Tribute to The King

American superstar Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1958 and entertained audiences nearly his entire life. His father, Joseph Jackson, had been a guitarist but was forced to give up his musical ambitions following his marriage to Katherine (Scruse). Together they prodded their growing family's musical interests at home. By the early 60s the older boys Jackie, Tito and Jermaine had begun performing around the city; by 1964 Michael and Marlon had joined in.

A musical prodigy, Michael's singing and dancing talents were amazingly mature and he soon became the dominant voice and focus of "The Jackson 5." An opening act for such soul groups as the O-Jays and James Brown, it was Gladys Knight (not Diana Ross) who officially brought the group to 'Berry Gordy''s attention, and by 1969 the boys were producing back-to-back chart-busting hits as Motown artists ("I Want You Back," "ABC," "Never Can Say Goodbye," "Got to Be There," etc.). As a product of the 70s, the boys emerged as one of the most accomplished black pop/soul vocal groups in music history, successfully evolving from a Temptations-like group act to a disco phenomenon.

Solo success for Michael was inevitable, and by the 80s he had become infinitely more popular than his brotherly group. Record sales consistently orbited, culminating in the biggest-selling album of all time, "Thriller" in 1982. A TV natural, he ventured rather uneasily into films, such as playing the Scarecrow in The Wiz (1978), but had much better luck with elaborate music videos.

In the 90s the down side as an 80s pop phenomenon began to rear itself. Michael grew terribly child-like and introverted by his peerless celebrity. A rather timorous, androgynous figure to begin with, his physical appearance began to change drastically and his behavior grew alarmingly bizarre, making him a consistent target for scandal-making, despite his numerous charitable acts. Two brief marriages -- one to Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie Presley -- were forged and two children produced by his second wife during that time, but the purposes behind it appeared image oriented. Despite it all, Michael Jackson's passion and artistry as a singer, dancer, writer and businessman are unparalleled, and it is these prodigious talents that will ultimately prevail over the extremely negative aspects of his seriously troubled adult life.

For it all to end on June 25, 2009, with his sudden death at age 50 of a cardiac arrest just as he was just coming out of a four-year reclusive period and rehearsing for a sold-out London concert "comeback" in July seems uncommonly cruel and tragic. Millions upon millions of dedicated fans will remember where they were "the day Michael died".

IMDb Mini Biography By: Gary Brumburgh / gr-home@pacbell.net

I've never been a great fan of his songs but whenever I saw him perform on a TV show, I was really hooked and impressed by his talent and artistry. At one time or another, many of us danced to Beat It or hummed Thriller and Moonwalk. He was by far the greatest entertainer of modern times - the King of Pop. I sometimes wonder why great people like Michael Jackson, Maryline Monroe, Elvis Presley,  Lady Diana had an unhappy life and a tragic death.

Michael, may God grant you always a sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you and laughter to cheer you. May your soul rest in peace forever. ~  From Cyprus with love.

Comments

[Alexia M]

I watched on tv all the ceremony from staple center last night. It was so beautifull! I grew up with his music and have been a great fan of Jacko. May he rest in peace. God bless him

[Constantinos]

I've never been a fan of Michael Jackson but I agree that he was a great performer and an amazing showman. I saw part of the ceremony last night - a wonderful tribute - yet I'm afraid that many people will try to take advantage of his fortune in one way or another. .

[Christina]

When I was a teenager Nichael Jackson was my idol. My room was full of his posters. As an adult, I continued to love his music and I still do, of course. As I was watching the ceremony on CNN,I burst in tears as if he was a member of my family. In a way he was... I know he will live forever in my heart. I also liked Mandonna's tribute - thanks for posting the video - but I think that the Queen of Pop should have been there like Mariah Carey, to pay tribute to the King and say the last farewell.

[Karolina]

There is no doubt that Michael was the greatest pop star ever. What I didn't like in the funeral ceremony was that all those artists suddenly became his friends! None of them was by his side when Michael was going through some really tough times. His only true friends who had always supported him in good and bad times were not there : Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Ross. Elizabeth Taylor besides said that Michael wouldn't have liked all this fuss about his death.