RIP Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

[chipsman]

Singer, dancer, songwriter, record producer, financier, musical icon. The King of Pop is dead. I grew up with him. From "I Want You Back" to Thriller to "We Are the World" there will never be a talent that will come into this world again. This Hoosier mourns the death of another Hoosier today.

[John Scot Sheets]

Steve, Unfortunatly his talent was overshadowed by his overwhelming desire to be the the biggest richest star ever. One would have thought that with his money and resources he could have gotten the best help to overcome his personal problems. He leaves us with a mixed legacy: part scandal, part glorious music. The songs of his that were good were very good indeed.

[Kurt/Yukki]

Well, regardless of any sort of personal like, dislike, or any of the weight of my own feelings about the actual "person" Michael Jackson, what fascinates me is The Myth. The mythological icon that he became.

It's a pretty weird, singular story, and a huge cautionary tale. Definitely the strangest in modern pop culture.

[JULIE A. HUFFAKER]

I saw the Jackson 5 when they played Indy at the Coliseum, i don't remember the exact year (70's) but it was early on in Michael's career, I remember I was so excited. We used to sing all their hits from the radio, yeah! I like the video "Scream"
with sister Janet.

[Jeb Banner]

I remember rolling skating in my basement listening to Thiller when I was in Junior High. I later started the Michael Jackson Haters club but that was just cause all the girls were crazy about him at school and I was jealous.

[Tim McDuff]

I don’t own any Michael Jackson recordings as I never thought it was necessary as his music was always sort of playing in background during the 1980’s and I had my fill. When I hear the commentary about MJ’s status with Elvis, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles etc. I would have to agree. He had such an awesome natural talent even at a young age that he was clearly in a class of his own.. I worked at this place in the Glendale Mall in Indy and one of my co workers had this cool jerry-curl and a white glove encrusted with rhinestones, he did the most killer impression of MJ..moonwalking, hat tipping,..great memory. Michael Jackson was THE superstar of our generation no question.

~Tim

[steve schmidt]

Steve: He was the only person in the world with a larger fan base than you. Looks like you're #1 now.

[JULIE A. HUFFAKER]

they played the State Fair in 1972 and 1973

JULIE A. HUFFAKER said:

I saw the Jackson 5 when they played Indy at the Coliseum, i don't remember the exact year (70's) but it was early on in Michael's career, I remember I was so excited. We used to sing all their hits from the radio, yeah! I like the video "Scream"
with sister Janet.

[JULIE A. HUFFAKER]

One website lists the Jackson 5 as playing at Market Square Arena in 1971 and the first show held by anyone there was'nt until 1974, as a matter of fact it was Glen Campbell.
That's what i call ahead of their time!

JULIE A. HUFFAKER said:

they played the State Fair in 1972 and 1973

JULIE A. HUFFAKER said:

I saw the Jackson 5 when they played Indy at the Coliseum, i don't remember the exact year (70's) but it was early on in Michael's career, I remember I was so excited. We used to sing all their hits from the radio, yeah! I like the video "Scream"
with sister Janet.

[WendyD]

I was at one of the state fair shows...I recall being 9 at the time, and my cousins being pissed that we weren't seeing the Osmonds. IT WAS AMAZING. Screaming, dancing, spangly costumes. I still love the J5, I think theirs were some of the first 45s I ever bought and "Ben" still makes me weep.

Any way, last night my daughter and I were watching dateline at a pizza place, and she says "Micheal Jackson is African American!?!?!?!?" in total shock on seeing the archival footage. She's 10.

We will be seeing the Jonas Bs (again) this summer, and anyone else who is suffering through the current crop of tween pop has got to admit that the J5 are the pinnacle that all this emulates in the palest fashion (meaning they were phenomenally good).....nothing can ever be that great again (IMHO), and it was sad to see what piles of cash mixed with self loathing can do to a person. Or maybe he was just completely insane to start with.

[John P. Strohm]

In a couple of blog posts early this year I argued vigorously regarding MJ's merits - I think in his (rather lengthy) prime he was a total genius. His story is fascinating and I'm sure will become more fascinating as details come out. At this point, however, I just feel sad for his family. I can't imagine how else it could end, but he is the father of these children, and my heart hurts for them.

One of the arguments I made in my blogs that went over like a lead balloon was that MJ is on the level of the great Motown and soul legends, which I continue to believe. James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Otis, etc. - can't imagine the world without them...but just watch MJ's performance on the 1983 Motown 25 special. It's otherworldly. All of his moves have been aped at this point and many have become cliches - but set all that aside and watch with fresh eyes. http://r.youtube.com/watch?v=2RuxoCDfbjU

[Chris Cruzan]

I was at both of those Coliseum shows. I remember the parents dumping the kids at the show and going to the rest of the fair without us. I think they still sold alcohol at the fair back then. One of those shows also featured the first performance of little Janet Jackson, if my memory serves me well. I agree wholeheartily with John on his summation.

[John P. Strohm]

Oops that link is dodgy (blast) but google it, it's worth it.