Michael Jackson dies at UCLA hospital
Well, Michael Jackson was pronounced dead yesterday at 50 years old. Very sad. I loved Michael Jackson during the ’80s and ’90s. The guy was a phenomenal performer, whose career success and problems later in life mirrored fellow superstar, Elvis Presley.
Jackson’s most popular album, Thriller, was released in late 1982. It earned Jackson a record breaking 7 Grammy awards and stayed in the Billboard Top Ten for over a year. Seven of the album’s nine songs were released as singles. The videos for Beat It, Billie Jean and Thriller have become industry classics. Michael Jackson’s performance on the TV special Motown 25 in 1983 cemented his status as a performing sensation and kept Thriller on the top of the charts.
Jackson’s Thriller music video in 1983 was a musical event not seen in the industry before, and possibly even since. It was less a music video and more a short film as it was directed by known horror director John Landis. How many music videos have a film length “making of” documentary filmed and released at the same time?
Michael Jackson changed the industry. He was such a crossover phenomenon he became the spokesman for Pepsi and released a massively successful campaign including the commercial Jackson Street.
He would remain the spokesman for years afterward. It is sad to see such a performer pass on. He was preparing to go back out on a massive worldwide tour when he died. He will be missed by millions all over the globe.
June 27, 2009 at 6:16 pm
He is the reason I started learning English. I used to dream that one day i’d meet him and be able to speak his language with him. I never thought it would be of any other good, but now I teach it! I’ve been an ET for over 9 years now. Who would have thought… So Michael’s death is almost a personal tragedy for me.
R.I.P. Michael. You will always have a special place in my heart!
June 29, 2009 at 8:31 am
Well said, Rhoda. Well said.
June 30, 2009 at 9:41 am
Sorry When I hear his music I think if the joke:
“How do you know it’s bedtime at Michael Jackson’s house? When the big hand touches the little hand.”
Ruined all his music for me, even the Wierd Al parodies of his songs.
June 30, 2009 at 11:12 am
Why did I just laugh at that? I’m going to Hell. I still like Jacko’s music though.
July 1, 2009 at 7:43 pm
He will be sorely missed. So many of us grew up listening to his music. The Thriller video fascinated me. It was amazing to watch.
November 8, 2009 at 11:36 pm
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