I saw Michael Jackson’s first appearance on national television. I was sitting on my parents’ bed with my sisters, watching a variety show called “The Hollywood Palace.” The Jackson 5ive came on stage and I was mesmerized. The lead singer was a kid who was younger than I was and he was sensational. I loved those early songs, “ABC” and “One Bad Apple” and “Never Can Say Goodbye.” I even watched the animated series. Many years later, I was in the front row of the crowd on the lawn of the White House when he visited Ronald Reagan for some event that had to do with auto safety. I could see how shy he was. The gloved hand was shaking. He was at the time the biggest performing artist in the world, which is what he wanted.
Over the past twenty years, Jackson was better known for headlines than for music. He was known as “Wacko Jacko” and there were rumors about his weird, childlike, possibly predatory behavior. He spoke about abuse in his own childhood. He had extensive cosmetic surgery and he and his children appeared in public with their faces concealed. He was accused of molesting young boys. He had two brief marriages. He had financial difficulties. He once said he was Peter Pan. Now he will never grow old.
Let’s remember Michael Jackson when he was young and full of talent and possibility.
posted June 25, 2009 at 10:49 pm
That’s a shame. He had some good music. More and more people are dying young.
May Michael Jackson rest in peace despite some of the negative things said about him.
posted June 26, 2009 at 12:20 am
I started listening to him in the early 80s when I was 12 or 13..Very sad right now..I feel like he had a troubled life but a brilliant career. RIP
posted June 26, 2009 at 5:08 am
a part of me died today,michael was and allways will be the best singer of my genaration,my heart goes out to his familly at this very sad time,sleep in peace sweetheart they cant hurt you no more xxx
posted June 26, 2009 at 8:01 am
Thanks to all for these touching tributes. It means a lot to me that you are so generous in sharing your sorrow.
posted June 26, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Such a powerhouse of a performer, but so vulnerable, being hurt by the thoughtless words of strangers. I felt sad for him, that he felt he was not loveable just as he was.
It seems clear, even in these early hours after his death, that (as it should, in my opinion) his artistic work will shine on, eclipsing his personal problems. Driving home from work yesterday, I learned the shocking news by radio. The radio station played “Man in the Mirror” as part of its tribute to Michael. At the key change, my breath caught, and I found myself crying. I hope he is at peace now. I hope his children will know what an extraordinary person their father was, and I hope they will be much happier than their father seemed to be.
posted June 30, 2009 at 11:25 am
This is an analysis of Peter Pan, and it just goes to show you that MJ is our real-life Peter Pan. He wasn’t lying when he said that!
http://www.examiner.com/x-13613-New-Classics-Examiner~y2009m6d26-Peter-Pan-all-grown-up-a-posthumous-case-for-Michael-Jacksons-innocence
posted July 1, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Rest in peace Michael. Long live the KING!
posted July 2, 2009 at 6:55 am
A lovely thought, TW, and much appreciated.
posted July 14, 2009 at 9:21 pm
FOR MICHAEL JACKSON:
I have read in some internet sites that u r still alive n that someone bumped at u n had d chance to talk to u. Well i hope that u really r alive. But i wanna tell u something..
I know that being d king of pops gives u a lot of pressure. u won’t enjoy u’r life 2 d fullest. But michael, u don’t have 2 be d person they want u 2 be. U don’t have 2 wear a mask in front of the people around d world. Being u, urself is what makes u unique, what makes u pure. We r very different from one another. U don’t have to think of what others may say with what u do or what u like. I mean come on, nobody in this world owns ur life, only God does. So get ur feet on d ground, love those who loves u. If some people hates u then be it, u’r u n they’re them. Changing d real u won’t make u happy. I know that living in this world with people saying that they love u won’t assure u that they will ti’ll ur worst times. But u know there r still people out there that loves you very much even at ur worst nightmares. Some that u have met n some that u haven’t yet. Although saying these seem like talking to u, there’s still a part in my heart saying that u r not here anymore. i can’t stop crying n regretting d days that i never realized that i was a lovingly fan of urs. It’s like my heart’s gonna burst. I had never cried for someone whose an idol like these before, but u. Now that it’s 2 late i’ve realized that u’r d only idol that i adored so much. But if u r really alive n reading this now. Please some back. Come back 2 us who loves u very much. We need u. We need u 2 stand for d people. We need u because we love u. We’re here 2 back u up. Come back michael, u r not alone, just look around u u’ll see d people who really cares n understands u. How can we change the wolrld for a better place if u’r not here with us? u said that heaven can wait but where r u now? Come back. We love u so much. Come back michael. This is in behalf of the people who really loves u. Think about the people who will become the next generation. I really hope n pray that u r still alive n i am willing 2 share d span of my life 2 u.
-(GASGA) Neliel-
posted July 15, 2009 at 7:24 am
I am afraid those rumors are just wishful thinking, Neliel. Michael Jackson has died, and we must be grateful for the legacy he left behind and inspired by his music.