Freak. Genius. Molester. Artist. King of Pop. All of these descriptions and more hang on Michael Jackson. He was a human being with MANY problems and amazing talent. He became a plastic surgery nightmare and living freak show. He was broke, frail,a nd troubled in his last days. But, in the end, none of this is what I have to tell my daughter. And for that, I am happy that Michael Jackson died before she was a teenager.
I know that sounds harsh, but hear me out. When I was growing up and old enough to appreciate the music, Elvis had already been dead for a while. Because of that, I could listen to the music with no taint. I didn't have the image many did of a fat, drugged out man shooting TV's and dying on the toilet. I only heard his music. I had the same experiences with Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, Janis Joplin, Mama Cass, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and many more I'm sure I'm forgetting. When I was young I got to hear these artists just for their music. Only later as I became a budding music snob and read biographies and articles did I find out the more sordid details of their lives. By that time, it didn't matter. I already loved their music and their "history" became something to know, but not judge.
And now, because of his death, I can do the same thing to Michael Jackson. I can play Sadie his music and can talk about what matters.
*He was one of the first artists to use "white" artists to help his music crossover (Eddie Van Halen on "Billie Jean", Paul McCartney).
*His production changed with the times and always used the most advanced technology for a complete sonic experience.
*He wrote or co-wrote many of his songs and worked on the musicality.
*As a member of The Jackson 5 he was part of a band that was the template for most boy bands from the 1980's until today.
*He sold millions of albums crossing all demographics.
*His dancing was praised by people like Bob Fosse and Gene Kelly.
*He made music videos a viable commodity and was the 1st black artist on MTV.
The man made great music. I get to let my daughter hear that music. She can do the research on the "real" Michael Jackson when she gets older.
what an interesting, and insightful perspective. how true, when you made me think of many of the people whose music has made my life more interesting-- i realized i never had to watch any of them crack as real people or see their suffering. (notable exception-- eazy e)
ReplyDeletei spent last night with my born in 1988 housemate, explaining the early 80s worldwide love affair. now i just wish i were home today to watch the videos.