When my mother called me this afternoon to tell me that the King of Pop had died, I felt the same sense of denial and disbelief that I had experienced when my friend Angela walked out of the house late one night to tell me that Princess Di had died just as Camille and I were on our way out for a night on the town. I remember saying, "No, she's not dead. Let's go." Unlike with Princess Di when I blissfully enjoyed my denial at least until the morning papers, I was quickly forced to acknowledge the death of MJ as every program on TV and radio was interrupted with the "breaking news." He was really gone...one of the best entertainers of all time...gone at age 50.
I can't believe it. This man was my childhood. The Jackson 5. The boy in love with the mouse (or rat as I affectionately called it). The scarecrow from The Wiz (which by the way is the source of my original knowledge of the story of Oz...Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor, Nipsey Russell). The Thriller Jacket. The Glove. The moonwalk. Prince v. Michael. And the songs...the songs.
Now I sit watching BET (for the first time in at least 15 years) as they chronicle his musical career, and I must say what talent...what a life...what a gift...
MJ will be missed.
Michael Jackson
August 29, 1958-June 25, 2009
Hi Tina. I agree. I loved him too. He was only one year older than me. I have so many fond memories that involve his music, his style and his talent. He will be missed.
ReplyDeleteJennifer