A tribute to “The King of Pop” Michael Jackson 1958-2009
“The greatest recording artist of all-time”
By: Young Degree
On Thursday June 26th at ..2:26pm.. The World lost the greatest entertainer in the history of music. a icon in R&B and popular music and well known as “The King of Pop”, Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29th, 1958 in Gary, Indiana the 7th of 9 children, He would live to not only be a successful recording artist but the greatest artist in the history of music. A Legend, Humanitarian and Father of 3 children, Michael leaves a legacy behind, as he is responsible for the merging of different genres and styles of music. Achieving goals that no other artist has ever reached he was also the greatest performer of all time.
The news of Jackson collapsing in his home quickly flooded social media websites such as twitter and facebook. While many had already unofficially confirmed his death, it remained unconfirmed by CNN until early Thursday evening EST. The media began to focus on the controversy surrounding Jackson in recent years and concentrated on his idiosyncrasies. In total respect for Mr. Jackson, this blog post will be tasteful as I attempt to touch on the life of “The King of Pop”
Woman fainted at his concerts; he touched the world with a catalog of music that will remain timeless to say the least. While the Icon was on the verge of a comeback planning a series of concerts in London, Michael Jackson reportedly collapsed in his LA home and later on passed away allegedly of Cardiac arrest at the age of 50 yesterday.
Crowds formed outside of UCLA hospital where he was rushed, Times Square in NYC and outside of his LA home would soon be flooded with fans as the sketchy news began to reach the world. The “King of Pop” known for his trademark “Moonwalk” and white glove has influenced every genre of music, and touched the lives of millions. He is responsible for the rapid success of BET and MTV with his movie like music videos. Current R&B and Pop stars such as Usher, Justin Timberlake, The Dream, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown and the list goes on, have been influenced by the King of Pop as the many melodies and foundations he has laid are revisited by current trendsetters. It is safe to say every form of dance in any music video has been influenced by the King of Pop.
He was once called a “1 man rescue team for the music business” Michael Jackson made every culture accept the color. He transcended race relations way before Tiger Woods, or President Barack Obama. With numerous hit records, Michael Jackson took his success and toured the world bringing awareness to issues such as hunger; He will forever be known for his “Heal the World” approach to the problems of the world.
Mr. Jackson has been awarded for his Humanitarian work, But many will argue that his service was cut short. It is believed that Michael Jackson would have gone on to do one last tour, record one last album and receive many more awards, as he truly was a gift to all of humanity.
I stopped several times during the course of my research with tears in my eyes. While I may have failed to include some notable events, forgive me as I remain in shock of the loss of the biggest Icon the music business has ever seen. The best entertainer the world has ever seen. You simply cannot love music nor discuss music without speaking about Michael Jackson; He was truly monumental, and perhaps the definition of success in regards to recorded music. Michael Jackson leaves a legacy of over 40 years of music behind. When asking someone about their favorite Michael Jackson songs today, the debate could last 40 days and 40 nights. But I leave All Jersey Radio with my reflection on the song that touched me the most, while listening to it I did in fact stop to cry, Michael Jackson “The King of Pop” in my eyes the king of all music, the greatest artist of all time. I will, we will, never forget you. We will enjoy you forever, Rest in Peace
Each time the wind blows
I hear your voice so
I call your name
Whispers at morning
Our love is dawning
Heaven’s glad you came
You know how I feel
This thing can’t go wrong
I’m so proud to say I love you
Your loves got me high
I long to get by
This time is forever
Love is thee answer
I hear your voice now
You are my choice now
The love you bring
Heavens in my heart
At your call
I hear harps
And Angels sing
You know how I feel
This thing can’t go wrong
I can’t live my life without you
I just can’t hold on
I feel we belong
My life aint worth living
If I can’t be with you
I just can’t stop loving you
I just can’t stop loving you
And if I stop, then tell me just what
Will I do?
Cause I just can’t stop loving you.
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Career Highlights included but are not limited to the following:
Michael began performing at the age of 5
His father Joe Jackson started the Jackson 5, which signed their first deal in 1967
1968 – Jackson 5 releases first album on Motown Records
(The Jackson 5 with Michael at age 11 charted “I want you back” #1 on the billboard charts)
1975- Jackson 5 leaves Motown and signs with Epic Records
(Notable hits: ABC, I want you back, Never can say goodbye)
1978- Michael played the “Scarecrow” in the wiz
1979- Off the wall album 20 million copies sold
(Notable singles: Don’t stop till you get enough, Rock with you)
1982- The release of “Thriller” which had 10 singles and went on to sell 100 million copies worldwide. It held the #1 spot on the Billboard charts for 37 weeks. 7 of the 10 singles were made the 10 ten on the charts and is the best selling album of ALL TIME WORLDWIDE
Billie Jean was the first song that charted a #1 Pop single; #1 pop album, #1 R&B single and #1 R&B album all at the same time.
1984- Nominated for 12 Grammy’s and won 8
1985- “We are the world,” co-wrote with Lionel Richie raised money for the relief of African Famine
1987- Bad, 5 singles on the Billboard charts
Purchased “The Beatles” Catalog in the late 80’s
1988- purchased 26-acre ranch Neverland
1990- Grammy for “Leave me alone”
1993- Received Living Legend Award at the Grammy’s
1997- “The Jackson 5” renamed “The Jacksons” was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
1998- Soul Train Humanitarian Award
2001- Michael Jackson inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
(United we stand concert in the wake of the 9/11 attacks)
2002- Michael Jackson was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
2006- Diamond Award at the World Music Awards in London