People! I'm just so hurt right now! I know that Michael Jackson was just a human being like any other human being, and that he had to pass on like we all have to do, but it's still just so unbelievable that he's gone! When I first heard the "breaking news" that Michael had been rushed to the hospital for cardiac arrest, it was almost like being in a state of panic, but I was prayerful and putting all my energy there. And then a gossip blog from somewhere reported his death, and it made me angry because I viewed it as just them jumping the gun, so they could say they reported it first. Bastards! I went on Facebook, and everyone there was upset and in a tizzy. I still refused to believe it until that "reputable source" reported it as fact. They have and it's done! THE KING OF POP IS DEAD!
My partner Marvin and I were going back and forth with each other for the last couple of days about stupid minor stuff. Even through the verbal spars, we'd look at each other and laugh at each other, and play with each other because we love each other. Marvin's such a major Michael Jackson fan! He's at work right now and I can't reach him at all. I know he knows about Michael by now and I know he's heartbroken. That's why he hasn't called me because he's processing all this in his own way, but I wish he were here with me so we could experience it together. Somehow, it would make it more acceptable! I started to go frantic when nobody from his job would answer the phone, but I'm an adult, and I'm cool right now.
Every generation since the 70's can claim a favorite moment from Jackson's career. I was there from the beginning. I was just right in neighboring Kentucky when I heard this now long forgotten record with a little boy with a big voice singing on it out of Gary, Indiana. A few years later, The Jackson Five were on Ed Sullivan with Diana Ross singing I Want You Back. They were HUGE, and their success and appeal went so far beyond race, musical categories and the stifling constrictions in the United States. When Michael went solo, he went so far beyond BEYOND! If that statement makes any sense? But when they first came out, and that dynamic, adorable, cute and smilin' singin' dancin' little black boy first became known to us, it was something where you just had to BE THERE IN THE MOMENT to fully get the impact that it had on those of us who saw ourselves in him. Those little boys like me who wanted to sing like, dance like and dress like Michael. We wanted to BE Michael. We won't have to jump ship like so many others who've spewed the nasty jokes and snide comments of his later days and career. We'll sing his praise song, yes! We'll pay tribute, yes! We thought some things were an awful, perhaps even shameful fact of life, yes! But we were always there, still showing our support. No matter what! I was so lucky to have met so many of the stars of the 70's, and 80's, and I have a number of memories about them because some were more special than others, but I never got the opportunity to meet Michael or any of his famous family members. That's okay! He was one of us and it was as if we always knew him even when we really didn't. I know I cannot be the only one who feels that way!
I don't know if I'll be doing any special Michael tributes any time soon, but this here is just my way of expressing how I feel and my way of showing honor right now! You know, it got to a point where looking at those old clips of Michael and his brothers filled me with an odd mix of melancholy and that old thrill of wonder, too. But now, I will never be able to look at little Michael singing songs like I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save, Ben or Never Can Say Goodbye in the same way again. Listening to I'll Be There will be especially painful now. There'll be more of an ache now. There'll be tears. I'm not ashamed to say that I've shed my share within the last few hours or so. But you know, we'll all smile again about Michael, even now while we grieve for him. Unbelievable as his passing may be, some of us always had this strange feeling that Michael Jackson would not be with us for long, that God would call him early. Wow! As I write this, I really do remember telling Marvin that when he was embroiled in all the court dramas. He just seemed too fragile to last during that crazy time. I think all of us who were around to watch him from the beginning felt as if that time took so many years off of his life.
Michael Jackson was in a category all by himself! More than a legend. More than an Icon. I don't know what comes after that! He'll always be a THRILLER!
R.I.P.
YEAH THIS IS THE SHOCKER OF THE DECADE...
Posted by: thegaytekeeper | June 25, 2009 at 09:49 PM
Yes, it is a shocker. Michael was a great one. Despite the health issues and psychological changes, he was a talent who made a great contribution to music...And, Lord, he could dance.
Posted by: MacDaddy | June 25, 2009 at 11:24 PM
He couldn't just dance...That man defied the laws of gravity!
Anyway, I am still so shocked and horrified. Yet I feel conflict. On the onehand I remember him as the superstar of my childhood. On the other I see him as the bizarre individual with a dark side (e.g. the abuse allegations).
Yet, I will miss his power to entertain. He did it well.
Rest in peace.
Posted by: ToddyEnglish | June 26, 2009 at 03:15 PM
Fly black bird fly, I know that he has claimed his wings as his full dark featured self. Wouldn't we all love to be there to see the Micheal Jackson our brother our Icon as we first knew him, in his own skin in his own mind fully affirmed in unconditional love.
Well if we get there, we'll see it for ourselves. But what we can do for all the Micheal's and Luther's and any other super male nova spirits is to love them where they are and not from the cripled version of our selves.
Mr. Funky
Posted by: Mr. Funky | June 30, 2009 at 07:08 PM
michael, talented, humble, helpful, but what happen to him, should not have, people around you, should able to help you tru life. but as i can see, he was allow to destroy himself. all every person saw in him money, and afraid, we need people around us who are honest to point out our weakness. I would quote from the bible "what it is for a man to gain the world, and lose his soul" think about it. To all celebrities,people in politic, religous leader and people, business world,educators, rich and poor."This is just a journey,live it with love, health, spiritual,help each other to make this world a better place to live until your journey is over. Peace always
Posted by: norton c. campbell | August 24, 2009 at 12:51 PM