A few days ago, I went onto Yahoo to check my e-mail and was hit with breaking news on the Web site’s home page: “Michael Jackson Dies at 50.” I just stared straight at the computer screen in total shock and disbelief that the man who revolutionized the music industry and who was admired by many of the biggest names in music today had died of cardiac arrest.
Michael Jackson has sold over 750 million albums worldwide, had 13 No. 1 hit singles and gracefully holds a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for having sold the greatest number of albums in the history of mankind.
His 1979 album Thriller has sold more than 109 million copies worldwide and is still the best-selling album ever. But what is it that made Michael Jackson the most prominent figure in the entertainment industry?
“His music, his style, he was just different,” says Tasha Josma, education major.
I believe that, along with his outstanding talent as a great singer and flawless performer, Michael Jackson’s humanitarian efforts have established him as one of the most giving and kindest people on the planet. Michael Jackson has donated more than $300 million to charities for homeless, the fight against AIDS and the Make-A-Wish Foundation for the terminally ill.
“[Michael Jackson] was the most unique musician I have ever seen, and [I] have never seen anyone else like him,” says Michelet Josma, a chiropractics major at Lynn University. “He did everything by himself, and he is the smartest and most successful musician I have ever known.”
Although I had never questioned Yahoo’s credibility before, that day I decided to search other news sources to see if this was really true. The more stories I read, the more the words “Michael Jackson” and “dead” seemed to fit as if my brain had been conditioned to accept it.
After a while, I started to think about his family, his kids and the impact that his death would have on the world. Sure enough, within hours of his passing, people all over the world began to celebrate his legacy. Candlelight vigils, countless memorials and impersonation performances represented people’s appreciation of the late Michael Jackson through mixed emotions of grief and happiness.
Black Entertainment Television (BET) even paid its respects by suddenly transforming the 2009 BET Awards, held three days after Jackson’s death, into a massive tribute to the king of pop in which acts such as Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo and Beyonce shifted their performances last minute to honor him. Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, and his younger sister, Janet Jackson, also made surprise appearances to speak for the first time since his death, thanking everyone for their love and support during this tough time.
“If it wasn’t for Michael Jackson, a lot of my favorite artists wouldn’t exist today,” says Daniel Tasman, a junior marketing major.
Some of those artists include Usher, Jennifer Lopez and Justin Timberlake, who have all stated that it was the music and moves of Michael Jackson that made them want to pursue a career in the music industry.
In a solo career that spanned more than three decades, Michael Jackson recorded over 2,000 songs and created over 30 music videos. Unforgettable hits such as “Thriller,” “Beat It,” “Bad,” “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough” and “Smooth Criminal” are just some of the many hits that Jackson, without a doubt, will always be known for.”I love ‘Thriller’ and ‘Black or White,'” says Michelet Josma.
For many, June 25, 2009, the day of Jackson’s death, will be significant and worth remembering.
“It will be a significant day in history that I can tell my grandchildren about years down the road,” says Tasman.
Although I am too young to have been able to witness Michael Jackson during his prime, his music just never seems to get old. As I sat and watched his videos while many mourned his death, I realized that the world will never forget the greatest entertainer of all time and that there will never be anyone else like Michael Jackson.
May his soul rest in peace. Michael Joseph Jackson (Aug. 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009).
