A legend laid to rest

Once again, not a topic I would normally blog about, however, Micheal has been a part of my life since I can remember. I remember having the "Off the Wall" and "Thriller" record when I was about five years old. I would listen to them over and over on my parents record player. In fact, I even had the musical "The Wiz" record, which he also sang on. I know the words to nearly every single song and feel carefree and young listening to these songs.

An important and hard time in my life was when my parents were getting more into church, listening to what the churches beliefs were on movies, cartoons, music, and life. My favorite cartoon at this time was the Smurfs, while my favorite music was the three records that I mentioned above. We had collectors Smurf drinking glasses that were sold at Pizza Hut, back in the day. My parents, due to the church, started to believe that the Smurfs were evil because of magic, and any music, other than Christian music, was bad. So my parents made me put my Smurf glasses and all three Michael Jackson records - along with some other here and there objects - into a trash bag. We took the bag onto the back porch and took a sledgehammer to all of them. Afterall, they were soooo evil!

Sounds crazy, I know, but this was a very bitter moment in my life - even as a young child. Therefore, as I have grown up and listened and watched whatever I wanted - Michael Jackson has always been a part of my music collection. I even married a DJ that plays "Billie Jean" just for me at parties so that I can get down! :) If you even know me, you know that this is my FAVORITE song - even probably thinking of me when you hear it! What a classic! How ironic and sad that one of my very favorite musicians and dancers would pass on my wedding anniversary!?!

Today, watching the memorial, was almost like I was losing someone close to me - although I have never even met this legend. However, I have always been intrigued by him, his music, his accomplishments, and his charity to others. I know that he may be considered an odd person, but we are all believing what the media feeds us. Maybe he is guilty of different things, but he is a great person. In fact, I read just the other day that he is in the World Records Book for being the celebrity who has donated the most money to charities. He also has a record for having the most charities that he gives to! He used his money to help others. I do not deny that he was weird, but why is everyone so quick to judge him based on what the media says? Don't you think that the media is going to automatically focus on someone who lives a strange life? Duh!

Anyways, this is my tribute to Michael Jackson! He is and will always be an important person in my life, as child and adult. He has made an impression in my life, and I am certain that there is not too many people out there who could deny that he touched their lives in some way. RIP Michael - your legend will live on forever - you are and will always be the greatest!!!

Here are a few songs in tribute ....