A REAL THRILLER -- This photo was taken when the King of Pop met the Reagans in 1984. Can you get more '80s than that?
Singer Michael Jackson, 50, whose dance music defined the 1980s, was found unconscious this afternoon and was rushed to a hospital in L.A. He was pronounced dead of a heart attack, news accounts confirmed Thursday evening. The story was broken by TMZ but later confirmed by the LA Times and NBC.
Jackson's music provided the soundtrack for a generation. He achieved early success as a member of the "Jackson 5" in the 1970s, but his personal life was fraught with problems, including having overcome abuse allegedly by his own father, he said. He also was literally never comfortable in his own skin, and was said to have had numerous plastic surgeries.
Because of his troubled youth, Jackson made it a point to help children and ran the "Neverland Ranch" to cheer up sick kids. However, in the 1990s, he faced his own charge of sexual abuse coming from a young boy who had stayed there. Jackson ended up settling out of court with the boy's family and was never brought to trial. He became more reclusive in ensuing years.
What do our local fans think? Did Jackson, the King of Pop, define your generation? Have any special memories? COMMENT BELOW!
I believe he was a good person, who had to deal with the hardships of fame and its pitfalls. Here in the USA, the media, and portions of the public love to tear down anyone who has achieved something. Its seems to be the American way. Notice that he has not toured the USA in a great number of years. There is a reason. In comparison, Europe and other points in the world have been much more supportive. They are the real fans, with NO conditions. Now that he has died, America is having a love fest with Michael. It may be sincere, BUT its almost as if no one in America wanted to be associated with Michael until his death. That is hardly loyal. What, now that he has passed away, everyone can dig him again? Only in America.
Frankly, Michael Jackson was the biggest thing ever. Can anyone say otherwise? His impact is more widespread than Elvis or the Beatles. Its not a competition. Just my view. I will miss his presence in this world. Selfishly, I hate the fact that I will never be able to anticipate a new release, or an appearance somewhere in the world from the KING OF POP. Its all just the HIStory now.
The KING OF POP....there is none higher.
if you were into music, you had to follow and dig Michael's music. Really, If you think about it, is there
anything out there now that can hook you like Michael, Prince or Madonna now? Have there been any SUPERSTARS
since? No. Do you see anything even worth it on the horizon? No. We just have to accept mediocrity. It is my
opinion, but in reality, THE TRUTH. I have always been a Michael Jackson fan. No matter what. It was just a
given. Loyal to the end. I bought every CD, often as soon as it was released. I taped all performances, or
appearances on TV. always. I am glad I did. I even have MJ ringtones on my phone, eventhough many friends roll
there eyes at the thought. His death really has not become reality for me yet. It really is like a part of my
childhood has died too. I am sure his influence and and genius will last forever. This was the most famous, well
known person ever. Bar-none. Known in every corner of the world. His loss effects the entire world. almost no
one can believe it.
I believe he was a good person, who had to deal with the hardships of fame and its pitfalls. Here in the USA, the
media, and portions of the public love to tear down anyone who has achieved something. Its seems to be the
American way. Notice that he has not toured the USA in a great number of years. There is a reason. In
comparison, Europe and other points in the world have been much more supportive. They are the real fans, with NO
conditions. Now that he has died, America is having a love fest with Michael. It may be sincere, BUT its almost
as if no one in America wanted to be associated with Michael until his death. That is hardly loyal. What, now
that he has passed away, everyone can dig him again? Only in America.
Frankly, Michael Jackson was the biggest thing ever. Can anyone say otherwise? His impact is more widespread than
Elvis or the Beatles. Its not a competition. Just my view.
I will miss his presence in this world. Selfishly, I hate the fact that I will never be able to anticipate a new
release, or an appearance somewhere in the world from the KING OF POP. Its all just the HIStory now.
The KING OF POP....there is none higher.
If you count Jackson 5, then probably "ABC."
He really did ooze with talent.
He also wrote "Somebody's Watching Me" by Rockwell, right?
I would have to say “1985 We are the world”. That song just brings chills down my spine every time I hear it.
I cry thinking of all those needy kids out there every time I hear it. Retarded, but what can I say, I’m a sentimental gal.
I for one will never forget the way he hung his baby out the window in Germany.
Listening to the radio now on station 103.5 and them playing all his songs just brings tears to my eyes. He was a good man and a loving father. My question is who is going to take the custody of the kids, Debbie, the Godfather of all three or the Jackson family??
My condolences to the Jackson family, he will truly be missed.
Even though we may remember Michael for the pop culture aspect, I think we should also remember that he was a very talented composer, singer, and actor, and a very good person who cared so much about sick children. I will always remember Michael's music and miss him.
CM, New Jersey