Hey guys I hope all have been doing good. Well I'm sitting here watching the Michael Jackson Memorial Celebration live on CNN, a tear drop racing down my cheek followed by another. The tears and lump in my throat aren't from sadness, but rather the incredible respect I have for this artist. I can't help but appreciate the impact that his music has had in my life. His songs remind me of first loves, Saturday morning smiles, summer breezes, growing up and venturing into the world, starting a family, raising my boys and cross country road trips with the family. Songs like I Want You Back, I'll Be There and Got To Be There are all associated to an episode or occurrence in my life. The magic of a song like Ben. A song about a rodent. Go figure this would wind up being one of my favorites. Jermaine is now singing Smile, another great song and there goes another tear.
It's been awhile since I've written a post from the heart so I've got a lot to share. I hope you bare with me as I try to put into words my thoughts from a 40 plus year observation of an incredible entertainer. You know back in the days of the variety shows like Ed Sullivan, Flip Wilson, Sonny and Cher and of course The Carol Burnett Show, I would determine which show I would watch based on the special guests they would have on. If the Jackson 5 were in the TV Guide, I guarantee I'd be watching that show. Saturday Morning cartoons? The Jackson 5ive was the bomb for me (hey, remember I was like 8 or 9 at the time). But honestly, from the early Jackson 5 songs and the later Michael Jackson songs spark both great and not so great memories for me.
In one of the interviews preceding this special I'm watching, a fan said, "Michael Jackson has written the songbook of my life". What an incredible gift to have such an affect on another's life and in such a selfless way. Songs that parallel the events in one's life. Music that can be related from the earliest days to the current. I know exactly what the guy was talking about. Here's my little association list of Michael Jackson songs:
Dancing Machine - In front of the mirror in the basement trying to do the robot. I think I was half decent because I tried it at a grammar school dance and that's when I found out the ladies like a dude that can dance.
Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) - Mom thinking that she's going to show me some new moves with this song. I broke into the robot and she went upstairs all mad and what not. It was hilarious.
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough - Fake ID and a dance club a short drive away. Need I say more.
Rock With You - A cold winter in Chicago, taking my girlfriend home in a nice toasty car. We wound up staying together through high school and shortly after.
Billie Jean - Reminds me of falling in love with an older woman and eventually marrying her. It lasted 15 years and she wound up being 2 years younger than me. But we sure wore out some rugs to this song.
Wanna Be Startin' Something - Trying to get my wife (9 months pregnant at the time) to dance and swing and work up a sweat. Not one of our more special moments. I don't recommend pushing the issue with your expectant wife guys.
Thriller - The moves were awesome and they make for a great group dance but my lasting memory is of watching MTV on my new Curtis Mathis console tv set. The first couple of nights I'd stay up watching music videos all night.
The Way You Make Me Feel - This song reminds me of taking a new position and moving back to Chicago. Wife and kids in tow, man was I nervous. Not sure why but this song and a couple of others were an escape from the day-in, day-out grind. I think it was the percussions.
Bad - Job turned out good. Now my little family had to hear me sing this every time I closed a big deal. (Sorry guys)
Dirty Diana - I'd always play this at Mother's when I'd stop for a drink after work before heading home. It sure got the girls to start dancing. I personally just liked the guitar riffs. (wink wink)
Smooth Criminal - Trying to match the steps and moves, whilst my two sons cracked up in the background saying dad you stink! Awesome beat in this song.
You Rock My World - Living in Tenn. trying to take a break from all the country and bluegrass tunes on the radio.
Well enough for this post. There's way too many hits to list all at once. I'm sure I'll revisit this soon. Thanks for stopping by and letting me share some great videos with you.
After all is said and done in this blogger's opinion, Michael Jackson will always be The King of Pop. What was my favorite song you ask? Human Nature. Surprised? Listen to the arrangement and the instruments. His voice is used as one and blends incredibly with the sounds.
I'm interested. What's your favorite?
* As always, if you enjoy the artist and their music, help support their work by purchasing the album.
2 years ago