Monday, July 6, 2009
As We Mourn The Legendary Michael Jackson
On June 25, music fans around the world were shocked and saddened by the devastating news that pop icon Michael Jackson had unexpectedly passed away.
Michael had been singing to us since he was 9 years old, fronting his family singing group, The Jackson 5. His appeal was instant, and the group was tremendously successful.
For those who thought the passing of Elvis Presley in 1977 meant the world would never see another King with the vocal talent and pure magnetism capable of attracting throngs of adoring fans, they only had to wait 2 more years until Jackson released Off The Wall in 1979. His fifth solo departure from The Jackson 5 was regarded as a major breakthrough album, receiving critical acclaim and marking Jackson’s transition from talented little boy into a masterful musical force.
Whether you were into disco, funk, soul, jazz, pop or rock, Michael had a song for you. His impact on modern music was astounding, delivered through album releases, television appearances, globe-spanning concerts, and his brilliant videos on the fledgling MTV. He turned the music video into conceptual art, and introduced new dance techniques such as the robot and moonwalk. Thriller, released in 1982, instantly became—and currently remains—the best-selling album of all time. Seven of the album’s nine songs, including Beat It, Billie Jean, The Girl Is Mine, PYT (Pretty Young Thing), Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ and 2 more, reached Billboard’s top 10, and the album won a record-breaking eight Grammy awards in 1984.
Michael Jackson’s multiple successes over the next decade cemented his image as a cultural icon. He was one of those rare entertainers whose talent spanned generations and genres, and he will forever be known as the King of Pop.
posted by Betty at
12:07 PM
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