson actually WROTE and COMPOSED many of the songs that have evolved into iconic standards. I have little doubt that his vast catalog of hits will remain exemplary models for as long as man listens to music.

Let me cite a few examples of why his music is so great: first and foremost, his style has been mimicked by Madonna, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Brittney Spears, his sister Janet, and probably by every other R&B/Pop star born after 1980; he practically invented and re-invented the music video beginning with "Beat It" and "Thriller" and continuing onward with "Black or White" and "Remember the Time;" his songs have been sampled and covered innumerable times by acts of all ages and genres ranging from Fall Out Boy to Alien Ant Farm to Chris Cornell; his music is reguarly played at the hottest Manhattan night spots and are amongst the most popular at karaoke bars all over the world (I can't help but think of the [only] funny scene in Rush Hour 2 where Chris Tucker flawlessly performs "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough"); televison programs like American Idol dedicate entire episodes paying homage to his catalog; he has been famously (and reverently) parodied by Weird Al Yankovic, who notably, was personally granted permission by Michael himself to spoof his music; he started eternal fads like the Moonwalk and the ubiquitous over-sized aviator sunglasses (and you know you wanted that red leather jacket when you were in 2nd grade); and he remains a household name amongst children and octogenarians alike, from the most metropolitan cities in the U.S. to the smallest villages in the African plains. I imagine that his name falls on that list alongside Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny and McDonald's as one of the most recognizable names on Earth.

He is a legend and I hope that in years to come, all of the nonsense that plagued his life (and surely precipitated his untimely death) will be overlooked, and he will be remembered for what he did best -- make us happy. Alas, the King of Rock and the King of Pop are now united in that great kingdom in the sky, and I suppose they will compare notes and share a few laughs about the genius and drama that surrounded their lives...or so we may read about while in line at the grocery store.

DS, Weightstaff