T
Appreciation Remembering Michael Jackson - AARP Bulletin Music
visibility
833 views
thumb_up
2 likes
S
It couldn’t be. He was to start performing again in July with legions of fans anticipating his return to the concert stage.
thumb_up
31 likes
D
Jackson, the seventh of nine children, became a bona fide global star despite his humble working-class beginnings. The little black kid from Gary, Ind., crossed racial and musical lines to make his indelible mark on the world. I’ll never forget the excitement and pride of seeing him and his four brothers—the Jackson 5—for the first time in 1969 on CBS’ “Ed Sullivan Show,” decked out in wildly colorful costumes, performing precision choreography and belting out their first No.
thumb_up
38 likes
A
1 hit, “I Want You Back.” They became instant idols for me and my friends and the fresh face of what became known as “bubblegum soul.” We knew all the songs, from “ABC” to “The Love You Save” to “Never Can Say Goodbye,” and tried to mimic Michael’s stellar dance moves. But nobody—repeat, nobody—could dance like Michael Jackson.
thumb_up
7 likes
H
He could seemingly defy gravity with his effortless Moonwalk, the slow-motion leans, the quick kicks, the blinding spins and fancy footwork. His music videos were like short movies and took the medium to new heights. I was especially mesmerized by the intricacies of the “Thriller” video and watched it over and over again.
thumb_up
7 likes
L
Michael was absolutely electrifying as an entertainer. Along with the rest of the world I watched this extraordinary performer grow from the charismatic, sweet-faced boy into a cute but awkward teen, still racking up the hits. He broke away from his brothers and blossomed as a talented solo artist, breaking sales records wide open.
thumb_up
6 likes
E
But Jackson, as a young adult enjoying tremendous worldwide success with “Off the Wall” and the breakout “Thriller” albums, began to show signs of veering off into a bizarre sphere. He left us scratching our heads and wondering what was happening as his appearance started to morph into gargoyle-like weirdness.
thumb_up
25 likes
E
He began hanging out with young children and a chimp named Bubbles. He built an amusement park on his lavish Neverland estate and owned a host of exotic animals. He was plagued by scandals, lawsuits and court trials—a true enigma and the butt of jokes for late-night comics.
thumb_up
28 likes
A
But despite all that Michael undeniably remained a superstar. I was always amazed at how he could sell out monstrous arenas around the world in minutes and fill them with adoring, screaming and crying fans of every race, creed and color.
thumb_up
42 likes
H
And they gathered around the world as news of his death spread to shed tears and celebrate his life. Say what you will about him, but Michael was able to touch people with his music. His songs became the soundtrack of our lives.
thumb_up
35 likes
D
To this day, whenever I hear “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough” or “Billie Jean,” I’m back at a house party among friends, dancing my heart out like there’s no tomorrow. Unfortunately, there will be no more tomorrows for Michael here on this earth. The thriller has been silenced.
thumb_up
30 likes
A
May the King of Pop rest in peace. Barbranda Lumpkins Walls is features editor at the AARP Bulletin. Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider.
thumb_up
48 likes
O
The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed.
thumb_up
44 likes
A
You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime.
thumb_up
6 likes
H
You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering.
thumb_up
18 likes
S
Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.
thumb_up
29 likes
Similar Discussions
-
John Constantine vs Doctor Fate Who is the most powerful magic user in DC Comics?
-
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Every extra scene in the movie that wasn t in the Manga
-
5 WWE Superstars other than Bray Wyatt could be The White Rabbit
-
Valorant EMEA League Who are Karmine Corp?
-
Hopefully he is nearly there Joe Gomez says Liverpool players are excited to see new signing in action for Jurgen Klopp s side
-
Scott Frost net worth How much is Nebraska Cornhuskers HC earning in salary?
-
He is going to be good for Lionel Messi Walter Benitez names key PSG man who can play a huge role in reviving the Argentina superstar s form this season
-
One Piece chapter 1059 teaser puts Blackbeard in the spotlight
-
Radio Faro de Luz APK Download for Android
-
Industry Innovators Community APK Download for Android
-
LaLiga Benzema f te son Ballon d Or avec un but et une victoire Laliga Real Madrid
-
Cliven Bundy The man no one wanted to return is back
-
Blinks Bring High Tech to a Tabletop Game
-
Why Microsoft s iPad Trackpad Support Is a Big Deal
-
All About the Nintendo DSi
-
The 8 Best Role Playing Games for Android
-
New Toolbox Features Overview Aug 2022 SISTRIX
-
Dementia Is Depressing but You Don t Have to Be Depressed Everyday Health
-
Love Hip Hop Miami Why are fans questioning if Scrappy is Shay s baby daddy in Episode 14
-
MediEvil review polished remake fails to de clunk the PS1 original
-
Confirmed the next Overwatch hero will be Baptiste
-
AirPods Pro 2 rsquo s case is too noisy for me ndash here rsquo s how to silence it TechRadar
-
Who Is Gaten Matarazzo Dating? What You Should Know
-
Fired Fox News Host Ed Henry s Defamation Lawsuit Dismissed Ripene Ripene
-
Is Bre Z From All American Married? Here s What We Know
-
BEAUTY THERAPY My new blush crush YOU Magazine
-
Annie Bell s retro lemon meringue pie YOU Magazine
-
Lindsay Lohan Basically Denied Paris Hilton s Story About What Happened That Night With Britney And It s So Awkward
-
Ziraat bankası saat kaçta açılıyor
-
What s going on in the Georgia attorney general race?