Last night I was still too shocked to comment much on the passing of Michael Jackson. To be honest, I’m still in shock. I expected to wake up this morning to find that this was just a dream or that some crazy mistake was made. Granted, I wasn’t a huge Michael Jackson fan- no posters, no fan club, never attended a concert, but I grew up with Michael.
Michael was the epitome of 1980′s music. He defined. His dancing and choreography shaped performances today. You can see his influence everywhere. There’s no disputing his impact on the music industry.
Michael and the Sony Walkman were music. Listening to his songs on my walkman elevated my love of pop music to a new level.
Today I spent a few moments reminiscing and recalled the time that I sat in front of the television anxiously awaiting the world premiere of the ‘Thriller’ video. It was like a mini-movie rather than a music video. Michael set a new standard for music video’s with his world premiere of ‘Black or White’ introducing new video technology. Yes, Michael’s influence, while subtle, has really played a large role in shaping every aspect of the music industry.
There is no disputing that Michael had many foibles and was strangely odd, but he was perhaps one of the most talented performers of our lifetime.
Michael Jackson, may you rest in peace.
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