Death of a Pop Icon

I knew we would be flooded with videos, old interviews, news images of the "King of Pop" once the news of his death circled the globe. I admit, I am not a fan of the Michael Jackson of the past two decades and his controversial lifestyle, his misguided plastic surgery, his all-around weirdness.

But, I do respect the talent of the man, and especially the young Michael. When I think of Michael Jackson, I don't think of the oversized black sunglasses, bleached skin, the Diana-Ross-like features. Nor do I think of the music of Bad, and whatever followed, although I do take pause and listen when I hear "We are the World," and "Man in the Mirror." And I can always groove to "Always Be Startin' Something."

I recall sitting cross-legged on the living room floor watching the "Going Back to Indiana" TV special. Shortly after this special, my parents bought me two Jackson 5 albums, ABC and Going Back to Indiana.

I wanted to dance like the Jacksons. So smooth, so rthymic. And when "Off the Wall" was released, I bought one of the first copies at David's, the old department store in Sweetbriar. This Michael Jackson is reminiscent of my grade school and middle school days. This is the Michael I remember today. Not the obviously disturbed and silently tortured soul of that shell of a man.

And so, I include a segment from that long ago television show. My heart goes out to his family and close friends who knew the real Michael. This is the talent I mourn.