Tribute to Creativity

News of Michael Jackson being in a coma shocked many across the world as we waited in anticipation for news coverage praying that there would be a miracle. Then came the brief statement by Jermaine Jackson at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center who said: “My brother, the legendary King of Pop Michael Jackson passed away on Thursday, June 25th at 2:26pm. It is believed he suffered Cardiac Arrest in his home……..”.

Michael Jackson inspired legions of dancers who followed his every rhythmic move. Michael himself was motivated by such greats as Jackie Wilson and James Brown. MJ stirred audiences with his luminous moonwalk and dance routines that would be emulated by millions. From the sparkle of sequins gliding backward across stage at a sold out concert, you would hear MJ say “Shamon”, and the meaning of “Shamon” is still unknown to this day. But it was his sheer talent which produced more than five dozen top 40 hits, which gave him his iconic status. Jackson’s influence was greatly due to him setting his own bar in music, dance, video and fashion even redefining the very nature of what a star is. There’s no wonder today’s shining stars Usher, Justin Timberlake, Neyo and Chris Brown got their smooth liquid moves from MJ. In interviews they always pay homage to Michael Jackson for giving them inspiration in becoming the great entertainers they are today. But particularly, in the wake of Thrillers’ colossal and heretofore unmatched iconic success-a whole lot of artist undoubtedly mimicked the King—Jackson Formula.

Captivating millions with his bazaar yet impeccable sense of style electrified us all. From his sequined glove, shiny penny loafers, military embellishments and his memorable red leather jacket, Mike was indeed the style maven. The King of Pop language of fashion was genius for his time. Aficionados’ began channeling his elaborate get ups with his black jacket, silver glittered vest, and his white socks showing under his black fitted high-water pants. Some may say uncanny, I say pacesetter. Everyone copied MJ with their bedazzled vest and rhinestone glove. You couldn’t tell a Michael wannabe that he wasn’t ‘The’ Michael Jackson. For Halloween, kids walked down the street in Werewolf customs, forget the Ninja Turtles.

Born to Joe and Katherine Jackson, Gary, Indiana is where it all began for Michael Jackson with his older brothers in the Jackson 5. They were signed to Motown Records in 1969 by Berry Gordy. The 11-yr-old phenom singing, I want you back, ABC, and I’ll be there, has been at the forefront of pop culture for most of his life. With Joe Jackson recognizing his sons’ talent he created an over night success that took dedication, ultimately molding them into professional celebrities that was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Shortly after, Michael Jackson took on a bigger challenge; becoming a solo act. He became the first African American singer ever to gain a huge crossover appeal with such popular songs as Thriller, Billie Jean, Beat it, Bad and Smooth Criminal, popularizing the young star. Never really accepting of black artist in the past, MTV played Thriller (routinely selected as the best video of all time) to death garnering massive publicity for Jackson and droves of viewers for the fledgling cable network.

The singer’s eagerness to raise awareness on issues like AIDS, hunger and famine, as well as donating millions himself, spread throughout the entertainment industry. Devoting much of his time and money to a wide range of charities; He was listed in the 2000 edition of The Guinness Book of World Records for breaking a world record for the most charities supported by a pop star. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston who attended the memorial and gave an uplifting speech recognizing Michaels’ continued support of charities; introduced on June 26th, the day after Jackson’s death, House Resolution 600 which lists several charitable acts by the singer over his long career and praises him as an American legend, musical icon and world humanitarian.

He contributed to raise hundreds of millions of dollars to help sick children and set up scholarship funds. Even before AIDS was on anyone’s radar he boldly joined Ryan White—(a boy who was infected with HIV) in his fight against the disease. At a time when talking about AIDS was taboo, Jackson extended his hand making everyone aware of the disease. In 1993, Michael Jackson was one of the stars to perform at Bill Clintons’ inauguration, singing Gone too soon, in memory of Ryan White who succumbed to the disease in 1990.

L.A Staple center was the setting of Michael Jackson last performance leaving us in pure MJ fashion, grandiose and iconic, at rest in a gold plated casket lined with blue velvet. It wasn’t a dream, but very much so reality. Paparazzi snapping their light bulbs, adoring fans weeping copiously, and viewers watching sorrowfully as Stevie Wonder crooned I Never Dreamed You’d Leave, Jennifer Hudson belted Will You Be There and Brooke Shields emotional eulogy had everyone sniffling. Millions streamed the Internet, watching from PC’s at work where TV wasn’t available, just to watch the King. Everyone, who stepped up to the podium delivered a well spoken speech, from Smokey Robinson comedic testimonials to Queen Latifah recollection of she and her brother mastery of the Robot after buying the Dancing Machine and Usher soulful heart-wrenching Gone Too Soon performance was very touching.

Affective speakers were Barry Gordy and the Rev. Al Sharpton. Motown founder Gordy focused on the man, as a great entertainer. “He was a consummate student—he studied the greats, then became greater”, he said. Michael Jackson accomplished everything he dreamed of. I feel the King of Pop is not enough for him. I think he is simply, the greatest entertainer who ever lived”. The crowd roared with excitement. Sharpton focused on Jackson closing the gap. “It was Michael Jackson who brought Blacks and Whites and Latinos and Asians together.” He also offered what I thought was the most honest conversation you can have with someone’s children saying “wasn’t nothing strange about your daddy, it was strange what your daddy had to deal with. The audience applauded with satisfaction. Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris put the cherry on top making the audience wail—with the most moving words of the ceremony. “Ever since I was born,” she began crying trying to keep her composure, “Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just want to say I love him so much. Concluding the memorial as Michael would have probably wanted was a medley of We Are The World and Heal The World. The life of Michael Jackson moved masses of people in the audience audibly crying. It was in fact an incredible end to a bittersweet day.

His reign lasted 40 years; his kingdom encompassed every nation of the world. A King? A music prophet? Michael Jackson was that. Without a doubt, having lived a very fulfilling flamboyant life under a microscope, we cherished the very essence of Michael Jackson. MJ was a cultural icon, who vehemently reminded us that he too was a human being that felt and that loved. Emerging from the baby boom era to the Iconic status of the entertainment industry. This my friend, is an paradigm of the American Dream. All hail the King.

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