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Michael Jackson: Ten magic moments
It’s been a long time since the focus on Michael Jackson’s life has been on the great entertainer he was and not the human freakshow they called Wacko Jacko. There is great power in death to emphasize the good and so as the self-proclaimed “King of Pop” is remembered, we go back to the time when the weirdest thing about Jackson was that he wore a lone sequined glove.
Wearing a Michael Jackson t-shirt today isn’t ironic.
Ten sensational moments in Michael Jackson’s career:
“I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5 (1969). Here’s where it all started, when an 11-year-old Michael and four brothers from Gary, Ind., rejuvenated a stale Motown with a piano-driven single that still thrills today.
“Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” (1979). Jackson was having a clunky transition into adulthood until he met Quincy Jones while making the flop “The Wiz.” Jones gave Jackson a contemporary adult sound that matched the tuxedo MJ wore on the cover.
Michael performing “Billie Jean” on the “Motown 25” anniversary special (1983). The Beatles had Ed Sullivan and a post-J5 Michael Jackson had this show, when he unveiled his famous moonwalk to an incredulous audience. Nobody complained when Jackson lip-synced; he’s one of the few performers who sold millions of records because of the way he danced.
The video for “Smooth Criminal” (1988). Before the Neverland compound, Jackson’s playground was MTV and this was perhaps his greatest video, though some would select the more famous “Thriller” and “Beat It.”
The Jackson 5 performing “Dancing Machine” on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” (1974). The nation got its first true look at what the teen singer was capable of as a dancer. Many of his robotic moves had never been seen before.
“Wanna Be Startin’ Something” (1982). The best, most musically adventurous song on “Thriller,” the album that made Jackson the most famous person in the world. The African chant at the end (taken from “Soul Makossa”) takes the song to a funkily exotic place.
“Ben” (1972). A love song to a rat got Michael his first No. 1 single as a solo performer, although he was still a member of the Jackson 5.
“We Are the World” (1984). Co-written with Lionel Richie, this song raised millions for the poor in Africa and established Jackson as a star above the 39 others, who sang as a choir while MJ did his part solo.
“Never Can Say Goodbye” by the Jackson 5 (1971). A gorgeous ballad, with Michael’s most passionate vocals, this record never grows old. Although “I’ll Be There” was the biggest J5 hit, this one hits deeper.
“Man In the Mirror” (1988). A call for open hearts, this recording best exemplified the caring side of a man whose fame had put up walls. Don’t joke that the lyrics “If you wanna make the world a better place/ Take a look at yourself and then make a change,” are about plastic surgery. Not today.
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Comments
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By Say What?
June 26, 2009 6:49 AM | Link to this
If anybody was ever a victim of his success this guy was the poster child. RIP.
By Hector
June 26, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this
No free Speech as the Austin American!!! You are eliminating any negative posts about Michael Jackson. O I forgot you are liberal and you know what is best for us all. Only things you want get posted. It seems we have seen this picture before. I think it was called Russia from 1940-1990.
By Rob
June 26, 2009 1:53 PM | Link to this
Hector, this is a private newspapaper, not a government institution. This is an article about the death of an individual, not about the pros and cons of the Politburo. I would think if you died your relatives might want my disparaging post about your stupidity removed from the online guest book in the obituary section. Believe me, I wouldn’t be the only one making the comments based on your post here.
By Will
June 26, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this
So in Cold War era Russia, newspapers reporting about celebrity deaths would delete negative web postings? Man, I need to brush up on my Soviet history.
Seriously, it is a real pet peeve of mine when idiots talk about “free speech” in regards to internet postings. THE FEDERAL GOV’T DOES NOT RUN INTERNET CHAT BOARDS. THERE IS NO LAW AGAINST PRIVATE ENTITIES CONTROLLING SPEECH ON THE INTERNET. THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FIRST AMMENDMENT. Good Lord.
By emmie
June 27, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this
Like so many truly great artists, Michael Jackson elevated popular music by being a dancer, vocalist, performer like no other and from that I feel inspired even now. I always just thought he would be back on stage wowing us with his talent rather than his tabloid stories. Those really didn’t interest me, I wanted to be moved by more of his music. Now, Gov. Mark Sanford has given his state and his party what? Shame without greatness. Michael Jackson gave visual and audio to all of us who are uplifted when we can see greatness and therefore believe maybe it is in us too.