Michael Jackson: The End of an Era

My brother was just one and I wasn’t even in the picture, but in 1982, an album entitled “Thriller” was released. Little did the world know that this would go on to be the best selling album worldwide, selling over 100million copies. It made the man who released this album, the KING OF POP.

Born Michael Joseph Jackson in 1958, he was the 7th child of the Jackson family. MJ made is professional debut on to the music scene when he was just 11 years old. He along with his four brothers became known as the Jackson 5. Years later Michael would go solo and become an iconic entertainer.

I am trying to find the words to express what the King of Pop meant to me, but I can’t seem to find it. His death is still a shock to me, as I know it is for others around the world. Michael was blessed with a talent, that comes only once in a lifetime and I am so very blessed to have been able to be part of a generation that he re-invented time and time again. He was an entertainer that made music from the soul, a dancer that danced as though it was the last step he made, a producer, who took the beat from within and made it phenomenal, a composer, arranger, you name it, and he did it. MJ did something for music that no one else was able to do, his status is larger than life. He is this generation’s Elvis Presley.

His soul was playful and because of that, he was able to make music that was out of this world. A professional, who didn’t take himself seriously, but went with his heart and created a piece of work that is considered by Congress “Culturally Significant.” Michael was just one of those people that was supposed to be great; it was his gift from God.

His impact on pop culture is so powerful; that is remains supreme even to this day. He was a worldwide phenomenon who broke race, gender, culture and age barriers, and was regarded as arguably the greatest entertainer in any genre. His signature voice, dance moves and fashion inspired pop- culture worldwide. He is the only artist who had broken racial barriers, both in the United States and internationally. He was embraced by everyone, young, and old, black, and white, you name it, they loved him.

His influence paved the way not only for artist, but for comedians, talk show hosts, athletes and some would say presidents. Michael is what Billy Cobsy is to comedy, what Oprah is to TV, what Michael Jordan is to sports, and what President Barack Obama is to Politics. He broke the barriers that allowed them to influence mainstream, like he did and he will still do. His legacy is unparallel and he is not only an influence to pop music, but to music in general.

The King of Pop was the only person who brought any color, creed, religion, race together in one place. His life, sometimes misunderstood was nothing short of greatness. His presence is massive, his talent is unmatched.

He will forever be remembered through his phenomenal music and will always be the KING OF POP. May your music help keep us as one people on this earth, as you put it “it don’t matter if you’re black or white.” May your soul rest in peace.

If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.--MJ