Today I went to lunch with my grandmother, two brothers, and the kid and the talked turned quickly to Michael Jackson. I mean, he was a HUGE part of our childhood, especially for my older brother and me. I have been resisting the urge to write about Mike, because I'm sure, by now you've read every tribute, seen every video, and pulled out ever LP, CD, or MP3 of his music you've ever owned. But talking to my brother today brought it all back.
Michael Jackson is a LEGEND!
Michael Jackson's music indelibly scored much of my childhood. My bother and I reminisced about acting out the "Thriller" video--we'd put on the LP, he'd deepen his voice to mimic Vincent Price, and I'd tackle the dance moves. Around '85, my bro had a red leather, multi-zippered jacket, just like Mike. We thought it was so cool when we spotted it at the swap meet and BOTH begged our dad to buy it, pleeeeeaaasssseeee. Although my mother was very strict about what kind of music we could listen to, just about the only secular music we didn't have to sneak in the house was MJ. My mom made an exception only for him (Prince was way too much for my young ears), and we all crowded around the TV, super excited, when "Remember the Times" premiered on NBC.
As we talked, I realized just how BIG Michael Jackson was to all of us. My brother--mid 30s--was still able to tell me the songs from "Captain EO", a film we saw EVERY time we went to Disneyland (which was a lot). He was still able to tell me the ending of the video "Bad," and reminded me that "Smotth Criminal" had a super extended version that stared Joe Pesci. Our conversation made me really, really want to watch, "Moonwalker," a film that took viewers through MJ's career. I watched "Moonwalker" so many times I knew all the words & all of MJ's dance moves. My aunt had the movie and we'd watch it every time my dad dropped us off at her house. I called my aunt to see if she still had a copy, she didn't, but thank goodness for YouTube!
In honor of Michael, I want to share my favorite clip with you. Enjoy!
What is your favorite Michael Jackson memory?
What's your favorite song?
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Hi... just happen to cross your site...
Im planning to go to Tokyo or Hong Kong Disney this Christmas. Hoho and I found some stuffs from Hong Kong Disneyland here as well:
disneycloth.cwahi.net
I will definitely take tones of photos there!!!
Aw man--Michael was, and still is, indeed, a legend who deserves our respect and admiration. I definitely didn't expect to feel so passionate about it, but when I heard the news, like a million other people, I ran to my iPod and blasted "Can't Help It" on my stereo. And then I cried (SO not me!). I couldn't help it.
Oh man, I remember crowding around the TV set and watching the premier of Remember the Time... doggone near EVERYBODY was in that video. I loved that he chose Africa (Egypt) for the piece, and that it was full of all of the most beautiful brown folks I'd ever seen--Eddie Murphy, Iman... the dancing was incredible.
He was incredible.
Rest in peace, Mike.
My favorite song... THRILLER & Smooth Criminal...loved that video...45 degree angle...damn!
Who among us does not know all the steps to THRILLER video...come...I am not the only one LOL!
He is MISSED!
I think my favorite song is Butterflies. Michael is going to missed and I am still in shock.
My cousins and I used to dance around and sing to Michael's songs, and stuff from the Jackson 5. We put on these elaborate productions, decorating the room like a stage, and putting on a concert. We had so much fun listening to his music.
I hope that people NEVER get tired of appreciating the phenomenal gift that Michael gave to the entire world...
Gladys Knight said that he gave more than even he could bear...