Bret- "Michael Jackson's off the wall." Murray- "I'll say he is... off the planet! Isn't he gonna freeze himself?"- dialogue from Flight of the Conchords
As of yesterday Michael Jackson's is no longer with us, so if I am ever going to blog about MJ the time is now. Michael is one of the most important and controversial artists of the last 100 years. His music is an overwhelming flow of talent, soul, and grace. His stage presence is simply captivating. It is incredible that an artist can execute both at such an extremely high level.
I feel a cosmic connection to MJ's smash hit Thriller. On December 1st, 1982 this classic album and I were released into this world. The world would never be the same. The album went to sell 109 million copies around the world (Guinness Book of World Records). I went on to tell roughly the same amount of bad jokes. The album is arguably the most important of all time. At this point, I could sing every note of the album and I haven't listened to it in years. Alright, maybe months. Okay...minutes.
I remember dancing with my mom in the living room to "Wanna be Startin' Something" until the needle would skip on the record. I distinctly recall the first time I saw him do the 45 degree lean in Moonwalker. I remember catching his Moonwalk on VHS and rewinding it over and over to learn from the king. That is the magic of watching Michael Jackson perform. His showmanship is at such a high level of style that it looks easy. You become involved by trying to replicate his actions. You grow a deeper understanding for his talent and dedication when you fall on your face trying to stand sideways. You wonder how he can look so smooth as your feet stick to the floor trying to slide backwards at a 5th grade dance. (maybe that's just me)
The later years of Michael's career are another example of what too much time in the limelight can do to a superstar. His odd marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, bleaching his skin, several plastic surgeries, and of course "The Neverland Ranch." He was acquitted for multiple child sexual abuse charges over the last 25 years. He was coined "Jack-o" by Letterman, ridiculed on South Park, and the roast of many stand up comedians. And outside of mainstream media he is mocked by countless water cooler jokes. I added a few new jokes to the repertoire today. Its sad that a person can bring so much joy to the world and still be seen as a monster. From his father's overbearing drive to see a better life for his kids and his obvious talent made him a public spectacle for four decades. He was a tragic figure who never really had a shot at normal life.
It is my hope that his legacy be the magic he created and not the tragedy that was his personal life.
