Michael Jackson left us, one of the most brilliant entertainers of all times died at the age of 50. A unique artist that influenced music like just few others before him. We grew up with Michael’s songs and for many years artists have looked at him as a model, his moves and way to sing influenced almost all the generations of singers and dancers after his own. Probably only Elvis has influenced music as Michael did, and they both were called Kings.

The fame of Michael Jackson began in the late 60s when his family’s group, The Jackson’s 5, started to appear on American Televisions. The group was led by Michael, a very energetic 10 year old boy, the same energy that we could find in him throughout the 80s and 90s. We could see a man, an artist, that wanted to be the best in what he was doing, and indeed he was the Best.

When his solo career began, in 1978, he started to work with Quincy Jones, together they created hits like “Don’t stop ‘til you get enough”. The collaboration between the two artists continued in 1982, with the album “Thriller” that sold more than any other album in music’s history. Since then the ‘King of Pop” was born, history was made and Michael Jackson became a worldwide household name. Seven of the nine songs of the record reached the top of the single charts, and the album was number one for 38 weeks, evergreen songs like “Billy Jean”, “Beat it”, “Thriller” were part of that record.

After Thriller Michael kept giving us more beautiful songs like “The way you make me feel”, “Black or White” and to not forget “We are the World”.

That was the Michael Jackson that my generation remembers, and would like to remember, the good and sensitive artist able to entertain and give us wonderful music, dance and great lyrics. In my opinion Michael Jackson artistically is best described by the lyrics of his song “Man in the Mirror”:

"I'm gonna make a change, for once in my life it's gonna feel real good, gonna make a difference gonna make it right. As I turn up the collar on my favorite winter coat this wind is blowin' my mind I see the kids in the street, without enough to eat, who am I, to be blind? pretending not to see their needs. A summer's disregard, a broken bottle top and a one man's soul they follow each other on the wind ya' know 'cause they got nowhere to go that's why now I want you to know. I'm starting with the Man in the mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways and no message could have been any clearer. If you wanna make the world a better place take a look at yourself, and then make a change."

                                                                   (Michael J. Jackson, 1958-2009)

Thank you Michael

copyright©Leonardo Tapino 2009 for Forum Artistico

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