The death of Michael Jackson Thursday afternoon should be met with respect as much as it is, undoubtedly, with shock.
Growing up in the ’80s, Michael Jackson was everywhere.
He ushered in the theatrics of music video and made it a popular form for musicians to communicate to their audiences. Today bands are trying to figure out the best way to present themselves through online media. Jackson pioneered a precursor nearly 30 years ago.
Like many people, I found out about Jackson’s death on Twitter minutes before it came across cable news sources. In so doing, a snapshot of the comments revealed genuine surprise and concern.
Unfortunately, a few people took the death as an opportunity to poke fun at the caricature Jackson had become both through his own doing and a relationship with paparazzi that redefined celebrity obsession.
Without a doubt, Jackson had more than his share of problems.
Even if you weren’t a fan and were completely turned off by the persistent rumors and allegations of pedophilia, someone is dead.
That is not a cause for celebration or comedy, nor should it be for another Hollywood icon, Farrah Fawcett who died earlier Thursday after a long fight with cancer.
The fact she died under much different circumstances and had a far less controversial past doesn’t change the fact someone has died and there are family and friends who mourn. That should always be taken into consideration.
June 25 was the saddest day for the music industry, it had lost one of it’s greatest pillars. Many people all around the globe are deeply sadden by his sudden death. He has contributed a lot to the industry and has been an inspiration to multiple generations. Michael Jackson was taken by ambulance in the afternoon of June 25th, 2009, with symptoms of a heart attack. He passed away soon afterwards. The news of Michael Jackson passing away is troubling, as he was set to begin a comeback and was only 50 years of age. The Jackson family commented soon after he was admitted that he was in bad shape. The King of Pop began his career at a very young age as a member of the Jackson 5, and later had great success as a solo artist, including Thriller – the best selling album of all time.