Michael Jackson 1958-2009

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson died yesterday in his home in California. How do I even begin to pay homage to such a person as Michael Jackson? First of all, I never had the opportunity to see Michael perform, much less photograph him. I can tell you that my earliest memory of him was at a Toys R Us store in Richmond, Va. back in the early 80's. They were selling pins/buttons with his picture on them and were almost sold out. I think my sister bought the last one and I was jealous not to have gotten one.

I remember staying home from school to watch the premiere of the "Thriller" video with my sister and mom. I remember trying to do the moonwalk. (To this day, I still can't do it correctly). I remember performing his song "Bad" at my middle school talent show when I was 13 years old. I remember his sparkling glove, his red jacket, his innovative style of dressing, his amazing dance skills and his one-of-a-kind voice, always so passionate and full of rage yet sometimes sad and soft. I remember how he was the epitome of cool in the '80's. The way he danced and shimmied around that girl in the "Way You Make Me Feel" video. The mini-movie called the "Thriller" video and its infamous choreography. Ahhh yes, Michael Jackson circa 1986 was nothing short of brilliant.

I remember Michael's many eccentricities, which are requirements of any true artist in my opinion. I remember all of the drama surrounding him and the many jokes that were made about him. People laugh at what they do not understand and Michael was a hard one to figure out. He said in a 60 Minutes interview that the most autobiographical song he ever wrote is "Childhood." I think he would've wanted me to post those lyrics:

"Have you seen my Childhood? I'm searching for the world that I Come from 'Cause I've been looking around In the lost and found of my heart... No one understands me They view it as such strange eccentricities... 'Cause I keep kidding around Like a child, but pardon me... People say I'm not okay 'Cause I love such elementary things... It's been my fate to compensate, for the Childhood I've never known...

Have you seen my Childhood? I'm searching for that wonder in my youth Like pirates and adventurous dreams, Of conquest and kings on the throne...

Before you judge me, try hard to love me, Look within your heart then ask, Have you seen my Childhood?

People say I'm strange that way 'Cause I love such elementary things, It's been my fate to compensate, for the Childhood I've never known...

Have you seen my Childhood? I'm searching for that wonder in my youth Like fantastical stories to share The dreams I would dare, watch me fly...

Before you judge me, try hard to love me. The painful youth I've had

Have you seen my Childhood."

-Michael Jackson

Rest In Peace, Michael...and thank you for the music and the memories. -DAB

Read Virginian Pilot's Malcolm Venable's tribute to MJ on his blog.

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