The moonwalk. The music videos. The single glove. The mega-hits. That amazing voice. And that bizarre lifestyle.
Michael Jackson’s 50 years on Earth were like no other. He was a musical icon of unsurpassed popularity, a true innovator and culture-changer.
But his puzzling personal life left salt-of-the-earth Hoosiers shaking their heads and mumbling “he ain’t right.” From his high-water-meets-Elvis fashion tastes to his high-pitched speech, spindly build and penchant for plastic surgery, Jackson was clearly a different kind of Indiana man.
Persistent allegations in the early 1990s of inappropriate relationships with young boys never resulted in a criminal conviction. But the accusations and Jackson’s reclusive lifestyle did indelible harm to his previous reputation as an innocent, idiosyncratic soul.
Jackson’s death Thursday took the world by surprise, much as his life had.
From his early boyhood in Gary, he was a nationally recognized star with a captivating voice and a riveting stage presence. His songs touched millions of hearts and still roll easily off the lips of at least three generations.
And those dance moves! Part Elvis, part Fred Astaire, part something from “West Side Story.” For those who grew up in the 1980s, the choreography of the “Thriller” and “Beat It” videos is unforgettable.
Perhaps that’s the word — “unforgettable” — that best describes Jackson. He bridged the gaps separating love ballads, pop music, hip-hop and rock ’n’ roll with preternatural ease and signature flair. He made us sing. He made us dance.
Michael Jackson: Like the rest of the globe, this little corner of the world will never forget you.
Editorials
Editorial: A true original, Michael Jackson is unforgettable
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Editorial: Memorial Day helps put face on wounded warriors
This is the perfect weekend to thank a veteran, an active duty service member or a wounded warrior for his or her service. Our positive, encouraging response goes a long way in defining our society.
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Editorial: Honor those who fought, and celebrate our freedom
This weekend, keep in mind the reason for Memorial Day — to remember those who have been so important in our lives, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice in military service.
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Editorial: Governor candidates offer conservatism, moderation
The jockeying for position has begun in what is basically a two-horse gubernatorial race. Each offers voters a legitimate option. The November outcome may offer a simple referendum on the mindset of voters: Are they most persuaded by Mike Pence’s conservatism or by John Gregg’s moderation?
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Editorial: Keep up the chorus against the landfill
Occupy Anderson has joined the ever-growing chorus against the proposed Mallard Lake landfill. Sam Mudd, a member of Occupy, is taking his studies on how the landfill might pollute Anderson’s water to areas of the county to drum up support against the landfill.
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Editorial: Find a buyer for former school or tear it down
If a buyer wants the former Pendleton Heights Middle School, fine, but put no more taxpayer money into it.
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Editorial: Libraries must adapt to serve communities
Certainly, the Friends of the Anderson Public Library needs space to store and sell used books, records, DVDs and other material. But library supporters and staff must be flexible in this ever-changing world to keep public facilities relevant.
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You Said It: About Walking Men, the Queen of Disco and settled lawsuits
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com.
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Editorial: Ockomon-Spencer saga hurt city's reputation
Wednesday, May 16, was a sad day for Anderson taxpayers forced to pay a $128,000 bill that ends a saga that never should have started
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Editorial: It's Pendleton's time to shine this weekend
The residents of Pendleton can be a little prouder of themselves today. Two events capture the community spirit that makes the town one of the gems in our region.
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Editorial: Little 500 Festival, local events heating up Saturday
Like the Indianapolis 500, Anderson Speedway’s Little 500 should be on the bucket list for folks living in the Madison County area.
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