(August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)
It has been nine days since the passing of the greatest music artist to ever live... There hasn't been an event in my memory that has left the whole world in shock as much as this. Its rare when you can actually have an artist who truly transcends the boundaries of music genres like Michael has; just minutes after his death you could turn to any radio station and here them paying tribute to the beloved icon. The man dubbed the "King of Pop" has accomplished feats in the music industry that will never be matched again by any artist; with 13 Grammy awards, 13 number one singles as a solo artist, and his album "Thriller" carrying the title as best selling album of all time, he is sure to be remembered in history as he is one of the few artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll two times.
Jackson has constantly revolutionized the music industry, from his truly incredible music videos to his unmatchable stage presence...he has set a precedent that has inspired countless musicians across the world. It was evident since the days of preforming along his brothers in the Jackson 5 that he was something special. As Michael Jackson announced his last tour, for the later stages of 2009 and early 2010, fans could only imagine how spectacular this sell out show could be; Michael always strived to bring fans the greatest show there possibly could be as he would even put his own money into every concert to ensure that they were over-the-top. His death (at least in my eyes) caught the world by surprise, it was the last thing that anyone expected. All I remember on the day of his death was the mass amount of phone calls and text messages I received that told me the grave news. At first I was in a state of disbelief, I thought to myself "this is another fake death rumor, pay it no attention." At the time I was with two of my homies on the road, so I turn of my CD player and turn to several radio stations and noticed that all were playing MJ tracks, that's when it started to sink in...
His life that was filled with turmoil and controversy can be overlooked once you listen to one of his records, it is a sad truth that you don't really appreciate something until it is gone, I feel like this is the case with Michael as he has never stopped receiving criticism, but now, that he is gone, we can see that we have lost a piece of ourselves, as we have all grown up listing to his music.
Rest in Piece Michael Jackson.
Michael performing along with his brothers as the Jackson 5 at age 13 in 1972
From his album "Off The Wall" in 1979, for this song he won Favorite soul/r&b single as well as favorite male artist and album at the American Music Awards.
Preforming "Billie Jean" from the greatest selling album of all time "Thriller," which is an album that helped revive and rescue the music industry and inspire numerous artists in the future. In this performance, he unveiled to the world, an dance move called the back-slide, but referred by Jackson as the Moonwalk...
Also from the same album, the single "Thriller" which was the first music video of its kind. - 1982.
Almost forgot to add this single from "Thriller" - "Beat it"
The hit single from his next album "Bad" titled "The Way You Make Me Feel." This album did not do as good as "Thriller" but nevertheless was a success.
One of my personal favorites, "Smooth Criminal" off of "Bad" (1987) as well, this video was apart of the short film Moonwalker. Following this album, in 1989, he was awarded by president George Bush the award "Artist of the decade" and dubbed "king of Pop" by Elizabeth Taylor.
In 1991 his album "Dangerous" became the most succesful new jack swing album of all time. His single "Remember the Time" is also one of my favorite MJ videos.
From his 2001 album "Invincible" the single "You Rock My world"
Michael's last rehearsal at the Staples Center
Rest In Peace
