Thursday, June 25, 2009

Off the Wall album coverImage via Wikipedia

Since learning of Michael Jackson's death, I have been thinking of the Michael Jackson we all knew and loved during the 1970s and 1980s. That is the way I want to remember him. However, I realized that my teenage sons and most of Gen Y, never knew that Michael Jackson.

To me, Michael Jackson was an extremely talented young man. To my kids, he was a weird androgynous person whose skin color changed and who allegedly molested young boys. They do appreciate the genius of Billy Jean and Beat It, but never made an effort to learn the rest of his music.

I have such memories of listening to the Jackson 5 during my tween years. I loved every single song they came out with. We were both approximately the same age, so when Off the Wall came out, it seemed the perfect music for that time in my life.

Then came Thriller. I still remember seeing the first time I saw the music video of Thriller and was just as scared as if I was watching a scary movie. I remember the first time he performed his moon walk live on a Motown special. During the mid 1980s, the Thriller years, Michael Jackson really was the King of Pop.

Do you remember We are the World? The song for this charitable music video was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie and Michael was one of the key performers:



That is the Michael Jackson I am going to remember. And I am going to try to share those memories with my teenage sons. I want them to see the huge talent and genius that Michael Jackson was.

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11 comments:

  • bbrian017

    oh my my old lady made me watch this :) Sad new isn't it!

  • Dwacon®

    A charmed life.

  • Cindi @ Moomette's Magnificents

    I so agree - that's the Michael Jackson I want to remember too. I remember him as a 5 yr old (or so), extremely talented. The Moon Walk, Billie Jean, Beat It, & Thriller - nothing like it. Thanks for saying this

  • Ari

    I cant believe his dead -what a loss...and he was only 50!i've posted info about his death 2 if you want to check it out..

  • Kid Lazy

    I cant believe his dead!its a really big loss

  • katherine

    Oh, i am one of his fan here in the Philippines. i was so sad when i read that he's dead already. Yeah, that;s what i want to remember him. Infact his "Ben" made me won in so many singing competition when i was young. Until now, i still have collection of his music. Luckily, my eldest likes his music or songs too and he can even dance the moon walk steps..Michael died so young.

  • PJ

    that's the michael jackson i will remember also.

  • Sire

    So young and such a talent. I've always liked him as a performer but sometimes wondered at his life choices, but them we all have our own road to follow. He will be sorely missed.

  • Mike Golch

    the early Michael is the one that I will remember the most as well.

  • Extreme John

    Without a doubt the Michael Jackson I will remember, I can be anywhere and hear any of the songsa above and instantly smile.

    Get me in a bar and throw a little "Billy Jean" on and watch out!

  • Anonymous

    I like your perspective...I always remember having heard the Jackson's music (and hence Michael's vocals) - but I wasn't aware...I hope we can all remember MJ like this - although I have no problem remembering his more recent works - I think they are all wonderful and inspiring!

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