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Michael Jackson Moonwalks Out
June 26, 2009

On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson took his final roller coaster ride into Neverland. He leaves behind a truly awesome musical legacy and scores of mysteries about his life. Did he or didn’t he? The world seems obsessed with knowing.

Did Michael really pop little boys? Did Michael even pop Lisa Marie? He was after all, the purported King of Pop. Did he suffer from skin ailments and breathing problems, or did he just want to be white? Who or what were “Hee-Hee” and “Who-Who,” and why did he wear the glove? What kind of pain constantly caused him to begin screaming in the middle of a song? Why did he always grab his genitals on stage? Is that where the pain was? Who was the mother of his third child? Did he really convert to Islam?

Questions, questions and more questions. Was Michael that messed up in the head or was it all for publicity? Personally, I don’t care. Let future generations debate whether or not the U.S. postal service should use the “old” or the “young” picture of Michael Jackson on a postage stamp. Here is how I remember Michael.

I remember being pretty full of myself when I learned how to imitate Michael’s moonwalk. I remember incredible music videos like Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller and Smooth Criminal. Those weren’t the only good ones, just the ones that come to mind first. I remember watching We Are The World over and over just to see the short Michael Jackson segment. I remember The Wiz, and I remember all the times I convinced new friends to watch it. I remember Michael giving me the song You Are Not Alone, to call my all-time favorite.

I remember wishing I could dance like Michael. I remember being near death in a hospital on August 31, 1987, my only thoughts being how much I would miss my wife and children . . . and my disappointment that I might not be around to watch the national television premier of Bad.

I remember Michael proving he was not really Janet in disguise when they both appeared on stage after the rumors circulated. I remember sensing his child-like innocence always there just below the surface, even after he grew up. I remember crazy costumes; controversial family members; and his brilliantly captivating, live on-stage performance at the 25th Motown Anniversary show. Damn, he was good.

I remember being one of the first in line whenever a new Michael Jackson music video came out. Most of all though, I remember how energized I felt every single time I listened to Michael sing or watched him in one of his music videos. Michael could get people pumped up and happy for hours, just from watching him or listening to one of his songs. Michael was naturally and beautifully talented and all controversial circumstances and events aside, Michael really was “The King of Pop” for most of my life.

A new contender will certainly attempt to claim the title of “King” in the music world, but the newcomer will never be the King of “Pop.” That honor is locked up forever by Michael Jackson. He earned it.

We are the world . . . and the world will miss Michael Jackson . . . I know I will.

Thanks Michael, for all the good times (and teaching me how to moonwalk).

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