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Today marks one year since the passing onto eternity of the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Despite 365 long days having passed, the reality that Michael is no longer with us is still hard to fathom. Indeed, during his life, Michael enjoyed an unparallel level of super-stardom, leading many to class him as ‘other worldly’, a fictional character of sorts – who doesn’t die. Unfortunately, the reality of his mortality coldly hit the world on June 25th 2009.
However, today shouldn’t be one for mourning. Rather, the life of this incredible performer, philanthropist, and all-round legend should be celebrated. Cliché-sounding perhaps; yet, in the 50 years Michael spent on this earth, he shared a gift, a talent, which many of us will never see topped in our lifetime. To have experienced such history, I am eternally thankful for.
A lifelong fan, Michael’s passing hit me hard. As a late 80’s baby, Michael Jackson came to represent my childhood (from dancing around to his music at ANY and EVERY opportunity to watching ‘Thriller’ only to run away in a delightful fright when he turned into the monster “go away!”). In later years, I came to appreciate his artistry, as well as the depth and breadth of his message. Indeed, my love for Michael’s music birthed my love for music more generally – hence the eventual creation of this very site. His death (made all the more ‘real’ by the fact I was due to see him – front row centre – at his ‘This Is It’ show), therefore, left me feeling as if a significant part of my childhood died when he did.
Yet with time, comes fresh perspectives. While Michael may physically be no longer with us, he is still very much alive – as are the music and memories he left us with. Put simply, greatness is immortal. Michael Joseph Jackson is immortal.
Therefore, on this the one year anniversary of his passing, That Grape Juice salutes the undisputed King of Pop, King of Dance…King of Music – Michael Jackson.
Long live the King!
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Tidbits
A major supporter of Michael’s later work, I feel too much of it went criminally underrated. The following are a couple of my favourites of his more recent material:
We’ve Had Enough
Unbreakable
* Also, click here to check out our review of The Michael Jackson Exhibition.
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