Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson: August 28, 1958 - June 25, 2009

Michael Jackson, also known as the King of Pop, passed away at the age of 50 on Thursday, June 25 after suffering cardiac arrest in his Los Angeles, CA home. His death came just before what was to be his "comeback" tour with 50 sold out shows at London’s O2 Arena that were set to begin on July 13 and end on March 6, 2009.

It is difficult to write this entry because of the many emotions running through my head. The music industry/world has lost an icon, a figure that will never EVER be matched again. No artist will ever come close to MJ's success, influence, and records. He was truly one for the ages and an artist who defined an era and a way of feeling the "beat."

Michael Jackson's remarkable career spanned over 35 years, from the Jackson 5 to his solo efforts. Honestly..."Thriller", "Off The Wall", "Bad", "HIStory." Those records, to this day, are a few of the worlds BEST selling albums of all-time. He has sold over 750 MILLION RECORDS, released 13 number 1 singles and was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time.

The remaining - let's say - 15 years of his life was unfortunately invaded by allegations, surgeries, charges and parody. I will admit that I am as guilty as any of YOU for saying MJ jokes and criticizing him for any of his actions. Everybody has their own opinions of MJ, but the bottom line is that Michael Jackson was a legend and his music will never die. His memory will live forever through his music, inspirations and collaborations with countless artists.

Please read this comment:
Shinedown guitarist Zach Myers:
"Sitting in a dressing room in Calgary, Canada I am more saddened than I can remember in maybe the last five years. Call the guy whatever you want... judge his actions, judge his judgments, and judge the man any way in any language you want. But Michael Jackson was the best. There was no one better. There never will be anyone better. People don’t try anymore. You can take any pretty loser who can't sing who has a good smile and sells records and make him a star. Just look at Anyone on the charts today. Today we lost a part of music history, a legend, and the greatest pop music artist there ever will be. The things Michael created on 'Thriller', 'Off The Wall' and 'Bad' will never be matched. By anyone ever. Michael Jackson was the best. People believed in Michael Jackson who didn't believe in Jesus. And that, my friends, is a legend. God bless Michael Jackson's music, his soul, and his legend. That can never be replaced. Rest in peace, sir. God bless your soul."

Absolutely. I love every word of this paragraph. MJ's creations will never be matched. You can watch all of your Justin Timberlake's, Rihanna's, Pink's and even your Lady GaGa's (dear God...) but they will never amount to Michael Jackson. Don't get me wrong, I think those artists are tremendous performers, but you get my point.

Michael Jackson, you were one of a kind and will remain in the hearts of your fans forever. Rest in peace.