Yesterday we lost the greatest entertainer of our times, Michael Jackson. It is a tragic, well-known story how he went from the pinnacle of creating the world's biggest album, Thriller, to these last few years of personal and legal problems to finally the sad news of yesterday. However I think it is a testament to his great artistry as a dancer, musician, and creator that people all over the world have been gathering to sing and dance to his music in the last 24 hours. A couple of Michael Jackson stories...
In 1984 Michael Jackson and the Jacksons announced they would be kicking off their momentous Victory tour in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. My Mom at the time was a reporter for the Kansas City Star and begged her editors to let her go cover the press conference. They agreed and she got to go cover the press conference with Michael and his brothers at the Hyatt Regency at Crown Center. She and my Dad also got to attend the concert. At the concert one of the Star's photographers took a spectacular black and white photograph of Michael in his black sequined jacket with his arms outstretched and head tilted back. We had that photo hanging in our old house when I was little.
The first time I remember seeing Michael Jackson perform was on the halftime show of the Super Bowl in 1993. I was in first grade, but I was captivated by it. Michael jumped on the stage with an explosion of fireworks and froze in place. He stood there for what seemed an eternity until finally, slowly removing his shades. From there he erupted into an unforgettable performance and I was hooked. Being a big Motown fan, my Mom had taped the Motown 25 Special where Michael introduced the world to the moonwalk. I watched that tape and was just as mesmerized. So although he is gone these moments and his music will live on. Rest in peace Michael Jackson, the true King of Pop, Rock and Soul.
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