By: Radhika Jit
While I was born three years after Michael Jackson's infamous album, 'Thriller,' was released in 1982, the pop star's music touched my life as it did with millions around the world. There's no doubt that Michael Jackson was one of the most iconic, legendary musician's in the world, if not the most.
Controversies and eccentric behavior aside, he was a musical genius, far above many that came before and after. When he moved the whole world watched in bated breath. Whether it was his pelvic thrusts, pop locking, dizzying spins or his iconic moonwalk, when Michael Jackson took the stage he delivered moves and sounds that we had never heard or seen before. His work has forever changed the face of music. Perhaps Quincy Jones, who produced Michael's most popular work, said it best when he released a statement saying,
"To this day, the music we created together on "Off The Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad" is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all...talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever."
Dozens of celebrities released statements over their sadness and pure shock over the death of whom many of them called their inspiration, including, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Madonna, ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley, Brooke Shields, Britney Spears, Cher and Usher among many others.
But beyond just celebrities, Michael Jackson's music and life touched millions across the planet in every corner of the Earth. Never has there been, nor will there be someone of his musical caliber. The man that some call one of the most lonely men they've ever met, brought so much joy to the lives of his millions of fans, including my own. Now that he is no longer with us, all we can do is hope that he knew just how much he was loved across the world, not only for his musical gifts to the world but his philanthropic work as well.
For far before the Live AIDs benefit was created, Michael co-wrote 'We Are the World,' and created the 'Heal the World Foundation.' His video for 'Man in the Mirror' highlighted what was wrong with the world. He himself broke barriers of race, as he was one of the first African American artists to be played on MTV and some say made the channel what it is. Far before Oprah, Tiger Woods or even Barack Obama, there was Michael Jackson. Even as a child as a part of the Jackson 5, Michael easily out shinned the rest. All these years later, I still melt when I see the little, adorable Michael videos or hear tracks like, 'I'll Be There,' and 'I Want You Back.'
To this day I can still remember watching the 'Black or White' music video and being so excited to see an Indian woman in a sari, dancing bharatnatyam alongside Michael. I can still remember watching the 'Thriller' video for the very first time as a young child and being terrified by the all the ghouls. I remember dancing to 'Billie Jean,' 'Smooth Criminal,' 'Rock With You,' and 'I Want You Back' as a young kid. While it's hard to choose just one Michael track as my favorite, a few come to mind, like, 'The Way You Make Me Feel,' 'Human Nature,' 'You Are Not Alone,' 'Remember the Time,' ' Billie Jean,' 'Liberian Girl,' and 'Man in the Mirror,' among countless others.
So while his soul may have left his body, Michael Jackson will live forever through his music, children, family and his millions of adoring fans across the planet. And as I write this, I listen to and pay homage to the greatest entertainer and performer that ever lived. Thank you Michael, for all the music and sweet memories.
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