I still can’t believe it.
His influence on popular music is almost impossible to quantify. His contribution to the music video and studio effects genres is incalculable, as were his groundbreaking ideas about including choreography and backstory to videos and live performances.
He was the ultimate entertainer, but don’t forget “We Are the World.” How many charity events have taken place since then, pioneered (and often financed) by pop artists with a cause?
I still bawl watching that video (albeit for different reasons when I hear Springsteen’s unbearable bleating).
MJ was young: only a couple of months away from his 51st birthday. I guess it proves that when it’s your time, it’s your time. Doesn’t change the fact that his came way, way too soon, though.
Man….
FO
I couldn’t believe it either. I imagine you feel kind of like I do, being the same age as he, that we watched him grow up. Maybe even watched the Jackson Five cartoon on Saturday mornings?
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Rat Fink Reply:
June 27th, 2009 at 6:57 am
You bet I did! Did they use their own voices for it? Probably not. But I had all their singles on 45 RPM. Wore ‘em clean out. I remember buying “Thriller” in ‘82…coming home and playing it over and over and over and over…to the exclusion of dinner, housework, etc. #1 Son knew the words at 2 years old! HA
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I to am very shocked. I can’t believe that the great Idol has pasted away. We can all say that he will never be forgotten, and will always be loved.
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Rat Fink Reply:
June 27th, 2009 at 6:54 am
Absolutely, Maelea. MJ (and the J5) grew up right alongside me; it’s really hard to process. You’re right — never forgotten.
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Being from the internet and yet having respect for the man and for the person who writes in this blog I will show my respect by not posting any juvenile jokes about said performer.
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Rat Fink Reply:
June 27th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Mathew? Resist a juvenile comment?
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