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: New 911 consolidation is good for county
When it comes to emergencies, a fast and proper response is sometimes the difference between life and death. Therefore it is important for 911 services to be coordinated for the best response time. It’s even better if those services are consolidated with one location fielding calls from multiple areas.
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Editorial: On Valentine’s Day, indulge in selfishness of volunteering
In the final analysis, we’re all selfish beings. Everything we do, at its core, is motivated by what is good for us.
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You Said It: About roundabouts, Mayor Smith’s firings, recycling, State of City address
The bottom line in Mayor Kevin Smith’s State of the City address Tuesday during the Anderson Rotary Club’s luncheon at Anderson Country Club was simple: To attract investment, you have to make investments. (Article published Feb. 4.)
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Editorial: Firings show inability to turn foes into friends
Politics is a double-edged sword.
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Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
Many times we overlook the small achievements of residents long gone who made a better Anderson for those of us alive today. There is no better time to recognize and cherish those stories than during Black History Month.
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Editorial: Madison County needs vision for future tourism
Slot machines, gospel music, a beautiful state park and candy are all thriving as destination sites. Now is the time to explore a way to connect these valuable attractions and encourage new ideas.
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Editorial: AHS grad rates moving up, must be pushed ever higher
A diploma is a must, but it has to mean something. Anderson High School must do this the right way, not cutting corners and passing students through classes, but making them accountable for learning the subject matter.
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Editorial: With changes to program, why not begin recycling?
The public has to understand the importance of recycling aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass, newspapers and certain plastics. Besides minimizing a community’s waste, recycling saves energy, natural resources and the environment.
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Editorial: Reality returns after Super Bowl mania
While we loved what the Super Bowl did for our reputation, it’s time to get back to the real world. Let’s recap the lost week.
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You Said It: About contract, 'Teen Mom,' State of the City
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com, coupled with responses by the newspaper’s editorial board.
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Editorial: New 911 consolidation is good for county
