Michael Jackson, the greatest performer of our lifetime, died at the age of 50 in a Los Angeles hospital on Thursday. Before he became a pale-faced punchline the King of Pop was the biggest star on the planet. No Internet, no hype. Just dancing and hit after hit.
Nobody likes to admit it now (Like nobody admits to owning one of the millions of records MC Hammer sold) but there was a time when it was cool to be like Mike. It was common to see dudes sportin’ the orange Thriller jacket or one glove, and everybody tried to master the moonwalk.
The negative publicity around Michael Jackson is as much a part of his legacy as the Jackson 5, but it’s not the part I’m focusing on now. Mike Jack is in the upper room and it’s time to let the man rest in peace.
Michael Jackson influenced countless numbers of people including sports figures like Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson.
Michael Jackson vs. Michael Jordan:
Michael Jackson is Allen Iverson’s favorite artist:
Rashard Mendenhall does his best Michael Jackson:
Michael Jackson tears down Super Bowl XXVII in 1993:
June 30th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
I want you to know I never considered Michael Jackson a “punchline”. He will forever be the “KING OF POP”, and never was guilty of the charges brought against him. Just read Lisa Marie Presley’s blog and you’ll understand why. He is in heaven now, away from many of the vultures that tried to hurt him. I hope he can finally rest in peace, because he was a good man with full of love.
Love you Mike and God bless the family,
Courtney Anne Duff