King of Pop Dead at 50
Submitted by T. Pratt on Fri, 06/26/2009 - 11:52.
I had to dedicate a few bars to the King of Pop. Like many of you, I walked around the house as a youngster with either a rhinestone or sequence glove on grabbing my crotch and shaking my leg in the air. I could do some semblance of the moon walk, only because that was about my best attempt at break dancing. The crazy thing about Mike J, is that young kids in Japan, China, Austrailia, Saudi Arabia, and London among other places, where doing the same thing. Mike was a true superstar, and even his Hollyweird tendencies at times, don't overshadow his amazing legacy as a pop star. Mike had people passing out in the audience before the concert even started.
Mike's B-Sides even made great Steppin' records. If I'm not mistaken, Andre Blackwell and Lynn won a contest to the song "Ghosts." There were more Steppers jams however, like Someone (Put Your Hand Out), Butterflies, and Break of Dawn. And let's not forget my Steppin' theme song Almost There by the Jackson 5 (shout out to Eric "ET" Taylor), and Blues Away. Still, there are more that I can't even recall.
He was the consumate artist, and when Hammer challenged him for this "Greatest Entertainer in the World" title, I couldn't help but think "Is this N!99a crazy?" I can honestly say, I am quite sad about Mike's death. If you happen to grace the computer today, chime in and tell us how you feel about Mike's legacy and what his life, music, and career meant to you. Rest In Peace - Michael Jackson (50).
Music Ministry
WOW thanks for the opportunity to express my saddened heart. I want to get over the sadness and move right into a like major celebration Of this mans life ans Music Genre. Yes, I was one of the millions of little girls who had MJ posters all over my wall including the Jacksons. I have all of the Jacksons Albulms and Mike's as well. My favorits Jackson five Album was Destiny(79) and OFF THE WALL for Mike. I played the heck out of it and new every verse. My favorite steppers kut from MJ is "Butterflies". I was grazing over a few of his world renowned accomplishments and to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of FAME X 2 was awesome not to mention his Guniess book of records for Entertainer of the Century. Phenominal Ministry of Music is all I can say. I say that because of his ability to reach all walks of life over the entire World and touch your soul. Despite his so called mishaps and down to being totally misunderstood his ability to strive in this Entertainment business alone speaks vividly to his strenghts and encouragement. His legacy and sound will be forever heard, sung, danced, whistled and embraced in our as well as MY heart. MJ "RIP".
Michael Jackson
Thanks T for taking time to honor this great man. This news saddened me deeply. It almost felt as if I lost a relative. I grew up on Michael Jackson. I was one of those kids who dreamed about going to Gary, Indiana and marrying him or one of his brothers! LOL! I remember sitting up until midnight to see the video "Thriller" aired for the first time. I remember getting the famous glove, wearing the t-shirts, buying albums, imitating his videos. I even performed once in a small production of "The Wiz" as one the munchkin dancers! LOL! I can even recall my dorm room at NIU being decorated with posters of all the Jacksons (that didn't go over too well with my roommate, but what the heck!).
What will the entertainment industry do without this legend?
"Nurture your mind with great thoughts for you will never go any higher than you think."
Steppin To Mike
Michael Jackson held a constant place in the steppin community for decades. Here are some of his most memorable steppin and walkin tunes:
Good Times, Blues Away, Find Me A Girl, Push Me Away, Show You The Way To Go, Someone, Butterflies, Break of Dawn, Heaven Can Wait, Ghost, Whatever Happens, All I Do Is Think Of You, You Rock My World, The Girl Is Mine, Give It Up, and I'll save this one for last because I think it is most appropriate to mention it last...Never Can Say Goodbye.
If I have forgotten any, charge it to my head and not my heart.
Michael Jackson RIP
I thought it was a bad joke when my co-worker sent me a text message saying that Michael Jackson had a heart attack. Then right after that she said he died. I'm like quit playing. But sure enough when I sat in front of the tv in disbelief this great one has died. Wow!! 50 years old. I am still shaking my head on this one.
Yes we have danced to a lot of his many great songs but one that Steve "Breeze" Brewer played more than a year ago was "Don't Just Walk Away". I must have played that song in my car yesterday about 10 times. He will surely be missed.
Cynthia Bean
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