Loss of a Legend
News of Michael Jackson's death has hit me unexpectedly hard. Maybe it's because it was such an unexpected death. I had tuned out most news of Jackson over the past decade because of its bizarreness. He had evolved - or devolved - into such a surreal personality that I couldn't even comprehend it, so I did not anticipate feeling this shocked. Maybe it was because of his cartoonish figure that I assumed that, like Mickey Mouse or Bart Simpson, he would go on forever. Jackson was an iconic figure of my childhood; his music was in the background of so many of my life experiences. One of my fourth grade friends went as him for Halloween. I remember finally watching Thriller for the first time, long after everyone else had seen it. My family didn't have a television, and I saw it come on TV at a friend's house and sat there, fascinated by a music video that even now has never been surpassed. We tried to imitate the dance steps from Thriller and many of his other songs, the lyrics committed to memory so definitively. Today I feel old.
Who knows how many demons Jackson struggled with - family, fame, wealth, debt, substance abuse, the dueling faces of adoration and alienation. Behind his circus-like life was an amazing talent and a voice that was instantly recognizable and loved by millions. He will continue to inspire artists for many years to come. Rest in peace.
Who knows how many demons Jackson struggled with - family, fame, wealth, debt, substance abuse, the dueling faces of adoration and alienation. Behind his circus-like life was an amazing talent and a voice that was instantly recognizable and loved by millions. He will continue to inspire artists for many years to come. Rest in peace.