Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 and died on June 25, 2009. I will never forget where I was when I heard the news that Michael Jackson had died. At first I refused to believe it, how could this be? My second thought was "Please God no! On June 25 at 2:26 pm the King of Pop died and so did a part of my childhood.
I remember the wonder and beauty of Michael's presence on stage, in his younger years he was so joyful and always had an aura of kindness and innocence. He was a phenomenon, such artistry and originality; I don't think the world will ever see anyone like him again. He was truly one of a kind.
He was destined to be a star, emerging onto the scene in 1962 at only 5 years old to join his older siblings in "The Jackson 5" which spanned many number one hits such as I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save and I'll Be There. He grew up in front of our eyes and sadly never really got to experience a normal childhood. He achieved much success performing with his family band but it was his solo career that has made him the legend he is today.
His first solo album "Off the Wall" released in 1979 completely blew the world away, featuring hits such as "Rock with you", "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" and "She's Out of My Life".
His second solo album "Thriller" released in 1982 went on to become the best selling album of all time with many hits still widely played today such as, "Beat It", "Billie-Jean" and "Thriller". He amazed the world with his infamous "Moonwalk" dance moves and his music video for "Thriller" revolutionized music videos into a work of art and has made "MTV" what it is today.
In 1987 he released his third solo album "Bad" with chart topping hits like, The Way You Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror and Dirty Diana. This album was highly successful and topped the billboard charts. The song Man in the Mirror was inspirational and the lyrics so heartfelt, I believe that Michael wanted the world to be a better place he wanted to heal the world, he gave so much of himself and we just kept taking, I wish that he had been able to heal himself, I wish he was still here.
In 1991 he released his fourth solo album Dangerous. He embarked on a world tour and visited many countries that had never been visited by a pop artist, his song Heal the World touched people all across the globe. Michael founded the Heal the World Foundation in an effort to change the world and make it a better place for all children.
In 1995 he released his fifth solo album HIStory, a double album featuring new music and a collection of his greatest hits. This album produced many hits such as, Scream, Earth Song, They Don't Care About Us and You Are Not Alone. The single You Are Not Alone was the first single to debut at # 1 on the Billboard Music Charts and broke records, this song is still widely played today and I think is a true reflection of Michael's gentle and loving spirit.
In 1997 he released his sixth solo album a remix of his hits called Blood On The Dancefloor. This album also contained five new songs and a music video for Ghosts
After the terrorist attacks in New York in 2001, Michael organized a benefit concert called United We Stand, What More Can I Give The single What More Can I Give was written for the soul purpose of raising money for charities to help victims and families of the 9-11 tragedy. This to me is the essence of Michael Jackson, his loving and giving nature, he was always trying to help others and give back to the world.
In 2001 he released his seventh solo album Invincible with two #1 singles You Rock My World and Cry. This album featured many artists such as Notorious B.I.G, Brandy and R. Kelly.
In 2003 he released the album Number Ones featuring a collection of his greatest hits and a new single One More Chance.
In 2005 Sony Records released The Essential Michael Jackson a two disc compilation featuring 36 hit songs such as, Ben, Human Nature, The Way You Make Me Feel, Dirty Diana, Thriller and many more. Upon the news of Michael's death in June 25, 2009 the album soared to the #1 spot on ITunes Download Chart.
Michael was more than just a musical legend he was also a humanitarian who did so many good works and gave so much of himself to help others in need. He holds the Guinness World of Records for his charity work and should be remembered for his good works not for the scandals and rumors that plagued his life.
The media was very unkind to Michael and he did not deserve to be treated so callously. It makes me so sad to think of the emotional pain he suffered and in many ways I believe the stress and anxiety caused by all of the false allegations is a main factor leading up to his dependency on prescription drugs and premature death.
Michael was often misunderstood; I believe that he was a boy trapped inside a man's body. He never got to experience a normal childhood and he was always trying to recapture that. I don't believe he was a child molester. He loved children in an innocent way, he wanted to be a child so he surrounded himself with children because it made him feel like a kid again.
When I think of my own childhood I can honestly say the soundtrack of my youth was made up of Michael Jackson's music. His songs stir up emotions and memories of growing up in the 1980-s and I can still remember staring at the television in awe, my eyes round with amazement watching him perform the "Moonwalk" and thinking that he must be magic.
The King of Pop will never truly die, he is a legend, and his music will live in our hearts forever. Rest in peace Mr. Jackson you are gone too soon, we will never forget the way you made us feel. Thank you for the music and the memories.