I’m heartbroken today.
I’ve been heartbroken since the news hit at like 630pm on June 25, 2009.
June 25, 2009 – a day that will live on in infamy.
It is the day that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, died.
And I’m heartbroken. Devastated, even. Shocked. Surprised.
All of them.
I am a grown man and I shed a tear for Michael Jackson.
It hurt me that much. Just hearing his music right now is having a familiar yet unsettling affect on me.
I feel like I just lost a member of my family. Like almost everybody else in the world, I was raised on Mike. I have actual moments in my life that I can vividly remember where Michael Jackson figured prominently. There was the concert I went to in Germany for the Bad Tour. I still have the ticket stub for that show, because it was Michael Jackson.
Then there was the talent show in 1987 where I performed a Michael Jackson medley at Camp King. I lost that talent show, I pretty much sucked as a singer, but it was Mike so I gave it my all.
There were the countless times on family trips to almost anywhere where we were guaranteed to be listening to Michael Jackson during the entire ride because like any other Black family, Mike was part of our life soundtrack that included Marvin Gaye and the Temptations. Michael Jackson was Black music, but the kind that was invited into white homes. He was the kind of pop music that everybody could embrace but it still had soul.
Hell, even on Invincible (an album I did buy) I liked it. Sure Mike had some trouble adjusting to the times, but he also made “Rock My World” a song that I still love.
I’m not sure that, today, people are going to fully realize the loss that’s occurred. Since Mike has been out of the limelight it’s been easy to forget what an icon he was to pop music since the 60s. And since the late 90s its been one public fiasco after another but even amidst all of that, he was still Michael Jackson, and in the back of all of our minds, he was still regular ole big-nosed Black Mike.
And I appreciate him for that. I appreciate Mike for making one of my favorite albums of all time, Off The Wall, an album that I can play from start to finish, backwards, sideways, and inside out, over and over again and never get tired of it. It’s crazy that when larger than life figures pass away we get these huge editorials about what they meant to the world, but how can anybody put into words what Michael Jackson literally meant to people from 8 to 80.
watch the legend trip online As I’m sitting here right now, I can overhear somebody playing the Jackson 5′s “I’ll Be There”. And it’s tearing me up. I know I didn’t know him but Mike wasn’t supposed to go so soon. Not so early. Not like that. No sir.
Mike was supposed to live forever. And I suppose he will, actually. Everybody has to go sometime, this we know. But strangely enough, I don’t think Mike’s spirit is going anywhere.
I’m more or less rambling and that’s because I don’t honestly know how to write what I’m feeilng. Michael Jackson, through his music has made me smile on so many occasions and brought happiness to my life with his melody and song.
Yesterady, Michael Jackson died.
And the world lost an icon.
But lucky for us starting today, Michael Jackson will live forever.
When you’re larger than life, you never can say goodbye, because nobody will let you leave.
And I don’t know about you, but my life is better for that. I know that sounds fluffy, but I mean that with every fiber of my being as just another young Black boy with a leather jacket and glove who at some point, thought that I too could be Michael Jackson.
Will you be there?
I’ll be there.
Thank’s for the memories Mike. And thank you for what you gave the world.
the man who would be king online download
You found forever.
Bless the dead and may you finally rest in peace.
-PANAMA JACKSON
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{ 251 comments… read them below or add one }
i can’t stop crying.
@Liz,
This here is sad! I can’t even describe what I’m feeling.
@Liz, its so weird b/c i really am still trying to accept it and yet, it just still doesnt seem real.
@Panama Jackson,
“This is bad, real bad, Michael Jackson.”
@Monk,
“Now I’m mad, real mad, Joe Jackson.”
I blame Joseph for alot of this ish. What a mean a*hole he was to his kids.
@Me fail english?,
“I blame Joseph for alot of this ish. What a mean a*hole he was to his kids.”
Ya know. If Joe Jackson didn’t beat them kids to stardom, we’d have never had the Jackson 5…and maybe MJ would have ended up being a steel plant worker.
I can’t blame Joe…folks back then beat the ish out of their kids, fo real. My grandmother has stories on how she beat my dad and aunt!!! And our parents tore us up…then they made all these laws. Now kids are in the street actin’ plum fools. I lost my point…
@iloV.E.G.rits,
co-sign why people hate his pops he made mike into a star and mike made himself into a legend
@iloV.E.G.rits,
“folks back then beat the ish out of their kids, fo real.”
And a lot of those kids came out effed up. And it’s one thing to do corporal punishment but, if Mike, Jermaine and LaToya are to be believed, Joseph scared his children. Everyone was scared of whuppings when they were little, but crying and throwing up as soon as your Dad came home or entered a room? That wasn’t normal even back in the day.
And as much as love his music, I’d rather miss out on a future icon than know I gotta deeply trouble a child in order to make him a star. Not worth it at all.
@iloV.E.G.rits,
im still spooked of my dad and he is 5’8 180 and im 6ft 230 but i aint messin with the old man.
@BLUNT,
Do you vomit and cry when you see him coming?
@Me fail english,
cry yea vomit no lol woulda jus made the a$$ whoppin worse. I got beat with just about anything that was handy good old 80′s. my homie used to get beat with his dads weight lifting belt that was harsh.
@Me fail english?, I totally agree… he could have had the jackson five with out the fear and beating. ..he didnt allow them to be children he treated them as less than human, but a product.
and for that he had kids that were stars but didnt know how to deal with real life, who are all for the most part f!cked up in some way or other…..
@Monk,
this made me laugh. *fixes face* but this is supposed to be a serious, somber post.
You said that so well. It almost physically hurts to hear his music right now.
@DukeTexGal, I can’t listen to his music right now. I’m in complete shock over his loss. Michael Jackson was the first artist who I loved as a kid and I can’t believe he’s gone. He was a true musical genius.
@Leila,
Couldn’t agree with you more!
@DukeTexGal,
Yes, I think Panama did an excellent job of putting to words what Mike meant and how many of us feel. The bad part is that the shock is actually starting to wear off and I’m coming to realize a major part of my existence has literally passed.
I’ve been listening to his music non-stop.
@DukeTexGal, i’ve actually been on Michael Jackson Music Mode since i heard yesterday that he died. and i’ve been BLASTING it in my car. like i want everybody to either know i’m listening or to just be listening themselves.
hell, right now, i’m listening to PYT. i’ve begun a personal argument with myself over my prior declaration that Off The Wall was a better album than Thriller…
…i think i may be wrong. Thriller goes HARD. hell, i even love “the girl is mine” and all of its syruppy goodness. lol.
@Panama Jackson,
You know what’s funny. I always thought Thriller was the best, but damn if Bad and Dangerous aint making me seriously reconsider!!!
@Me fail english?,
“Bad” was his best one imo
@Panama Jackson,
Thriller is THAT album…. but BAD is up there as well… Different memories tied to each one of them, ya know?
@Panama Jackson,
I’m also fan of the sappy Girl is Mine. McCarntney and Jackson BLEW on that song.
“The girl is miiiine….the girl is MINE!”.
Up until I started reading this I had not cried. But I sit hear nodding in agreement with tears streaming down my face.
In many ways Mike is Peter Pan, I never have focused on the accusations and his weirdo life and even his children. My Michael Jackson was the same one trying to block Michael Jordan’s shot, the same one that took the stage on Mowtown’s 25 and won over the world, the same one that brought me Thriller and covered my wall during my High School years. I too have road tripped with Michael, and today i fielded texts, and calls from friends near and far and we consoled (or tried to) each other remembering the time when we thought we would marry mike. Tomorrow (later today) I plan on copping the Michael Jackson cd’s I do not own. Because its only right. Michael gave his magic, his music, his life to us from a very young age he gave himself to his fans it will only be right for us to continue his legacy. He was the best entertainer EVER! hands down, no one will ever match his magic.
@Intellectual Hedonist, yeah, nobody’s ever going to touch him. i do think some artists have come close…or would have, but they’ll never quite get there.
lol…and i remember watching the “jam” video. poor mike (jackson). lol.
i’m going to break out Dangerous later on today.
@Panama Jackson,
This would make an interesting list! Who’s come close and who should stick to their day job.
I think Usher and Omarion have the potential as dancers. While JT and CB should pack it up and move on. But then you gotta think, they also have to be able to sing AND write music. And that’s when the list spontaneously combusts…
@Me fail english?,
When considering the fact that he’s been in the business for over 45 years and ALL of our lives, he has always been a star, coming close is a very hard feat. So many legendary moments, breaking records, the humanitarian aspects, and level of celebrity to really put anyone else in that boat.
Anyone.
@Monk,
Yeah I wasnt even gonna touch the philanthropy. You cant even ask artists to stop showing their buttcracks without a kneejerk response like “Raise your own kids”, as if someone effin asked you to… As if hiding buttcrack is the epitome of child-rearing… I dont even expect anything outta these “artists”
My heart is shattered into tiny pieces! I cannot DEAL!!!
I wrote a letter to Michael Jackson on my blog. I know he’s up there Moonwalking with St Peter & the angels.
Rest in PERFECT peace. Music died today.
@Luvvie,
“Music died today.”
You are absolutely right. A huge part of it did die.
@Reci, “Music died today.”
I couldn’t agree more.
@Luvvie,
“Music died today.”
Thats funny, I said the same exact thing to my mom this morning. So true.
I weep for a world where my kids (future) will grow up without MJ, Uncle Luffa, Barry White and Gerald Levert. All they have left is SouljaBoy! *wall slide*. My kids will grow up in a world where the most popular music is by a guy who puts white out on his sunglasses. iCan’t. I just CANNOT! My future Luvvies will be put on STRICT old school music diet. Ain’t gon be no Souljah Boy or *insert irrelevant artist here* in MY household! No sah!
My kids WILL know that “Billie Jean” was not your lover while “Jam”ming. We won’t “Stop Till We Get Enough”. Michael, you made “HIStory” and that is undeniable. Now that you’ve “Eased on Down the Road” to meet Him, I “Cry” because you’re “Gone Too Soon”. We thought “Heaven can wait” but it apparently couldn’t. Your music “Heal(ed) the World” and for that, you “Rock my World”. I “Never Can Say Goodbye” but I do I hope he’s resting in peace.
@Thuggie Luvvie, i’m with you on the old school diet. i pretty much only play old music anyway so my daughter is going to be the old school officionado by the time she hits kindergarten.
i was joking with some friends the other day about how my daughter is going to be talking to one of her other 6year old friends like, “y’all heard that new Marvin Gaye album?”
@Luvvie,
“Music died today”
And this, my VSBs and VSSs, sums it up. Nicely and aptly put.
*sobs*
@Luvvie, they are holding a michael jackson wake in lagos today…
@superwoman,
this is great to hear. my sister in naija (Nigeria) told me that michael jackson stuff is sold out EVERYWHERE.
As I’m sitting here right now, I can overhear somebody playing the Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There”. And it’s tearing me up.
There’s a commercial out right now featuring “I’ll Be There” and it came on about 15 minutes after I heard the news and I definitely teared up. I truly feel like I lost a cousin or uncle I haven’t seen in forever but have amazing memories of from when I was a child. Shock doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt.
Here’s what I think though (not to turn this political) but before Barack Obama we had Michael Jackson. He was an amazing ambassador for not just Black folks and Black music but America. This man went to Europe 25 years before BO emerged and had millions of Europeans filling arenas, stadiums, town squares chanting his name – flocking to see him.
He revolutionized (damn near invented) an entire medium – the music video. The combination of genius music, theatrical production and let’s not even start on the choreography – PLEASE!!!!!! Get outta here. You can’t not fade this man. How many of us sat in living rooms waiting for video premieres?
Say what you want about the scandals but the ENTIRE world paused this afternoon. CNN, MSNBC, FoxNews, MTV, BET, etc all covering his passing. A true King has crossed over. There hasn’t been a death that the whole world mourned like this since Princess Diana and even that’s not the same. He has touched, influenced, entertained five generations. What other artist can you and your mom both talk about the song he released when each of you were 12 and it was effected both of you at the time? He crossed genres – he worked with everyone from Van Halen to Kanye West to Paul McCartney to NSYNC.
I need to stop – I hurt but I will not cry. I’m going to be bumping Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, Off the Wall – even Invincible for the next week in the ride. I’m celebrating the life, times, legend and talent of Michael Joesph Jackson. May you rest in God’s bosom.
You and I must make a pack/ We must bring salvation back/ Just call my name…..
This is my JFK, MLK, John Lennon, Marvin Gaye moment.
@Madame Zenobia,
“This is my JFK, MLK, John Lennon, Marvin Gaye moment”
Yes
@Madame Zenobia, you are so right. I still remember sitting in front of the TV waiting with my sisters and mom for the “Do you remember the time” video. And, lets not forget about that superbowl he blew out in the ’90s. Sick! Michael’s skillset was ridicules.
@Madame Zenobia,
Good point about his cultural influence beyond music. I was just thinking that too. Before Oprah had the world under her spell and to a greater degree than even BHO, Mike had the world in the palm of his hand. He’s part of the reason it took me so long (as a child) to realize how ugly the world could get. Everywhere he went, there was love.
@Madame Zenobia, you’re aboslutely right. Mike’s influence is so far reaching that I’m guessing people will be dissecting his impact on the world for a long time to come. He did usher in the music video as a real promotional tool.
Hell, try to listen to Thriller and NOT visualize the video. Or do the same for Billie Jean or Beat It. Every time I hear those songs, the video comes straight to mind.
Mike was the embodiment of pop music. like, anybody trying to figure out how to make a pop album needs only revisit Thriller and study it from start to finish.
@Panama Jackson,
“Hell, try to listen to Thriller and NOT visualize the video. Or do the same for Billie Jean or Beat It. Every time I hear those songs, the video comes straight to mind.”
Yep.
Even at the top of his game, MJ was a little… off. But when he got on that stage and had a mic in his hand, or when his videos came on, it was incredible. He was (and still is) the only dancer I’ve seen that could make me visualize the music through his moves. Even his Jackson 5 moves where incredible.
I wish MJ had taken up MC Hammer’s dance “challenge” – Michael would have wiped the floor with him
The other thing is that people don’t remember that MTV refused to air the “Billie Jean” video. CBS/Epic threatened to not allow any of their other artists and MTV finally relented. “Billie Jean” and later “Thriller” helped launch MTV into the stratosphere and to this day MTV likes to pretend they were ahead of the curve the whole time. Bitches.
Damn. Say whatever you want about his personal life, but his music (even the recent stuff) was innovative and he wasn’t afraid to break the mold. No one alive today even comes close. We lost a legend.
@Anechoic, co-sign.
@Anechoic,
Fcuk MTV! Mike built their effing channel! (along with Madonna and perhaps Prince????) and they had bum ass Sway covering it with his retard drawl. Plus you coulda blinked and missed the coverage. I’m salty as hell.
@Me fail english?,
Those 3 you named I say to myself and out loud every week that I thank God literally that I grew up in the 80′s to remember such wonderful music as Michael Jackson along with Prince and Madonna. Music truly does make the heart rejoice. You’re right about MTV they pretty much abandoned him after the allegations (which I have read could have been a conspiracy linked to extortion or blackmail). I will give VH1 credit because I remember they still played his videos until the recently.
@pinksghetti,
I never followed the ’93 trial, but I was fully convinced the ’05 accuser was full of shet.
Also, Mike himself pointed out that if his image was ruined and he wasnt able to make any more money from his music he’d have to sell his stake in his catalog back to Sony…
…which means he’d be worth more to them as a failure than a success. Especially once they realized he’d probably be doing Invincible numbers no matter what post-Limewire.
R.I.P. The Greatest
@Anechoic,
“Say whatever you want about his personal life, but his music (even the recent stuff) was innovative and he wasn’t afraid to break the mold. No one alive today even comes close. We lost a legend.”
This is what a lot of the entertainment news shows are saying. It’s necessary to put that aside because whatever personal feelings you had with his personal life (which, we aren’t aware of beyond speculation), his music and the effect it had on your life, your kid’s life, your friend’s life, it ain’t something to gloss over. This ish is significant.
@Anechoic, Damn. Say whatever you want about his personal life, but his music (even the recent stuff) was innovative and he wasn’t afraid to break the mold. No one alive today even comes close. We lost a legend.
i couldn’t agree more. i think that’s the part that at least gives me some reprieve from feeling jacked up, Mike was a legend of one. we’ll be listening to his music 50 years from now. i grew up on Mike and my daughter will grow up on Mike and i’m sure it will continue down the line.
when you’re that good at what you do, you never get lost amongst the musical cocophony that exists. you always stand above the fray. and you will always be respected and revered for it.
and people will always be listening.
@Anechoic,
Yea MJ broke the mold kinda like tha jacke robinson of music he cross hella lines
I can’t even fully function… I promise, this hits me where things just shouldn’t hit… As much as the media tried to make him to be all of these horrible things, above all of that, he was an artist. An innovator. A PERSON. As I wrote on Luvvie’s blog earlier, I heard “Human Nature” on the way home, with a rainbow in the sky, and know that God’s got front row seats to the greatest tour ever!
In the meantime, I will dance. I’m sure the biggest dance party is going down in heaven about now.
@Beez, awww man, I just remembered how they play the “Rock with You” set at the club… SMH, I might need to go dancing tonight.
@Beez, In the meantime, I will dance. I’m sure the biggest dance party is going down in heaven about now.
wonder if Mike is teaching Angels how to moonwalk. like if you had Michael jackson in heaven with you, wouldn’t YOU go ask him to show you how to do some of the stuff he made look so easy?
@Panama Jackson,
dam james brown, mj, pac, mac dre, big, marvin, hendrix, lutha, levert, isacc hayes dam, aliyah, lefteye dam etc
@BLUNTBLAZER,
pimp c
@Panama Jackson,
Indeed I would. That and I’d be betting him he could do the Smooth Criminal trick without the patented shoes… You know angels got special skills.
*sniff*
Scandals not withstanding, I mourn the loss of what MJ meant to music. He did revolutionalize the way consumers experience music and, for that, he is greatly appreciated.
I never feel bad for those who have passed on (I do for those they leave behind). Because, in death, you experience peace, perfect peace, I doubt MJ has truly known peace since he was 8, 9, 10 yrs. old. Now, he has escaped his demons.
@V.E.G., I doubt MJ has truly known peace since he was 8, 9, 10 yrs. old. Now, he has escaped his demons.
i agree with this. i don’t think mike’s been truly happy for pretty much his entire lifetime. everybody loves the music, but people often speak of a lonely person who just wanted real friends and love.
its curious that some of the most tortured souls are some of the most talented artists. i guess any outlet and departure from reality brings out the best in some people.
@V.E.G.,
i said the same thing last night about him finally escaping all the terrible things he’s probably been living with for 40+ yrs. now he can rest, and rest in peace.
I was in the gym on the treadmill when I saw Charles Gibson announce that Michael Jackson was indeed dead, and I nearly fell off. I couldn’t believe it…it was so surreal. I turned up the volume so I could hear exactly what had happened. And I still could not believe it. The King of Pop was not dead, he couldn’t be. When I got in the car, the radio stations were playing his music, and I sang along to every song, and I continued to listen once I got home. I had a party with only 2 other guests…Michael and his music. And I danced around my apartment singing loudly to the already loud music coming out of my speakers.
And then my sister came home…she walked through the door with tears streaming down her face. And that’s when it really hit me. Michael Jackson was really gone. And I realized exactly how much his music had impacted my life, and the lives of people all over the world. Who alive today could possibly come close to touching people across generations?
I am saddened by the Kings death. As I write this, I am still in a state of shock, and not really ready to accept the fact that he is gone. My sister said that Michael’s fans will be like Elvis’ fans in that they will not think he’s dead, and every few years, there will be a Michael sighting. lol. Even though I am really heart broken, I will not just sit and cry and moan about his death. I am going to celebrate Michael’s life. I am going to listen to his music, sing along, and perform both the Thriller and Beat It dances, and trust, I can do both dances well. Basically, I’m taking the King’s advice, I’m gonna leave my 9 to 5 upon the shelf, and just enjoy myself. I’m gonna groove, and let the madness and music get to me. Because my life ain’t that bad at all, when I’m living life off the wall….
Goodnight VSB….
@N.I.A. LivingLifeOffTheWall…., I wish VSB had the likes (thumbs up) sighn like facebook. I would give you a thumbs up right now
@N.I.A. LivingLifeOffTheWall…., Basically, I’m taking the King’s advice, I’m gonna leave my 9 to 5 upon the shelf, and just enjoy myself. I’m gonna groove, and let the madness and music get to me. Because my life ain’t that bad at all, when I’m living life off the wall….
i love that you wrote that. that made me smile right there…lol.
@Panama Jackson,
i agree. that last part was the best “farewell MJ” piece i’ve read since the news hit.
@Gem…BeThatAsItMay,
@ Panama Jackson,
Thanks Spel Sis and Mo Bro. lol
LOL!! and of course, when I write a heartfelt post about the King, I am held in moderation. LOL!!
@N.I.A. LivingLifeOffTheWall….,
lolol
Weirdly…I’m not as hurt by it as many others are.
There were all these possible scenarios in my head of how the media and the streets would react when he did die…and with the way he took care of himself (or destroyed himself), I always looked at it as just a matter of time. And he just seemed like the type that would pass relatively early. So though I already figured it would be one crazy day when it finally did happen, I was prepared for it not to sneak up on me. Hell, the buildup was right up there with the Pope.
Only thing that got me was that it was on such a busy news day. Even then I knew it was gonna wipe all the other news right off the menu.
@Stuff Ghetto People Like, I knew he hit a down period but I didn’t expect him to die so suddenly. But even though he died at 50, he lived a full life.
@El,
It has been my experience that a good number of people who are given extraordinary gifts are not given the gift years.
@iloVEGrits, that’s true. Some reason that they live their lives too fast.
@iloVEGrits,
Yep. The gift and the curse is usually one in the same. I was thinking last night what if Joe let his kids be normal kids from Gary? Would they have been better or worse off, especially Michael who seems most obviously affected by the fame that followed? What if Mike saw the world like everyone else did? What if he wasnt such a compulsive perfectionist??
@Me fail english?,
gary aint no brady buch type city you gotta be hard on kids or they slipp thru the cracks. I like the Mike that joe gave us remember mike is his son.
@BLUNTBLAZER,
Not buyin it. Gary is tough. It’s not hell though. And regardless of your environment or the circumstances the kids face, there is such a thing as undue pressure on children.
My parents grew up in the projects in Brooklyn, when Brooklyn was still TOUGH. One em got their asses beat to a pulp by a father they were terrified of and one of em didnt. You can probably tell by my comments which parent “made it” and which one wound up profoundly damaged by it.
Not saying that’s what always happens or even what happens usually. I just cant help but call bullshet when ppl abuse and intimidate children and excuse it as regular ol’ beatings or justify it with “well he at least he don’t smoke crack”or in this case “but watch him moonwalk, yall!”.
it’s the end of an era, all right…. this man was a global phenomenon in the true sense of the word… it doesn’t matter WHERE you were, when he came out with Thriller, Michael Jackson conquered the world… EVERYONE knew who he was, and EVERYONE loved him and his music…
it’s been painful to watch him in the past 15 years, but even then, the talent was so undeniably there. he was, above all, an extremely gifted artist – blessed by the gods themselves.
may his spirit rest in peace…
@superwoman,
knows who he is, my niece is 10 and the other month I asked her if she knew who he was and she said yes.
That’s true. A few years ago I said to myself (I have an overactive imagination, lol) that if you want to find out who is an alien ask them have they ever heard of Michael Jackson if they say no then I know they are from outerspace. The whole world (atleast those over
@pinksghetti,
Whew! Lucky for your neice she had answers! LOL
And this just reminded me of the Filipino prisoners doing their Thriller routine. I bet if we found life on Mars, at least one of em could Moonwalk.
@Me fail english?,
“I bet if we found life on Mars, at least one of em could Moonwalk.”
@Me fail english?, LMAO.
@Me fail english?,
LMAO @ I bet if we found life on Mars, at least one of em could Moonwalk.
@Me fail english?,
tru mike was prolly bigger than global watch some spacemen show up at the funeral i mean eryone was a fan
@StuffGhettoPeopleLike:
co-sign your statement. I never expected Mike to live to old age. But I was shocked b/c I said to someone this morning, after learning Farah died, ‘imagine what it’s gonna be like when MJ goes’. That person, who lives in L.A., called to tell me the news this afternoon.
@V.E.G., WOW! I guess that was your 6th sense.
@El,
That friend has requested I not use their name in a sentence going forward.
@iloVEGrits, yeah no sh*t. in fact, i’d have called you and said ‘YOU KILLED MIKE!’
@Panama Jackson,
That’s actually what he said when he called! I was like “what you talkin’ bout Willis?”
@V.E.G.,
*shiver*
Well done, sir. I loved his music since I was a young girl. I will never forget how he made me fall in love with music. I hope he finally gets to rest in peace.
great post, p.
you know, i think this is the first time i’ve ever left a comment with the “nightime vultures”, but for mj its worth it.
instead of reeulogizing him, i’m just gonna name my three favorite michael jackson songs:
“heaven can wait”
***the most underrated great love song ever made.***
“you are not alone”
***helped me through a particularly rough patch the summer of 95***
“don’t stop ’til you get enough”
***hearing this always reminds me of a family reunion several years ago when a few of my cousins were drunkenly lip-syncing to the song and i joined with them, pretending like i actually knew the lyrics (i still dont)***
@The Champ,
I just got reacquainted with “Heaven Can Wait” and I’m in agreeance…definitely one of the most powerful love songs of all time. Deep shyt.
@The Champ, LOL
@The Champ,
Heaven Can Wait is one of my favorites….
@N.I.A. LivingLifeOffTheWall….,
honestly, almost everything, about 95% of his music belongs in the “my favorites” category.
@The Champ,
“nighttime vultures” ??? …technically it’s only 10:38pm here, thank you very much. lol
R.I.p. Michael Jackson
@The Champ, first off why we gotta be vultures…
second I just posted about heaven can wait..the invincible cd was underrated..
my favorite mike songs
I just cant stop loving you
PYT
Human Nature
Give in to me
and Dirty Diana
my favorite guilty pleasure Mike song is
the free willy song….
@shay_d_lady, oooooooooooooooh, I loved the Free Willy song. I almost forgot about that one. He just has soooooooooooooooooooo many greatest hits.
@shay_d_lady,
i forgot all about the free willy song until i heard it this morning on the radio. and i do like that song…
@shay_d_lady,
I loved Give in to me! The Michael I knew was during Dangerous. That CD is one of my favorites of all time.
@shay_d_lady,
PYT is my favorite too! I listened to it while working out this morning and got too excited!
@shay_d_lady,
OMG, YES. The Free Willy song. His song is one of the main reasons I *heart* that movie. It really fit that movie so aptly. I used to own the VHS and they showed a sneak of the song during the previews (way back when you couldn’t just jump to a DVD title menu) and I’d rewind it over and over again for that tiny clip. That song was too dope.
@The Champ,
I’ve never heard of Heaven Can Wait, must check it out. I love: “PYT”, it’s so awesome. “Man in the Mirror” (such a beautiful song, it came on a few weeks ago and I realized just how beautiful it is and how wonderful he was to make it); “You Are Not Alone” (another beautiful song. Michael Jackson gets a lot of props for his dancing but he an equally wonderful singing voice.
@pinksghetti,
dam man in the mirror is deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep dam almost forgot
@The Champ,
““don’t stop ’til you get enough””
My favorite part was when he’s repeat the last word of the sentence like. “Powerrrr….ohhhh powerrrr” or “Get closerrr….clower now”. I thought he sounded so sexy.
UGH…I HATE that I have to use the dreaded -ed suffix behind my words concerning him now.
@The Champ, thanks homey. you know, i struggled with how i was going to address this. like, i wanted to write at least one straight forward and sincere post paying my respects to mike. like i said, i really feel like i lost a family member. and i’m truly and honestly heartbroken.
had this happened on a monday, and it was my week, we’d have gotten a week of MJ posts starting with “best michael jackson songs” and others including “10 artist who jacked their entire steez from Michael Jackson”, etc.
i could do an entire series on michael jackson since he’s been so prominent in my (and probably most of our lives) since pretty much birth.
and my three favorites are “rock with you”, “get on the floor” and who am i kidding…i can’t name three.
lol.
just give me both off the wall and thriller and add a few from Bad and Dangerous.
not to mention the entire j5 catalog. the jacksons wasn’t my favorite period but they had hits then too.
so just give me the whole catalog.
@Panama Jackson,
I feel the same way. I was talking about how he’s one of few artists that I just can’t pinpoint one. favorite. song. Or even talk about him in one single post. Because of that, I’m doing a series. Today I have some of my favorite songs. Tomorrow, my favorite performances, and later… well, I haven’t quite gotten there.
Because we all know my Michael is probably different than your Michael, but even so, he was Michael. *still sad I have to say was now*
Human Nature
@Sheffield Swats,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAH-8tRbZdw
love it!!
@N.I.A. LivingLifeOffTheWall…., that’s perfect. Can’t say anything better/more poignant/more eloquent than what a couple million people around the world are saying. I just want his music, now and always.
thank you for this. i’m still shell shocked. i remember i saw him live when i was 9 years old in london, and no concert experience in my life has ever topped that. michael jackson was a genius, and i’m so grateful that i was able to experience his talent firsthand. the whole world lost family today, for real.
@puff, yeah i remember going to the Bad Concert in Germany. MAN. i danced for the whole concert. that was honestly a highlight of my life.
I think i’m still in shock. my bff called to ask me if i’d heard but I had a busy day at work so I hadn’t and since she heard it on FB I didn’t believe it at first. then I got in my car and turned on the radio…
I am so sad for his family. I know that pain. besides being the ultimate artist that he was he was somebody’s son, brother,father, uncle,etc. what will happen to his children? I just can’t right now…
I was listening to ‘got to be there’ (one of my faves) in the car just the other day…
@SouthernGirl,
“what will happen to his children?”
I was wondering that too. But I’m sure it’ll be ugly. I think there’s two different mothers to the three of them. Both of em are “off” and he didn’t have good rel’ships with either.
@Me fail english?,
I am praying to God he had his affairs in order. I dont think I can handle an angry custody battle.
@Dom,
Not for nothing, but I have this sneaking suspicion that his affairs are NOT in order. If no one was in his ear to make him take care of his physical health, I could see something similar happening in terms of living wills and trusts and custody.
@Me fail english?,
“I have this sneaking suspicion that his affairs are NOT in order”
Me too. Plus, I think one of the mothers, if not both, relinquished parental rights to the kids. Things could get ugly.
@SouthernGirl,
““what will happen to his children?””
This immediately followed the shock. I’m sure he had great lawyers that’ll be able to take care of this. My best guess is to one of the members of Jackson’s family, like one of the siblings.
Debbie Rowe insists that they’re just his kids. And the “anon. surrogate” that carried Blanket…well, she’s anonymous of course, so there goes that.
Wow, they’ve never had a normal life, from the day they were born…and it’s less likely that they will now.
Mike was/is that dude!!
Don’t even get me started on the videos…
@Monk,
My bad, I meant “movies”.
@Monk,
I just watched that long arse “Rock My World” joint for the first time yesterday. Not only could Mike act, but he was dancing circles around EVERYBODY I could think of (Darrin Henson, Timberlake, Usher, Fatima, Madonna, Britney, the “So You Think You Can Dance” people…). I mean damn, the man was the human embodiment of music. Shame I forgot that until just yesterday.
@Me fail english?,
I mean damn, the man was the human embodiment of music.
that describes him perfectly….
@Me fail english?,
“the man was the human embodiment of music”
I agree with N.I.A. This is the best summary of him. I was just talking with my sister about the stress he had…the pressure. Being the King of Pop was his only identity..it’s the only thing he knew. And he forever kept trying to top what he had previously done. But, really, how do you do better than the best? That’s a lot of pressure. *sigh*
@Cheekie,
The thing about it is, I never expected him to top his past success. I dont think anyone, being realistic, could have expected that either. True fans (and I’d say even the haters) were just excited to see him making a comeback.
@Dom,
This is the conundrum. The fans didn’t expect it, but HE did. You could tell he was the type to push himself beyond the limits and when you’re that determined, no amount of feedback will really help…it’s proving to yourself. It’s bigger than yourself.
@Cheekie,
“But, really, how do you do better than the best? That’s a lot of pressure. *sigh*”
Yep.
@Me fail english?, the man was the human embodiment of music.
i think that of all the descriptions of Michael Jackson, this is probably the most accurate. from the visual side to the emotional and physical side of music, he was the top tier of all of it.
he was music in mind, body, and spirit.
@Monk,
omg when i was a little girl i watched the making of thriller and the film moonwalker over and over and over again. whenever i went to my aunt/namesake’s house, i’d request to watch them (she had them on vhs). i wore those tapes out.
I thought I would be dignified and join in the whole ‘world lost an icon’ chorus, and leave it at that.
But Michael was like family. Like so many other people, I have michael moments:
In Kindergarten, I sung ‘Dance and Shout’ on tape.
One of the first movies I remember seeing in a theater was ‘The Wiz’
The first 45 (YES, 45, look it up lol) I ever bought: The Girl Is Mine, which was one of the songs I heard a lot of during a cross country trip from Chicago and LA and back, during a holiday weekend, no less…
Yes, I owned a Beat It jacket.
I played Atari 2600 and 5200 with the Off the Wall and Thriller LPs in the background.
The Thriller video scared me spitless…
BAD colored the 8th/9th grades.
Black and White debuted on 3 (at the time) different networks at once.
First time I talked to a girl on the phone, ‘Lady In My Life’ was the soundtrack.
I won’t even discuss life in the magic tree.
The Ultimate Collection will be on repeat. Possibly til the casket drops…
@maximillian,
Lol@ Grampa Max! Can you remember babysittin for Joe and Katherine too?
Just messin’ with ya.
@maximillian, But Michael was like family.
my sister (who does not read my blog) just texted me literally with this text:
“Please tell me why Michael Jackson’s dying has made me feel like we have lost a family member. Weird!?!”
i think quite a few, if not most, of us feel this way.
@Panama Jackson,
Yup…it really does. That’s because we DID welcome him to our homes, if not literally, but figuratively…which is just as powerful and effective, IMO.
@Panama Jackson,
he was in all or living rooms on any given saturady morning he is kinda like fam hell he had a afro 2 he woulda fit rite in with us in those 80′s fam photos lol
First off, I am so glad you did this blog.. I knew inside that you would do something for him but I wasnt sure how you would approach it. Thank you for the reverence and respect in the post.
VSB once did a post where they asked if our prior SO’s had a common occupation or theme…. and I think I said at the time that they didnt..but today reliving the memories one of the things they all had in common was a love of michael jackson. Like Seriously, My husband however is the biggest MJ fan ever.. he owns every CD, including compilations and the double disc video ography….
I have a key Micheal Jackson moment with each of them and Michael has provided the soundtrack to my life.
Auditioning for majorette to PYT…
Slow dancing with my crush at a house party in 9th grade to “i just cant stop loving you”
me and my girls trying to learn the dance for the “remember the time video”
waiting all night for the premiere of the “black or white” video
aww mayne….
RIP Dirty Mike……
Sha mon…..
I guess heaven couldnt wait…….(i too own the Invincible CD)
@shay_d_lady, your husband sounds like my father. He had his house wired in 1990 with speakers everwhere just so he could blast all the MJ CDs. Crazy. When we took road trips or take the time to visit him on the boat, that is the only music we can listen to together and not complain that this is not music or this is old folks music. Michael brought harmony to my family.
@shay_d_lady, “First off, I am so glad you did this blog.. I knew inside that you would do something for him but I wasnt sure how you would approach it. Thank you for the reverence and respect in the post.”
you knew i had to do something. there was no way i couldn’t. in fact, i had an entirely finished post already written and waiting to post at midnight, i heard the news and scrapped it for another time immediately.
and as far as the respect and reverence goes…i know i may be slightly insane on most times, but every now and then, you just have to do it right and MJ deserved that at the very least from me, somebody’s who’s been a fan since i can remember, literally.
plus, when the death actually hurts, you have to acknowledge how significant they truly were.
I realize I am preaching to the choir, but who else that you know has Marlon Brando in a music video… do you have 13 minutes.
i forgot how good this video is, I have always loved “You Rock My World”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3wShd_bX8A
@Intellectual Hedonist,
Yeah, I was hella geeked when that came out. I love Rock My World…Invincible may not be his most praised album, but there are some really great songs on there. Remember that stiff move he did going down the stairs during the second chorus (the one where he’s like, “O-ohhhhhh girrrrl…You Rock My World you know you did”) I thought that was TOO raw. That mofo be inventing ish and making these crazy dance moves that surpasses anything that ever moved. He invents rhythm…he’s so dope.
My heart is heavy for anyone who has ever seen or known a loved one to transition I, especially, feel for his children. I will not make this about me and how I would love to have had seen him in concert, I will hope this brings his fractured family back together and most importantly help his children!! )RIP today, tomorrow, and always,
And to all that are mourning please find peace and if you don”t know how ask for help.
@Nola Darling,
lol@ Keith Olberman’s coverage. Talkin bout “The whole family has rushed to Michael’s side…even LaToya”.
I had to turn him off. That was the least polished I’d ever seen ol’ Keith
It’s soooooo sad. And unbelievable. Weird, because you know everybody has to die, and you know that some people are going to die young-that’s just how it works. But like P said, it was really like I thought he was going to live forever. He had such a sad life, but he made so many people happy. Hearing that Michael Jackson is dead just feels like the official–official, official–end of my childhood.
@charli skipper, I was thinking that earlier. With my 30th birthday looming around the corner (July 18, shout out to the Cancers), I thought the same thing…my childhood is officially over!
@El,
Shout back. July 9th………
@charli skipper,
“Hearing that Michael Jackson is dead just feels like the official–official, official–end of my childhood.”
Word! Like what is there to look forward to in pop culture anymore? This was the omega.
@charli skipper,
“Hearing that Michael Jackson is dead just feels like the official–official, official–end of my childhood.”
I think most of us from this generation feel the same.
@charli skipper,
Hearing that Michael Jackson is dead just feels like the official–official, official–end of my childhood.
@charli skipper, Michael Jackson is dead just feels like the official–official, official–end of my childhood.
funny that you mention that. i turned 30 a few weeks ago (as you all know) but i still feel like i did when i was like 20. however, the passing of michael jackson really is the end of an era where most of us experience the true euphoria of youth.
so you’re right…Mike aint the only one who was searching for his childhood. the most significant direct and common link to youth for most of us 35 and under is michael jackson’s presence in all of our lives.
@charli skipper,
“Hearing that Michael Jackson is dead just feels like the official–official, official–end of my childhood.”
Yup, my sister (a 70s baby) was saying the same thing. It really makes you think about immortality when celebs you watched and grew up with start passing away.
@charli skipper,
Hearing that Michael Jackson is dead just feels like the official–official, official–end of my childhood.
I think that sums up how I feel…
@Sula,
Me as well.
It is 3:00am and I am hoping that in a few hours once I get some rest I will wake up and this would not have happened. Alas I know that is not the case.
Michael was “that guy”, the one that brought people of all races, cultures, nations, and creeds together in perfect harmony. Everyone knew his music and even if they could not speak any English, they could sing the words to all of his songs.
My parents have the Jackson 5 Christmas album, on LP. We break out the turn table each Christmas and give it a spin. It is always one of the few times when my dad will get up and sing AND dance to the music.
Truly the world has lost one of the greatest music makers of all time.
While his time on this earth may have held many troubles and much stress, it is my sincere hope that MJ has found his peace and rest.
@Bajan Girl,
I’ll never forget the Christmas music either. We have a few Motown Christmas CD’s and have played them every year I can remember. Its just not gonna be the same this year.
@Dom,
aww dam the J5 christmas cd’s dam bringin back memories eyes gettin wet a lil now
@Bajan Girl,
Yeah, J5 definitely was a staple of Christmas in my fam.
i remember fighting my little sister for stomping down the hallway making my BAD album skip……LOL
Hey, have you seen this news article?
New details about Michael Jackson’s Death Emerge
I was wondering if you were going to blog about this…
He spent about 44 years of his 50 years on this planet, making music for the world. Most of us can remember chapters in our lives with his albums as the bookends. He was global before it was cool, he was peaceful before there was confrontation, and he was inspired when everyone else was confused. Say what you want about the man and his issues, but there will never be anyone that can duplicate the impact he had on the world. He touched generations. You can go to a middle school now, and talk about MJ, and go to a retirement home and have the same conversations.
Thriller is the top selling album of all time with 100-109 million albums sold. 7 of the 9 songs were released as singles and ALL of them made Billboard top 10.
Scream STILL has the highest budget of any video ever at 7million dollars.
He sold out 50 concerts (1,150,000 tickets) in about 2 days.
…I’m gonna miss you MJ. R.I.P.
I still have not dropped a tear for Michael and I probably never will but you make some excellent points in your blog. Today was a day of reflection for me. I remember one summer when my sisters and I made a fake video in Bermuda singing “Man in the Mirror,” I remember the entire neighborhood ganging up on me when I said Prince was better than Michael at age 5, I remember getting mad at the media for talking sh!t about that man for hanging out like he was a kid at 40. Michael lived a very meaningful life and he enjoyed it. He sung hard, played hard, danced hard, spent his money hard (tee-hee-hee) and overall lived an awesome life. He did everything to the extreme and I admire him the most for crossing over all the color lines and language barriers. I don’t think anybody could make so many people fall out at a concert like he could. I love you Michael, may you rest in peace and stay in our hearts forever.
FYI: My favorite Michael sone is Knock Me Off My Feet. I think I will have to make that my ring tone in his loving memory.
This is the first time I read everbodys comments. I love VSB almost as much as I love MJ. ***hugs***
@El,
I co-sign this. We definitely all need to e-hug.
*e-grouphug*
@Cheekie,
*Joining the hugs*
@El,
I’m in… swaying and rocking.
What a great post, P.
It’s hard to even write about how great Michael Jackson was as an artist. He made SOOOO much great music, from the Jackson 5 on up. It would literally take a couple days to listen to his catalogue cause there’s so much. I too am a member of the Invincible fan club, that was a good album minus the filler songs. I pray that Michael is finally resting in Peace. I’m sure he’s up there making music with the angels. He is where he can no longer be tormented by the ugliness of this world. Michael seemed to be such a sweet, sensitive soul. Like an angel. And sometimes people like that don’t grow the skin necessary to filter the madness and they get swallowed up by it. Michael Jackson was a light that went too soon. He made a song called “Heal the World” I wish he would have took sometime to heal himself. Ne way here are few of my fave MJ songs. There are really too many to list and don’t lets go all the way back to the Jackson 5 OMG… too many great songs:
Earth Song (i love this)
Man in The Mirror
PYT
Off The Wall
Lady of My Life (this was going to be my wedding song for YEARS – it got knocked off the top spot by Here I Stand but I still love it)
Human Nature
Butterflies
Scream w/ Janet
Rock with You
Billie Jean
sigh… RIP Michael.
I can’t even watch The Wiz or Moon Walker(One of my favorite movies) the movie anymore man. It would just make me sad and teary eyed. I don’t even know what to say………….
I…geez. 16 hours and change later, I still can’t believe it, still feel off. I’ll share my memories/thoughts later…
>_< rest in peace, Mike…we’ll manage (for the most part).
What can one say about a man who transcended one’s imagination with his singing, dancing, showmanship, performance and was able to reach out and connect to people from all walks of life. . He was truly one of a kind and deserves all the tributes that are rolling in. Gone too soon. May he rest in peace and may his family find strength during this tough time.
Do You Remember
Back In The Spring
Every Morning
Birds Would Sing
Do You Remember
Those Special Times
They’ll Just Go On And On
In The Back Of My Mind
Scream. Stranger In Moscow. Give In To Me. Remember The Time.
My top 4.
The very first bass line I taught myself when i was younger was Billie Jean.
remember that movie with macaulay culkin when MJ turned into a rabbit? that shet creeped me out.
@Mr. Mister,
“remember that movie with macaulay culkin when MJ turned into a rabbit? that shet creeped me out.”
LOL. Yeah that shet was terrible. I fcuking hate bunny rabbits!
@Mr. Mister,
Stranger in Moscow is my ISH. I cried when that came on BET last night. He went hard on that…he looked all deep in the video.
@Cheekie, you know! *continues playing “Moonwalker” for Sega @ work*
@Mr. Mister,
OMG, Moonwalker for SEGA! Stop it!
*hugs Mr. Mister*
When I think about Mike, so many memories come to mind. Right now, what sticks out in my mind was when I was a youngen and my father took me to buy the “We are the World” single. I thought then and still think that song may be the greatest song in music’s modern era. I can’t think about Mike without thinking about Quincy Jones and I’m sure Q is going through it right now. Mike was quite possibly the most talented person any of us will ever see in our life. If I had some glitter socks, I would be wearing them today in his memory.
@inakeS, Mike was quite possibly the most talented person any of us will ever see in our life.
He’s definitely up there on that genius level. Definitely the Barack Obama of music.
@inakeS,
Q outlived alot of his acts kinda weird?
@BLUNTBLAZER,
Never thought about that but you’re right. Very weird.
Beautiful tribute, Panama. I usually don’t even start reading this blog until I’m already at work. But not today. This is for Mike.
Timeless.
This is exactly what I’d use to describe Mike. When he was already a staple in music, I was just about to be born. I’m an 80s baby so I didn’t technically grow up with Michael. But…I did.
I did grow up with him. This is what makes him so powerful. My little cousin and I used to watch Moonwalker over and over. He had a collection of all of his videos and we mastered each and every major music video that included his famous choreography. I mean, we PRACTICED like we were auditioning for Julliard. We weren’t getting paid a cent for any of those hours spent practicing his movies…but it didn’t matter, our passion paid us in a way.
Even today, my niece listens to him and I just have to jump in like his music is NEW. I jam to that ish like it’s new. I don’t even consider his ish classics because it doesn’t EVER fade away into time for me. It lives on. He lives on. Just like ol’ dude said on MTV, they can play a Beyonce joint in the club and then switch to an MJ joint and folks won’t leave the dance floor…in fact they’ll dance harder. Hell, more people will join the dance floor. Wallflowers will join the dance floor for Mike. He is that worth it.
I was in a state of shock through the duration of the live coverage…I kept reading the headline over and over on E News as if I were in another world. It felt like a dream. I know that sounds prose-y, but it really did. The term surreal doesn’t visit my soul often, but it did yesterday. It did today. I most surely lost it when they started playing his slower songs on BET. Human Nature did it for me…when he hits that high octave melody…it always had an effect on me, but yesterday it had THEE effect on me. Heal the World, I’ll Be There, Heaven Can Wait, etc. All those songs meant something different…something sad.
I’m not sure I’m gonna be able think straight today. I’m not even sure I can write a blog post about it today. I think I’m just gonna read others for now. I’m not quite ready. Surreal, indeed.
I’ll see ya’ll later when I get to work.
@Cheekie,
It doesn’t seem real even today but last night no matter how many times I heard it it seemed unbelieveable.
@Cheekie,
Returning to list my fave songs:
1. Billie Jean
2. Human Nature
3. Dirty Diana
4. Beat It
5. Speechless
Jackson 5:
1. I’ll Be There
2. Who’s Loving You
3. I Want You Back
4. Never Can Say Goodbye <<
@Cheekie,
beat it lol dam neva can say goodbye is a heavy one dam i know all the words to all of his dam songs its crazy
I’m at work listening to the K97.5 playHuman Nature… I just started tearing up. It’s gonna be a long day….
As a fellow blogger, I couldnt find anything humorous to write today, either. This was beautiful, fam, and you speak for so many of us, especially us 80s babies who were young enough to look up to Mike like he was a superhero (and he was…remember the arcade game?). I was about to cut off Netflix last night because I couldnt find Moonwalker to put on my queue! When you watch footage of people passing out in Korea who couldn’t even understand what Mike was actually saying, you realize the impact this man had on so many people. It’s worse because in recent years, people joked and made fun of him, but when he passed so unexpectedly, everybody couldn’t do anything but jump right back on the team. Facebook was going nuts last night with videos, “in memory of” status updates, and just people coming together over a true tragedy. Endless classics. Infinite influence. Everybody needs to drop their cool this weekend and just dance your a** off like you’re 8 years old again.
100,
Shaka
@shakashawshow.wordpress.com, This was beautiful, fam, and you speak for so many of us, especially us 80s babies who were young enough to look up to Mike like he was a superhero (and he was…remember the arcade game?).
i think thats the hard part as well. like who DIDN’T want to be Mike. heck, i still wish i could do some of the dance moves he did. and i still try. lol. no joke.
dammit.
@Panama Jackson, word…lookin at these “2520s” at work not even trippin or mentioning it is pissin me off cuz. Need to take myself to the crib and find out who’s having an MJ party in DC!
@shakashawshow.wordpress.com,
yea all they talkin bout is why u trippin off that child molester. they jus dont kno and they never will
The sonsab*t.ches on GMA done let the cast of Hair sing I’ll Be There. Are they tryna kill me?!
@Hostess,
*squint*
*head tilt*
*stank face*
whaaaaaaaaa? how did that go?
@SouthernGirl, They did well. It was just tres SAD!
We Love You Mike……RIP
I never knew life without Michael Jackson. He made the 80′s and early 90′s a better time because of his music. I cried too last night and this morning because I couldn’t help it. I remember so many things in my life that included him. My brother even had a Michael doll (who I married to my Barbie). I remember dancing to his song “I Want to Rock with You” when I was 3 or 4 at my grandma’s house. I remember how everyone couldn’t wait to see his new videos premiere on MTV or Fox. There will never be anyone like him. He combined every element of music and with talent (beautiful voice and outstanding dancing). The only thing I wish is that although his music brought so much joy to so many he was happier.
What I realized I forgot about MJ:
-He had as much soul as any Tina Turner, Al Green, James Brown, whomever. I was never one of the people who said “Mike aint black no more” but I’ll be honest…I almost forgot there was a broad-nosed, black boy from Gary in there. Then I started watching vids last night and damn!! If I saw Mike for the first time looking the way he looked over the past few years Id KNOW he was black just watching him perform. We can feel it!
-Mike had a ridiculous sex appeal for a while. I forgot what a monster crush I had on him as a little girl. Just watching him move and his aggression in some of those videos I was reminded of why I first fell in love. I also had crushes on Prince and David Bowie. I was interesting as a 5 year old girl.
-Mike was battling serious demons. I mean, I never forgot he was eccentric cause that’s what the whole convo on Mike became after a while. But it hurt my heart to watch the chronological progression of his videos and watch his transformation. While it was happening gradually I guess I didn’t take notice of not only the change that was happening, but the deterioration.
-Mike was mortal. I didn’t pay attn to the trials so I had no idea he was hooked on painkillers. I totally didn’t see this coming. I thought his appearance would continually get worse and worse, but I had no idea he had serious health issues.
I literally feel sick now. And this is new for me cause I rarely care when famous ppl pass. I usually give the obligatory “Damn, that’s messed up.” so that the more sensitive ppl in the room arent offended by my callousness. But it’s never genuine…until now.
Oh and my fave songs are:
1. Wanna Be Where You Are
2. Just Can’t Stop Loving You
3. Stranger in Moscow
4. Heaven Can Wait
5. Smooth Criminal
Wait a minute!
Can I add:
6. Leave Me Alone
7. Liberian Girl
Seriously, who else made it cool to sing about falling head over heels with an African woman!! Not a girl from Ipanema or some other such “exotic” bullish. Mike was straight west coastin’ on these fools!
@Me fail english?, YES! Liberian girl **sighing as I pour out a little tea**
@Me fail english?, I literally feel sick now.
welcome to how i been feeling since it was announced that he was indeed dead.
and i had to go teach a class after that.
@Me fail english?,
4 real we all knew it didnt matter if he was white and had strait hair as soon as he grabbed a crotch or did a move we was gonna go crazy and fall in love with him all ova again.
I’ll Be There — Acapella….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehal1eUG1jk&feature=player_embedded
I haven’t shed a tear, but that’s because I’m unemotional, not because I didn’t WANT to.
I was born in 1981. I’m from Detroit. My Dad is/was a Motown musician. My Aunt was in high school in the early 80s, in fact, she was 15 when Thriller came out, and baby sat me every day for the first 9 years of my life, listening to MJ EVERY day.
Michael Jackson music is as much a part of me as being black. Seriously. I’m Catholic, and Michael Jackson is bigger than the Pope to me (I’m one of them “questioning” Catholics, tho… hence my getting kicked out of 4 Catholic Schools when I was younger… but I digress).
I wanted to celebrate the man’s catalog yesterday, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. With every note, I started to get that empty pit in my stomach like I was 6 and my dog was stolen, or worse yet… when I was 9 and my Grandfather died (consequently, the last time I actually CRIED over anything that didn’t involve the crocodile tears of me being in trouble with my parents).
My kindergarten class seemed like it was mandatory to have a red jacket with a zillion zippers on it. My second grade class did a performance in which ALL of us wore silk-screened MJ tees, white gloves with glitter, and danced to his music. Dirty Diana still gives me chills when I hear it and remember the BAD tour concert at the Palace in ’88 that I went to with my Grandmother and my Aunt and he let the white haired he/she play the fook outta that dam guitar. I remember the big deal it was to preview a music video right after the Simpsons on prime time TV. Mike did it like 4 times or something before it was all said and done. MJ made films like “Belly” possible, because without him, Hype Williams is another chump directing a camera to see a band not moving while they play the song du jour. Mike made everything he did an event. He made grown people swoon and cry and pass out at the mere fact that he was within 1000 feet. He’s the biggest popular culture Icon since Jesus, and I mean that with ALL due respect. He was tangible. He was a recluse, but somehow EVERYBODY felt as though they grew up with him, from My grandfolks who watched him in their 30s, to my parents who watched Thriller in their late 20s/30s, to me who watched Mike do a song with Jay-Z… JAY-Z!
He’s been that guy for like 5 decades. I never had a class growing up without at least 3 Michaels in it. Seriously. He made an already popular name into THE name in the 80s. He’s not just an Icon, he’s a legend. He’s a figure that will resonate for a LONG time, provided we continue his legacy.
The last few years were less than spectacular, but I don’t care. He’s gone. And I will remember him fondly. RIP MJ, and thank you.
@Dante_Alexander,
chuuuuuuuch ima a 81 boy so i feel ya 4real
Tears.
beautifully written.
amazing that one man touched sooooo many people in one lifetime.
i only wish people could have appreciated him during these late years as much as they did yesterday.
Wow… They just played “Who Is It” off of Dangerous (which is also a CRUCIAL album) and the words just speak so much today:
“And it doesn’t seem to matter
And it doesn’t seem right”
I miss Mike.
I’m not going to work today.
Great post Panama
@MANU, Who Is It”
Another one! Listing great Michael Songs could be done all day! What a talent.
Thank u Panama…I I I love him and because of him I was the beautiful chick with glitter socks on and ripping every store apart trying to find blazers that looked like his. I’m so sad because I never got to meet him or go to a concert. When I was little my mother brought me his concert tapes just because I could not be there…I don’t have anything anymore but today is the day I will collect a little at a time so yeahhh. He just loved people and always wore a smile. Thanx Panama!
Man, I managed to hold it together all night. – turned the tv off when cnn said I his death had been confirmed. Turn on my Mike playlist and danced, poured out some liqour(into a cup) and sang my heart out. But this blog, my God, ya’ll have me over hear doing the “ugly” cry. I just wanna go to a vigil and hug and cry with a bunch or stranger who are fellow Mike stans.
I’m happy that he can finally find peace and rest for his soul. He was my Peter Pan and he could do no wrong.
Noone has ever been what he is to music. I was hopin for another album. Hopin this tour would quiet all the comparisons of Ne-yo, CB, JT etc, cause they can’t even breathe his air!! He’s Mike. I miss him so already. I can’t even see the screen because my eyes are full of water, so pardon typos, misspelling etc. We love you Mike.
@treble,
“Hopin this tour would quiet all the comparisons of Ne-yo, CB, JT etc, cause they can’t even breathe his air!!”
Word! Mike puts them all to shame. I knew they couldn’t stand in his shadow before, but damn. Everything looks like a cheap imitation next to what I was watching last night
@Me fail english?,
I remember when Usher came out with 8701 and everybody was comparing his moves to MJ. Mike just said Usher was “a great mover,” LOL Not a dancer or an entertainer, but a “mover.” MJ knew these young cats could never hold a candle to him!
@Dom,
mike was the best dancer eva even betta than james brown
@treble,
“Hopin this tour would quiet all the comparisons of Ne-yo, CB, JT etc, cause they can’t even breathe his air!!”
For real. Especially Chris Breezy. He’s too jerky to do MJ tributes. MJ had a fluidity with his dance movies and Chris is all spastic and all over the place.
@Cheekie,
Fluid is the perfect word. It was like he became the music
Thanks for the post Panama. I was in the nail shop yesterday when I found out he passed, and I could not stop crying. I still havent.
There are so many memories from my childhood that include MJ.
The times I spent at my grandmas watching his “The Way you Make me Feel” and “Man in The Mirror” videos.
The time my Mom listened to “Heal the World” over and over again trying to get the lyrics right for my brothers 2nd grade talent show.
The times I’d blast his Dangerous CD on vacation, or when cooking in my first apartment.
The time I did a presentation on my favorite musician in school.
Even the time last week when I was playing around and dancing to his Thriller CD and schooling some older dudes on his video catalog. I was looking forward to seeing his comeback tour in London this summer.
Mike has been a part of my life for as long as I can remeber. I pray to God that he rests in peace and that people will continue to give him the respect he’s due.
Man… I remember my dad wouldn’t buy Moonwalker for me as a child, because he knew I’d throw a fit if I didn’t get to watch it at least twice a day, everyday. I even questioned the suitability of an ex because he had so many old albums in his basement but “didn’t know” if he had the Thriller album.
My parents wouldn’t get me the jacket, gloves or shoes, and they didn’t put me in dance; however, after my lil’ bro was born, I made it a point to expose him to the artistry of MJ. I’ll always remember the positive influence he had on me as a child.
He will be missed…RIP Micheal Jackson
PJ, this is wonderful.
Man, this was just a whirlwind! For the first two hours after the OFFICIAL word came down that he was gone, I was in utter denial. Waiting for some medical intern to say they’d screwed up and gave the wrong information to the media, something…anything other than MJ was actually dead.
DC was just…quiet. Happy hour was tainted, it was just bizarre. I haven’t talked to my dad in a minute, but one of my first thoughts was to check on him, because I can remember him in our kitchen trying to do the Smooth Criminal Lean and failing miserably. He is probably one of the biggest Michael fans I know, and I only have him and my mom to thank for exposing me to Motown, to Michael from his very beginning.
Damn, if people were passing out just at the sight of him, what are they doing today?
Its bizarre. RIP Michael!
Thanks panama. it didn’t really feel real yesterday but it kinda just hit me this morning. I’m at my desk bawling. He was such a troubled soul and a great genius. He just wanted to live in a world where he could be happy; I hope that the Lord’s mercy is on high today and Michael finally gets what the world never offered him, peace and love. RIP Michael and may your memory live on in all those you touched.
Like EVERYBODY else I have many many MJ stories but the one that is the most memorable is me in elementary school and I’d kept hearing about this THRILLER video. The entire school was called into the auditorium for an assembly & they showed us the video. I remember looking at my teacher (who was me HERO!!) and she was smiling and dancing. That moment just touched me and made me such a fan!!!
If you look at his life, he was so much more than music. He made it OK to be different!! I think in terms of his impact he was TOO big and he started becoming a target of sorts. Yes he was weird but I dont know an artists that isn’t weird. It’s that thing that makes them dream in color and gives them the ability to create things that us normal folk would never think of. This man touched the WORLD!!! His message was about building gaps & loving each other and sadly that isn’t what builds empires or makes this world tick. So although I will always have his music there is something about his other missions also touched me and makes this day such a sad day for me.
For his bday a few weeks back my mom gave my son this MJ DVD with all of his videos. My kids were amazed by it!! He was watching THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL and made a comment that MJ was trying to be like OMARION. I went online and started showing them videos of current artists that basically were doing MJ dance steps, etc. I think at that moment they became fans as well and I was able to sort of go back and relive WHY MJ is the best. The only thing they knew about him was what they’d seen in the media & I think I’d also fell into that too and forgot about the genius that he was. I am really sad about his passing!! This man made such a major impact on society. He was a genius, a REAL superstar & a true icon!!
@Yaa, I love it. I am glad you set the record straight for the young ones. Michael started it all. Trendsetter for sure.
@Yaa, hey??? where did you go to school, how come i didn’t get in on this niceness?? michael jackson videos in assembly?? yho!!!
@superwoman, I know!! I am a product of the DC PUBLIC SCHOOL system lol…probably why we had an assembly instead of class
Damn, so I just googled him and I guess I was living under a damn rock!! I had no idea he had a genetic disease that caused lung deterioration, gastrointestinal bleeding, loss of 95% of his vision in one of his eyes and an inability to speak!! Mike was mute ?!
No wonder so many people saw it coming. This was actually somewhat comforting to know he’s no longer in pain.
@Me fail english?,
*blinks*
HUH?! I just figured since he was such a recluse recently, no one knew what was wrong aside from folks close to him.
Wow.
@Cheekie,
Some biographer made the charge late last year. Usually his publicist is a pitbull and jumps in and shoots stuff like that out of the stratosphere. That time…no comment. Not to mention, ppl just plain didnt believe it cause so much outlandish stuff has been said.
I just can’t.
A piece of me died along with him.
Say what you will about him… that man was a music revolutionary. An innovator. A genius.
Every time he did something, he changed the game. People scrambled to catch up, while he was moving on to the next thing. He was often imitated… never duplicated. He did what they said or thought could never be done. People have careers SOLEY because he was Michael Jackson
He was so universal, you could be in a country where you didn’t speak the language, didn’t know the culture and didn’t know a single soul, but if you heard a MJ song, you felt like you were home. All of a sudden, you had something in common with a complete stranger from the other side of the world. You had a new friend (this happened to me). Because he was Michael Jackson.
He was so influential, you can’t hear a single new song without realizing some component was lifted from his work. Sampling a track, the style of singing, the dancing in the video (a genre he BIRTHED). He was a style icon. People everywhere just wanted to be close enough to touch the magic. To have a piece of it for themselves. Because he was Michael Jackson.
June 25, 2009. The would lost one of the best parts of it. A sensitive soul. A creative mind. A musical treasure.
In life and in death, he was and always will be… LEGEND.
~Blackberry Molasses in Mourning
Rest in Peace MJ.
@blackberry molasses,
This was beautifully written!
poor Mikey
thanks for this post. God bless his soul and bring comfort to his family and friends.
another great thing about michael jackons universal appeal is how people translated his lyrics into their own language…. i mean, i remember how we would do it in setswana and sesotho…
‘keep on, with the beat, don’t stop! don’t stop till you get enough’ became ‘ ke ba ka di botsotso, chelete i fedile’ – which translates to “there they go, in their tight jeans. all their money’s finished”.
nonsensical, but when sung along to the track, it fit in perfectly….. ah michael, michael, michael….
corner to corner, coast to coast – michael jackson was there. the man ruled this universe.
There are really no words that can be said. That haven’t been said already.
I’m not sad that Mike is gone to me he’s been gone for a minute now. Tired of having him associated with bad news. Everytime you hear his name its’ being made fun of. That’s not the Michael Jackson I grew up admiring. I own no cd or tape but Thriller, Bad, Off The Wall are damn good cd’s. Classics if you will.
I know where I was when Aaliyah, Pac, Big now Mike died. All of the aforementioned deaths hit home. Aaliyah had some good cd’s you could dance to but it was her dying so young and the outpouring of fans and you felt she had touch a lot of people in her short time. Tupac the rebel and his so real lyrics you believed EVERYTHING he said on his songs. Biggie, one of the top 3,arguably, lyricist of ALL time. Now the KING of POP. No one will ever take that title from him. His music will live on and I hope they never say alleged this or that when speaking about him just that for about 20 years he owned popular music. I can’t think of any other entertainer that would shock the world with their deaths. Can Anybody R.I.P. Mike and my condolences go out to the Jackson Family and his “kids”? Yeah Right the Mike I know also ain’t “bed no Babes” either LOL
@GainesvilleGreen,
“Yeah Right the Mike I know also ain’t “bed no Babes” either LOL”
ooo. just wrong! Truth: I have always doubted the kids were his. I refuse to believe them strong negroid features were watered out so easily. But he claimed ‘em, so they are his!
@iloV.E.G.rits,
Yeah, I think someone on here made the comment, “Half black? Them kids aint even half Jackson!”
Then again, Tito’s kids don’t look very Jacksonish either so who knows…
@Me fail english?,
Tito’s kids have also had work. I think. Their noses look crazy fake, like a cat’s nose on a person!!!!!! lol.
@iloV.E.G.rits,
LOL! Girl you are obsessed with some cats the way Champ is with breakfast!
I love cats too, tho!
@Me fail english?,
Just imagine a cat’s nose on your face…and you will have Tito’s kids.
lolol. I like dogs, too. BTW.
I about lost my mind homie. Gary Indiana I bet is @ a standstill. Mh mh mh.
@WuDaMan,
The whole WORLD is at a standstill. The internets shut down repeatedly.
And his funeral? Man, he will be royalty…the earth (and the moon) will stop. Time will cease to exist.
@WuDaMan,
CNN showed a clip of Gary, and people have gathered at the old Jackson house with flowers, and listening to his music.
I never saw Mike in concert but my very first concert was seeing the Jackson 5 at the Hollywood Bowl. They were touring after the ABC album (got it for my birthday that year. Still have it somewhere).
Yeah, I am that old.
Tickets purchased bootleg at the last minute. Terrible seats waaayyyyy up in the stands but the Bowl was constructed so that you could at least look down and see the stage. And since it was before Jumbotrons, we passed around a pair of crappy binocs.
But still……..
The place was so alive! Electric! A wall of sound cheering and jumping and dancing. And the Hollywood Bowl is outdoors and huge.
Forget about hearing the music and just take in the atmosphere.
It made an impression as to the power of this group and was an early indication as to how big, giant that Micheal would become.
His later years were so sad to me. I really felt for him and his upbringing, lack of a childhood, parents, etc. I wished and hoped that all the accusations were false and that he would somehow repudiate all the terrible things he was accused of.
God bless and God’s infinite rest for you, Micheal.
Now, this just made me kinda teary-eyed. Man….*Whew*
So… i’ve been listening to Michael ALL morning and re-living my own personal youthful MJ moments. My brother and sister were always HUGE RIDICULOUS Michael Jackson fans… and back in the late-80s / early 90s when we were little kids we always had like Michael vs. Prince debates and I always rode wit Prince cuz Michael was TOO much of a goody goody for me then… not that I wasn’t a fan. I was like everybody else – but he truly was like ANGELIC back then. I mean – he scared the pants off kids everywhere with Thriller – but other than that Mike was squeaky clean. Squeaky clean and perfect. idk… just wanted to share a personal Michael Jackson moment.
i can honestly say i don’t feel heartbroken. i don’t think i ever particularly felt like MJ was part of my family, though i did grow up LOVING his music, music videos/films, etc. i’m not depressed, feeling in a somber mood, or in mourning. i do however think it’s sad and unfortunate he die, esp the way he did (no telling what caused his CA). and honestly, up until about the late 1990s i thought MJ would live FOREVER. it was like he was Peter Pan (as some one mentioned above). a never-ending superstar.
MJ certainly was a phenomenal entertainer and definitely changed the industry. and as a little girl, growing up, i have so many fond memories — including my BFF thinking she was MJ’s future bride (we to this day call her “lee lee jackson”). my favorite song for a lonnnnnng time was “We Are The World”. my dad has me on video bursting into this song at random moments. i had the music video on vhs and played it constantly, along with thriller and the movie moonwalker.
i guess i say all that to say, though i’m not going to pretend like my life –or even the world– is going to be this dismal place without the King of Pop, but i will NEVER forget what MJ and his music meant to my life, especially my childhood. and i feel a sense of relief (not sadness) that he is in a better place, a place where he can be at peace, and away from all the demons and troubles he had to live with. i’m definitely keeping his family and loved ones in my prayers — his death is heartbreaking for some one, even if it’s not me.
@Gem…BeThatAsItMay,
You put into words my exact thoughts, Gem. Well done. I felt sadness, probably more for my own youth. And relief that he is finally free. But I didn’t tear up or get choked up. Having lost a parent, I know real pain.
@iloV.E.G.rits,
I want to add that I don’t want to imply others don’t know real pain. I understand we all process and handle things differently.
@Gem…BeThatAsItMay,
Yea yea yea. You know you cried yourself to sleep last night listening to Ben and drinking Jesus Juice.
@IDaHoe,
“You know you cried yourself to sleep last night listening to Ben and drinking Jesus Juice”
But maybe that’s just what she does on Thursday nights?
@iloV.E.G.rits,
VEG, you know me so well!!! lmao
@IDaHoe,
LOL!
yall I’m so sad…watched “Beat It” this morning and cried like a baby. Every other FB post is about MJ, memories…
Great post, great blog…I’ve been lurking for a while, couldn’t NOT comment on this.
Rest well Brother Michael, I love you & I miss you
After 212 comments, it should be noted at least once that he was a gay pedophile.
What Mike meant to me
1) the first Mike -before jordan and tyson eryone wanted to be like Mike Jackson
2) the moves- if you couldnt do a MJ patented move in middle school days you was lame. I could nave moonwalk but i could do the leg kick, tip-toe stand and crotch grabs “hee-hee”. Triller shiiii eryone in class coulda been a extra in the video cause we all knew tha moves down cold. Shiii goin to ya cuzins house having dance-off’s classsic .
3) the music- I grew up on that hella tuff born in 81 i was in the mj era my all time fav is “Bellie Jean”hon ment “dont care about us” “the way you make me feel”. He was the first black artist on mtv?
4) the movies- “moonwalk”? is that the name memba that one thas my shiii where he turned into a robot. “Smooth criminal” video in the movie awww shiiii doin the lean forward dance dam dam dam. “remember the time” dam mike rip mayne. Jackson family ABC movie classsic. Thriller movie/video classssic
Mike was right “they dont really care about us”
rip dogg
I agree with the person who said it feels like the end of their childhood. Up until I was 12 I hadn’t even acquired a taste for music but loved MJ’s music. He was music to me. Liberian Girl is my favorite of his. Great post.
Super late to the party today.
I’m in complete shock and I don’t even know what to say. I was at the hair salon yesterday when I started getting non-stop texts and phone calls, I kept asking everyone “are you sure it’s not just a rumor?”
Then when I got home and saw it on the news I finally believed it to be true.
I haven’t been able to even think about the fact that this man, who was larger than life is no longer among the living.
I had to jam “PYT” and Don’t Stop til’ You Get Enough”…my two all-time favorite MJ songs.
Rest In Peace.
P.S. My brother and I almost broke a coffee table when we were coming up trying to emulate that Smooth Criminal lean…lol
@miss t-lee,
he actually got a patent for the anti-gravity lean… i’m telling you, the man was a revolutionary
@blackberry molasses,
Man, that’s dope. What a powerhouse.
@miss t-lee,
Yeah, my cousin and I spent summer after summer competiting as to who could lean the farthest. I wish I had a digital camera back then because I would be taking mad pics and uploading them on Facebook.
Just saw the Bad video in HD…Whoa! Westley Snipes is a black mofo! But anyways it took me back to the 1st time Mike started grabbing his crotch. That was that Fire! Everytime he did it it was like hell yeah do it again then he’d do it again and it made me smile. His videos where like Christmas the Black and White video is now on and the part where people change into other people who saw that coming but we love that part and he grabbing his crotch again. Mike was off the chain!
This is probably one of the few times I wanna comment this late after a post but…I have to share. I don’t even know where to begin, I’m still in shock, and I don’t want to have to sit here and try to figure out why yet another one of our greats has passed on, but not just any great-MICHAEL. I can’t…but I wan’t to.
It’s crazy how we learn to care for people we never met, and how certain memories and key events in your life include this person. Michael putting Iman in his ‘Remember the Time’ video fended off the African booty scratcher jokes for a bit, and yall know I was playin with my mom’s kohl stick trying to get my nefertiti on, I was a princess! From Dirty Diana to Man in The Mirror, this mans music meant so much to me, and the WORLD. He was beyond American celebrity, he is known everywhere…I really don’t know what to so say except, there really won’t be another, no one comes even close now, and I’m glad he gave us all he did…
P, thanks for this post, you said it better than I could…
Just wanted to offer my condolences to the Jackson family. I will miss him. Friday night every record store in Tokyo had a display up with his CDs and playing his videos. My friends and I just stood speechless. In awe of his genius. He was “bad”. Of course there were several musical tributes to the King Of Pop in the club. He will be missed. I am still shaking my head in disbelief. Rest in peace Micheal.
Thanks for this Panama. I’ve refused to watch any news or specials about Mike to this day because I am afraid it will not live up to the respect he deserves. I haven’t listened to his music because that would be admitting to myself that he is gone and not because that’s just what I wanted to listen to. It is still not real.
I am 28 years old and I remember first hearing Mike when I was 3. I’ve been a fan since. He was the only English music I knew…shoot, Mike taught me English. Everyone knew my love for Mike… the librarian at my JHS called me Mrs. Jackson and gave me the school copy of “The Making of Thriller” as a graduation gift. And like you, I performed to many of his songs and gave it my all, because it was Mike. Unlike you, I won (lol).
The world is not the same without Michael Jackson in it. God decided he was going to give the world a musical talent that we’ve never seen before when He created Mike and that’s why no one will be able to touch him. Mike was sprinkled with some extra something special and that’s why we will never fully understand how he was able to create perfect music and move his body in perfect rhythm. We just listen and watch, in awe and admire.
This hurts and I am going to miss him terribly. I hope to one day share him with my children and that they love his music as much as I do.
When some time passes, I will cuddle up and watch my collection (dozens of VHS tapes) of Michael material I’ve collected over the years and be thankful I was around to witness a portion of his career with my own 2 eyes.
I am reading your post 2 days later and it’s the first of anything I’ve read regarding Mike’s passing because I knew that in your writing, you would’ve encapsulated how so many of us are feeling in a way that was deserving of Michael Jackson and his true fans. So, once again, thank you.
My condolences go out to the Jackson family.
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