Passing of a legend

A lot of people were shocked to hear a tragic news this morning, most of them by radio.

The King of Pop has passed away. Gone to Neverland.

For those of you who do not know who the King of Pop is, it’s such a shame. You can never call yourself a fan of music if you do not know this particular fact.

His name is one which has been heard of all around the world. A name which was once surrounded with controversies and awe.

He is the one and only Michael Jackson. The King of Pop. This is a tribute to the life of a legend.

Born Michael Joseph Jackson, he was and still is one of the world’s best musician and entertainer. His songs sold hundreds of millions of copies all around the world.

Michael started performing with his brothers at the age of 11, forming a group called The Jackson Five. They made such songs like Ben, I’ll Be There and ABC. Michael was the lead singer of the group.

I bet most of you have not even heard of these songs.

In the early 1980s, he became one of the world’s most dominant figure in music. And in that era, for an African-American to do that, is astounding. That was the start of the MTV era.

Yes, he is an African-American. His white skin was caused by vitiligo and lupus, which made his skin turn pale. Not entirely, but there were blotches of him which did not follow. Therefore, he had to put make-up to even his skin tone and ergo, the fair Caucasian skin tone.

In spite of his appearance, he was a major hit in the music industry and now, a legend. He was vocally gifted and a great dancer.

He was the one who gave us radical dance moves like his famous Moonwalk and his famous matching clothes of white socks with black shoes, not to mention, some of his glitzy suits which resembles those worn by princes and royalty.

He was one of the first to introduce the suave dancing, wearing a fedora. And boy, was it ever smooth.

He even did a leaner for his performance of Smooth Criminal, without any strings or harnesses.

He gave us chart-topping songs such as Billie Jean and Beat It and made unique songs such as Thriller, which was all about horror and creepy things. Not many lyricists wrote such songs.

His dance songs really made you want to move your feet to the beat and his romance songs can really set you in a very romantic mood with your special someone. Those are good, strong lyrics from one of the best lyricist.

There were a number of his songs which were dedicated in trying to make the world a better place. For you and for me and the entire human race.

He dedicated concerts to raising millions to go to relief funds and even pleaded publicly to Bill Clinton to give more money towards HIV/AIDS charities and research. His song Black And White was dedicated towards curing racism.

He really did try to heal the world.

Most of us 86 babies and earlier would have heard of his early songs. Songs such as Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean, Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough and even We Are The World.

He is one of the few performers who can claim to have fans who fainted at his concerts. Too much excitement. Too much shouting. They’ve been hit by a smooth criminal.

Groups like ABBA and Air Supply and their songs are now mostly classified as oldies, but Michael’s songs will always go on as favourites no matter how long its been.

Most of the popular radio stations today played back to back Michael Jackson songs as a remembrance to the King of Pop.

He will always live on in the heart of millions around the world. Him, together with his music, formed a solid part of my childhood.

Rest in peace MJ. You will be a legend to many. The King of Pop.