So, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, died today (June 25th, 2009) of an apparent heart attack.
I’m not sure how I feel about that, besides the obvious “That’s too bad”, “I feel bad for his family and friends.”, “His poor children”, etc… It’s not that I disliked the guy, it’s just that he’d become such an object of scorn and ridicule in the last decade and a half that it is hard to take him seriously. Honestly, my first thought was that he faked his death so he could hang out with Elvis and JFK. How sad is that?
I got to thinking, though, that the man had talent. Serious talent. You don’t just accidentally release two of the biggest selling albums of all time and make probably the most important music video ever. I never saw him perform, but everything I’ve heard says he put on one hell of a show. His dancing and choreographing has never really been topped. It may have been equalled or imitated, but I don’t think anyone to date has done anything that tops it.
That got me thinking further about who the current “King” of pop/rock/whatever was and I really can’t come up with anyone who is (or has) had a decade-long run at the absolute top like Michael Jackson had in the 80’s and early 90’s. No one. No successor. No heir apparent. No one as big.
Oh, and just so it isn’t forgotten, Farrah Fawcet died today. As did my best friend’s grandmother.
So, to those who have passed on I say: May you be remembered for your triumphs and good deeds and may all your missteps be forgotten. To the families of those who have passed away: my heartfelt sympathies go out to you and may your pain be eased by the good memories you have.