One year ago on June 25, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop died in a now controversial case involving his doctor. Remembering growing up with Michael Jackson, it’s still surreal for me that he’s gone. The announcement of his death was one of those moments in history where I will always remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard of his death. I was in Gold’s gym about ready to start a spin class. The pronouncement of his death came for me on CNN. One year later, I think of what could have been his greatest tour.
Despite Jackson’s troubled life, his music will reign supreme for a life time and perhaps, even longer. No doubt he will surpass all records even in death. It has already been reported that he is now making more money dead than alive in his last years. No one in our life time will leave the musical legacy that he’s left. It’s hard to imagine in his words that “This is It”. But his memory will always be here with us. I will remember all that he accomplished in just 50 years. Most notable for me are:
1. His Thriller album sales of over $100 million. No one before and no one after has surpassed those record sales. Not even Elvis, the Beatles, Madonna could match his sales. Thriller is still the best selling album of all times.
2. Michael broke down racial barriers with his appearances on MTV. He appeared on MTV at a time almost unthinkable now but worth remembering when black artists did not appear. He was the first one.
3. The carton show “The Jacksons” which appeared in the early 1970’s was on TV at a time when blacks were rarely seen. It was a cartoon that black children could embrace seeing characters that looked like them.
4. His social justice themes in his music resonated with all. Such tunes as “Ebony and Ivory” living in perfect harmony spoke of a world he wished existed.
5. His Thriller video set the stage for all future videos to come. He started what became the trend of using videos to promote new albums and now CD’s.
6. Lastly, I remember just the way his music made you feel.. “It really turned you on”
The manslaughter trial surrounding his death still hangs in the balance. Justice moves slow. But no matter what, for Michael Jackson, I can never say good bye…”No no no I never can say good bye”….