There will never be another like him.
I could go on and on about his contributions to the world of music, style, pop culture. But I won't.
I could talk about how nuts he went at the end of his life, so weird, so off the grid. But I won't.
What I will say is that I am a child of the 80's, and the soundtrack of my entire adolescence is FULL of his music.
Even tonight, watching some of the clips of his old music videos, Rebecca and I could remember so clearly how watching his black loafers light up the sidewalk in Billie Jean seemed like the most magical thing EVER. And that's what I am going to remember, as I blast "P.Y.T" on my iPod, the glory days of red leather jackets, ONE sequined glove, and dancing zombies.
The good news is that MJ's legacy is already carrying on to the next generation...we had the radio on upstairs before bathtime, listening to the Michael Jackson marathon, and when "Beat It" came on, Sam went nuts. He recognizes it from Guitar Hero and shouted, "THIS IS MY FAVORITE SONG IN THE WHOLE WORLD!!"
That's my boy. With any luck, MJ's music will be a part of the soundtrack of Sam and Jane's adolescence and beyond....
I could go on and on about his contributions to the world of music, style, pop culture. But I won't.
I could talk about how nuts he went at the end of his life, so weird, so off the grid. But I won't.
What I will say is that I am a child of the 80's, and the soundtrack of my entire adolescence is FULL of his music.
Even tonight, watching some of the clips of his old music videos, Rebecca and I could remember so clearly how watching his black loafers light up the sidewalk in Billie Jean seemed like the most magical thing EVER. And that's what I am going to remember, as I blast "P.Y.T" on my iPod, the glory days of red leather jackets, ONE sequined glove, and dancing zombies.
The good news is that MJ's legacy is already carrying on to the next generation...we had the radio on upstairs before bathtime, listening to the Michael Jackson marathon, and when "Beat It" came on, Sam went nuts. He recognizes it from Guitar Hero and shouted, "THIS IS MY FAVORITE SONG IN THE WHOLE WORLD!!"
That's my boy. With any luck, MJ's music will be a part of the soundtrack of Sam and Jane's adolescence and beyond....
Well, darling, my memories are mostly just how nutso you two girls were for this iconic character of your very young years. I do know he broke the Color barrier on MTV and the world of young girls who are now your age are mourning the loss of someone so dear to their childhood. Nice blog and just knew you would have it up so early!
Posted by: Suzanne E. Morrison | June 26, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Sarah, how perfectly you wrote about Michael. My memories of him consist of watching a very young Alex & Johnny dancing to his videos and loving every move. The other memory is of my sweet daughter Kerri defending him over his first charge saying with the tone of the best defense attorney "He is innocent! Mom I wish I could go to Neverland Ranch, can I?" When asked why she replied "He is not like what they are saying, he loves children. He had good in his heart and when you have that much good & love in your heart you could not do what they are saying and I want to go and tell him to keep loving children and helping kids like me!" I wanted at that point to send her to Neverland Ranch because I believed in my heart she was right.
I'm glad you are bringing up another MJ loving generation!!!!
Posted by: Lori Shaw | June 26, 2009 at 11:45 AM
you said it, sista! Having an mj tribute tonight with Johnny (ha!). Yes, we will dance. No video though.
Emma likes Michael Jackson too!
Posted by: Kim | June 26, 2009 at 12:18 PM
I remember my mother wouldn't let me stay up to watch Michael Jackson perform on the Grammy's and I missed the now infamous debut of the moonwalk. I was devastated!!!! But I still cannot separated the man from the music. I believe he is guilty and find it very difficult to praise his work.
Posted by: Danielle | June 26, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Ugh! My heart dropped when I heard this news! He was in his prime when I was still very young, but I will never forget his music or videos on MTV, they were always magical. His talent was immeasurable, and his videos were like a short movie. I remember my ballet teacher always showed us videotapes of his dancing for jazz lessons, he was to be our inspiration(as if!). Regardless of how people felt about him in recent years, there is no denying that we have lost one of the great talents of our time way too soon.
Posted by: Noelle Kristiansen | June 26, 2009 at 05:09 PM