The King of Pop is dead. Michael Jackson, without a doubt, the biggest and most influential iconic figure in 20th century pop culture, has died.
50 years, 13 Grammy Awards, two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and over 800 MILLION records sold worldwide - There’s no denying MJ’s unparalleled talent and unsurpassed influence on our generation.
Feeling more than blessed to have been around for and during the pinnacle of his career, I still feel a sense of bitterness towards our King of Pop. In the last decade, all work MJ produced was solely based on one thing: his financial insecurity. His desperation was transparent. Of course his legend will live on forever but in a sense, as a fan, I feel slightly exploited.
“Michael Jackson’s financial woes were well documented: Numerous lawsuits, loss of control of his Neverland and reports that he was hundreds of millions of dollars in debt all point to a complex money mess that trailed the King of Pop as vigilantly as his most ardent fans.”
- Lisa Respers France, CNN News.
In no way is this an attempt to negate the accomplishments or influence of our generations most eminent musical figure but more so a brief rant about how I feel someone who I once held in such high regard blatantly capitalized on his fans loyalty and trust. When did exploitation become socially (or fanatically) acceptable?
Michael Jackson had two core followings: people who appreciate talent and people who like Michael Jackson. The latter of the two, a breed in their own right. These will be the estimated one million people or “fans” in attendance to the public viewing and funeral this Friday, July 3rd, at his beloved Neverland Ranch north of Santa Barbara, CA.
Fanatics or lunatics, hmm?
But, such is life.. And such is death. The way I see it, we’ve already been left the legacy; there was nothing more than one last world tour and countless remixed/re-released hits coming our way, regardless.
Michael Stone said it best,
“Michael Jackson was never trying to impress anyone, only competing with himself, simply because, there was no competition. Regardless of what you say or think about him, you can’t take that away from him. That lasts forever.”
ANYWAY, whether you agree with me or not, there’s still no denying the eminent impact Michael Jackson left on our youth, our nation and the world of music. That is what it comes down to and that is what is relevant. His impact is legendary and we will see it manifested in our culture for generations to come. I guess when it comes down to it, that is what it’s all about.
/end directionless rant.
