We are the world, we are the children,
We are the ones to make a brighter day
So let’s start giving.
There’s a choice we’re making,
We’re saving our own lives.
It’s true we’ll make a brighter day
Just you and me.
— “We Are the World,” music and lyrics by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie
Anyone who has not yet heard of Michael Jackson’s death either lives in a closet, has no television or radio, or has no friends. The King of Pop is dead at age 50. The whole world, it seems, mourns his death and celebrates his life. He was one of a kind, and we may not see his likes again. Michael Jackson was a game-changer.
I expect the media will continue to examine virtually every aspect of Michael Jackson all-too-short life. In the process, they will talk about his llamas, snakes and pet chimp, Bubbles. They will talk about his wild shopping sprees at Tiffany’s; his over-the-top plastic surgeries; and, of course, his marriages, his children, his sexuality and the controversial effort to brand him as a pedophile, even in death.
Let them talk. The world knew it was looking at something special. As I write this, I can think of no other entertainer whose appeal was so universal. I recall that, at one of his overseas concerts — Belgium, I think — tens of thousands gathered, lit candles in the dark, and — male and female alike — openly wept. I can think of no other artist who would have such impact on a foreign audience.
Many from the audience simply wanted to touch him; many others passed out and had to be carried from the stadium. That is the way it was everywhere he performed. In his last planned tour, which was to have occurred next week in Great Britain, I think, a million tickets for 50 concerts had been sold in two days. My guess is that there would have been a similar reaction anywhere in the world.
Michael Jackson was a true icon. He was one of those rare game-changers who are not defined by whether or not they are the “first,” the most popular, or even the best at what they do. Instead, as the term suggests, they change the game. In Jackson’s case, he elevated popular music to an acceptable American art form and, through the use of video accompaniments (MTV), made popular music both an auditory and visual experience.
All of his much publicized troubles and woes aside, most older ones of us remember him as a rather shy, soft-spoken little boy who, once on stage, lit up the place. In truth, due to a father who was his greatest blessing and worst curse, even as the stages grew larger and larger, Michael Jackson remained almost childlike. Perhaps that is why audiences always felt a personal connection to him. Though sad, it was, I suppose, part of his magic.
Michael Jackson’s death reminded me of the passing of so many great black entertainers whose pioneering talents raised popular music to new heights, championed the cause of social justice and opened countless doors for thousands of other aspiring artists — black and white — including rappers, singers, musicians and behind-the-scenes technicians. In short, through their artistry, they gave to the world.
What is most striking is that their songs, for the most part, were songs of love, peace and joy in a troubled world. Who can forget, for example, the wonderful collaboration between Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson, “We Are the World”? The song brought 45 top singers of all racial and ethnic backgrounds together in a single cause — to raise public awareness and millions of dollars to aid the starving children of Africa. The song quickly topped the charts in almost every country.
I know Michael Jackson has his critics. And I know the media will continue rummaging through the wreckage of his private life. But it is all right now. Michael Jackson has moved on. Why, I would not be surprised at all if he is now moonwalking through galaxies, and planning his first concert for heaven’s angels.
Have a nice day!
Primus Mootry is an Anderson resident and a high school teacher.
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Primus Mootry: Fond farewell to King of Pop
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