He's Out of Our Lives

I was just talking about celebs dying in threes, since we've just lost two major TV stars in the past week (not to mention Kung Fu legend David Carradine earlier this month), and now the music industry is down one giant.

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is dead at 50.

I can't believe it.

The kids on the street outside my apartment are blasting Thriller right now. *sigh*

I just had a flashback to the night that the "Thriller" video premiered...how I could think of nothing else all day and how I commandeered the TV and waited anxiously for it. And how I was not disappointed.

I know that Michael has been the subject of ridicule in recent years because of his legal battles, obsession with plastic surgery, and odd behavior, but that tabloid stuff won't be his legacy. I think his passing will sadden anyone who grew up with his music. Whatever you thought of him, there is no denying the impact and influence that he had on the world of music, and popular culture in general.

There will never be another Michael Jackson.

Enjoy some of my favorite MJ tunes...











And that video against which all other videos are still measured, 26 years later...