Another thought on MJ…
Michael Jackson - Heal the WorldI was looking through a shoebox where I keep all my old cassette tapes. I don’t listen to them now, but I could never bring myself to throw away music. They are sort of like keepsakes from another time. My mom would send me tapes in the mail when I was really young, living in foster homes and group homes. I’d play them on my little boombox under the covers of my bed at night. I found these among them and took a photo:
All that is left behind.
I don’t care to discuss the people dwelling on his eccentricities or his alleged crimes and how they are being cruel to mourning fans. I will just remind them that in America, one is innocent until proven guilty. Nothing could undo the influence he’s had on music in the late 20th century and beyond. He was a humanitarian and celebrated artist, and he will always be loved.
June 26th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I’m like you – I cannot throw away music, even if they’re old cassette tapes of stuff I don’t listen to anymore.
MJ will be missed. There will be plenty of people who will say “what if” about his planned tour. There will be others will will attempt to profit off of his legacy and release “lost” tracks and “best of” collections. Love them or loathe them, musicians who have touched our hearts will always be remembered. And just like Elvis, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Joey Ramone, John Lee Hooker, Ray Charles, Count Bassie, Tchaikovski, and all the other musicians throughout the years who entertained us for some period of time and who are no longer with us – well, they will be remembered in their music, and they will be honored by the people who revisit and reinterpret their recordings. They are gone, but as long as the tunes play, they will never be forgotten.
MJ will always be part of that enormous fabric of American pop music, and that will never change.
- Midd13M4n
June 26th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Hey, have you seen this news article?
New details about Michael Jackson’s Death Emerge
I was wondering if you were going to blog about this…
- Michael
June 26th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
I was also really shocked by MJ’s death yesterday (and also called my mom right away). Though I wasn’t a huge huge fan, I understand how important his contributions to music were/are/will continue to be. I’m not sure what I think about all the crimes and stuff, especially now that he’s died, but I do think it’s important to separate that stuff from the musical influence and whatnot. We should be able to appreciate MJ for his music, etc. regardless of what our views are on the darker side…
- Elizabeth
June 27th, 2009 at 4:45 am
You are so right. I’m glad to be able to say, that I witnessed some of his musical accomplishments
I really, really like your layout :) I love Marilyn and it great, that you paid close attention, when cutting out. You worked very neat :)
- Kira
June 27th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Aw, I’m so glad you did an entry about this. Michael Jackson was my first cassette tape and I can remember riding around the neighborhood, groovin’ to the tunes on my Walkman.
What made me so sad about all of it is that the last few years of his life were so pitiful, he really went off the deep end. :( But– his music lives on and that’s what I want to remember.
Great post, love.
-M.
- Morgan
June 27th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
You’re right that all generations have to say goodbye to their icons, but as long as their work remains accessible to everyone, they’re never fully gone.
- Julie
June 27th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Face it, there will never be another Michael Jackson, BUT he’ll always be a legendary icon.
I love cassette tapes – however, I’d always go through about 3 of the same one, since I’d over play them, and my cassette players would eventually eat them.
- Brandy
June 28th, 2009 at 8:48 am
On my blog you asked about subbing. I didn’t have to go through any interviews to become a substitute teacher. Basically I just took a bunch of papers to a building and then I was on the substitute list. I like subbing because at the end of the day you can just go home without having to do anything. For example, when you are teaching full time you would have to go home and make sure you have some lesson plans ready for the next day. But not when you sub. You’re just there for the day and then you are done. The two things I had the most trouble with during my three days subbing are keeping control of the classroom (I’ve always had trouble with classroom management) and trying to remember/learn all the students names.
I agree, there are some people out there that are being rude since MJ passed away. I understand that other people have different views about his life, but now isn’t the time to discuss them.
- Deanna
June 28th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
I had that same closeness with his music and sweet family moments. Its still hard for me to believe that this has happened. Sigh.
- Natasha
June 29th, 2009 at 2:54 am
Ah MJ. He didn’t influence me in my life, but he was someone always in the media. He changed Pop Music forever, and as you said he will be remembered forever. No one should be cruel to another human being that has passed away, but people are cruel.
- Belinda
June 29th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
I’ve never been a fan of Michael Jackson but I agree with you about the Marilyn Monroe/Elvis thing. It’s one of those things where he’s always been there and always been around for you to follow. And everyone did follow follow his life without even noticing. It’s weird now that he’s gone.
- Jess
June 29th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
I agree with you..I’ve always thought MJ was innocent, and I followed both trials. It is definitely sad that people are dwelling on the low points of his life instead of celebrating his music
- Kristine
July 1st, 2009 at 12:47 pm
I was really upset to hear about Michael Jackson dying :/. & I am also disgusted to hear people bad mouth him. He’s gone and they should just let the controversy die too. He is all everyone is talking about around where I live and it’s all negative. Can’t people celebrate his life instead of condemn it?
- melody
September 14th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
I definitely think all the bad the media talks about (which i dont even think an ounce of it is true) is out weighed by all the good he has done for people wether its through his humanitarian efforts or his music bringing joy to so many he is one of the brightest stars to burn in hollywood or on this earth for that matter and hell be DEEPLY MISSED! :(
- Kandyce