Music Legend Michael Jackson Transitions at the Age of 50: How has his musical career impacted you?

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Permalink Reply by Mars Davis on June 26, 2009 at 8:56am

As a little black girl growing up in the 1980's, I saw Michael Jackson as pure "awesomeness" . I adored Michael by watching the TV, his records, Cd's and posters on my wall. He was so interesting and dreamy. To me Jackson was a talented, peaceful, cool black man. So talented and always giving to others across the world. I always felt as though there were those who forgot about his kind nature and just wanted to torment and label him. When I got older and became a woman, I admired his strength to keep going on through the storm.

Although I am shocked and deeply saddened, I ask God to give his family, close friends and millions of fans the strength to get through this somehow. You did it Michael, you are a world icon and millions of people love you. Even though you have elevated to a new state of being, you will be forever remembered by so many. Love you, Marshetta Davis

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Permalink Reply by Liberated Muse Productions on June 26, 2009 at 9:23am

Thanks for sharing, Mars. I grew up in the 80s too and Michael Jackson was so much a part of everyday. I got the book Nelson George wrote about him, I saw the 25th Anniversary Motwon show when he broke out with his moonwalk and I even remember the cartoon which I've watched recently with my five year-old. Michael Jackson as a public figure was just so much a part of this culture here in the US that is unexpected that he could even die, as silly as that sounds. What troubles me is that despite his mega-star status, he was such a sensitive person who had never truly himself as a person and had the moment to just realize he was fine as he was. Someone on tv today who knew him, I think it was Donnie Simpson, remarked how on one occasion he and his wife saw Michael and gushed about how great he looked and his reply was "yeah, right" and that comment just gave me chills. It's like, with all of the money and all of the fame, its not so easy to brush off the stings and arrows of low sense of self. It's amazing to me when his art actually helped others feel better about themselves. I truly hope he is at peace now.

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Permalink Reply by Quin on June 26, 2009 at 10:35am

As a child of the 80's I greatly admired Michael Jackson's style and his artistry. I was also influenced by his style I wore a jheri curl, tried to mimic his fashion and I remember having his posters on my wall. As an artist I respect his skill, talent, commitment and creativity. I remained a fan throughout all of his trials and tribulations. I think that he was misunderstood by the media and under constant scrutiny. At last Michael Jackson is free and I hope that he rests in peace. I am saddened by his sudden death, but happy because I know that his music will live on.

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Permalink Reply by Pam Ward on June 26, 2009 at 10:48am

I can just remember seeing MJ perform and thinking I want to do that! I want to make people that happy just by entertaining them. I want to be able to make them forget their troubles even if just for a moment.

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Permalink Reply by Liberated Muse Productions on June 26, 2009 at 11:46am

I realize that none of us imagined him dying so young. I think we thought of him being around almost forever. He inspired soo many folks, its ridiculous. As a humanitarian and the way he used his music to heal and bring attention to issues, he inspired me so much.

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Permalink Reply by stargoddess on August 26, 2009 at 4:49pm

Yeah I thought he'd live forever in that bubble. Maybe I even secretly thought he was an alien of some sort sent by the divine to get us to focus less on the outer and more on the inner. He will live forever in my heart motivating me to give every performance my all that's for sure.

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Permalink Reply by Valjeanne Jeffers on June 30, 2009 at 9:28am

I grew up listening to his music, as a little girl I had huge crush on him (smile). As an adult his music touched me in so many different -- sometimes inspiring me, like "Man in Mirror." At others I would hear a certain song by Mike and feel like dancing wherever I was ("Jam") And his videos -- !Mike's videos were a trend setters and really shaped the face of what we call music videos today. He was a genius.

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Permalink Reply by Craig Johnson on July 6, 2009 at 12:35pm

Michael has been an icon in the music industry since I was a child. People didn't see him as a superstar until he was an adult. I say that the true determination of superstardom is when you have your own cartoon. The Jackson-5 accomplished that as children. From that point the star just got brighter.

As a vocalist and a person of social consciousness, his music and his presence in the world has had a profound influence on my life. I will miss his gift tremendously!

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Permalink Reply by Spoken Word on July 8, 2009 at 1:39pm

Michael Jackson and the whole Jackson family inspired me to go after my dreams. The American Dream which is one of my favorite movies shows the life of the Jackson’s in great detail. I watched them struggle financially during one of the most racist time in history. It was so real to me because, I can remember my family going through some of the things that they experienced. For example, I can remember barley having enough kerosene to light the heater, or daddy being laid off continuously. Those are the little things that many people overlook today, but are greatly appreciated by those that know what it’s like to go without. Through it all, they never gave up on their dream. At the end of the movie during their reunion tour, Michael said that they were not beaten down by poverty and they will not be beaten down by fame either. People called him weird. I say that he was so culturally aware that he strived to be different. Whenever I feel like giving up on my dreams, I pop in that movie to be inspired once again. Michael was an Icon, a legend, humanitarian, and an angle in disguise that brought change in the lives of so many people in this world. I will miss him.

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Permalink Reply by dalinkquent on December 20, 2009 at 11:35pm

His sound. His voice. He was one of the last in a generation of artists who pay attention to what their music means to people. He wrote songs and performed because he wanted to change the world not just to make money or to be famous. I am such a huge fan that now that he's gone I feel like part of my identity is gone. I wish we could have let him know that he really did change the world.

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