Jennifer’s Corner

When news of Michael Jackson’s death spread, it was amazing how everyone seemed to be talking about it.  On facebook, 90 percent of status messages were about Michael. On Amazon and iTunes, the top sellers were his old albums.  When you visit retail stores, his songs are being played everywhere.

It seems that in life and in death,  Michael attracts the spotlight. 

Honestly, I haven’t thought of Michael or his music in years. But watching all the video tributes about him on television and on Youtube, I was surprised to realize how much he has impacted a generation. My generation.

Watching his videos, especially those from the albums ”Off the Wall”, “Thriller” and “Bad” –  rekindled memories of grade school and high school days for me.  His music, his fashion and his dance moves. Who could ever forget the moonwalk?

His videos are classic.  “Thriller” was directed by John Landis while “Bad” was helmed by Martin Scorsese.  The video he did with sister Janet, “Scream” , (if I’m not mistaken) still holds the record for most expensive video ever made at US$7 million.

More than that, Michael was a true superstar in the sense that his music bridged cultural and racial gaps and successfully mixed soul, R&B and pop. His signature dance moves were created by him and showed his creative genius in all aspects of performance.  He was ahead of his time.

I just wish that the world could have witnessed his comeback concerts.  FIfty shows that were all sold out. Footages of his last rehearsals seem to point to what could have been a spectacular event.

At the end of the day, whatever opinion you may have of MJ — an icon, a musical genius, awesome dancer, total performer or a freak show —  one thing holds true,  we may never see anyone like him again. 

Michael, you will be missed.