Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
Death came in threes this week. It began with the passing away of Ed McMahan, the Tonight Show sidekick of former host Johnny Carson. Days later he was followed by Farrah Fawcett, an actor best known for her role as a female detective on the hit series Charlies’s Angels. (Loved her.) And hours after that came the most shocking and, perhaps, the one we were least prepared for of them all, the sudden death of internationally known singer Michael Jackson, the king of pop.
I grew up with Michael Jackson. We were born in the same year; and our age and humble beginnings made me feel a connection to him that caused me to be especially proud of his trailblazing accomplishments in the music industry, as well as his humanitarian efforts around the world. I’ve been equally impressed by his longevity. He was gifted, not lucky.
It hurt me when the child molestation alligations were brought against him (which I never believed for a minute). But it hurt even more when, despite his acquittal, the media nor the general public would allow his former life to return to what it once was. So I find it ironic that his death came on the eve of the musical comeback he both nervously anticipated and desperately needed to restore his legacy and resolve his financial woes. It turns out through death he is giving the best concert of his lifetime, and his merchandise is flying off the shelves. God moves in mysterious ways. He will have his rightful place in history afterall and as it should be.
God bless you, Michael. You will be missed. May you rest in peace.
June 28th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
We have lost three wonderful entertainers of my lifetime. I’m sad, but may they no longer be in pain.
June 28th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
This week was certainly a milestone when it comes to the deaths of famous entertainers. I was sorry to learn about Ed McMahen, although he had lived a full life so it wasn’t totally unexpected. I’m close to the age of Farrah Fawcett so her death, again not unexpected, hit me rather hard. But Michael’s passing was a real jolt to the system.
I considered him a young, healthy man and remember him mostly in his youth. Aside from his obvious skills as a singer and musician, he had such amazing energy and charisma on stage. He will be missed by many and my heart does go out to his family… especially his children. Hopefully, they can take some comfort in the outpouring of sympathy they must be getting from people all around the world. What a sad, sad week.
June 28th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
What a sweet and sincere tribute, Karen. Michael Jackson will surely be missed and I pray that he can truly, finally, rest in peace.
June 29th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Thanks Karen, your lovely reflection, is definitely sentiments echoed by myself, and no doubt, countless others!
Since the tragic news, I’ve tried switching off the TV when I spot ‘media/news’ reports, for I don’t wish to hear anymore slander! Are people in society, this ignorant??? Where’s the empathy???
Michael gave everything to the world, and always, from his heart….his music, his time and his genorosity to anyone in need…what he gave to children, was what many children only dream of, fun, excitement & adventure! His home living-proof that his own desires & imagination, were to be shared & enjoyed! Those who tried to tarnish this with ‘dirt’, ARE the dirt, and we owe it to Michael, his family & fans, to honour the gifts that were so freely given to us.
Remember the time…..and remember Michael!
July 20th, 2009 at 2:38 am
And now we can add Walter Cronkite to the list. it has been a tragic past few weeks for deaths of high-profiled people–people who made a difference/
April 18th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
We have lost three wonderful entertainers of my lifetime. I’m sad, but may they no longer be in pain.
April 23rd, 2010 at 7:51 am
And now we can add Walter Cronkite to the list. it has been a tragic past few weeks for deaths of high-profiled people–people who made a difference/
May 22nd, 2010 at 12:05 am
Thanks Karen, your lovely reflection, is definitely sentiments echoed by myself, and no doubt, countless others!
Since the tragic news, I’ve tried switching off the TV when I spot ‘media/news’ reports, for I don’t wish to hear anymore slander! Are people in society, this ignorant??? Where’s the empathy???
Michael gave everything to the world, and always, from his heart….his music, his time and his genorosity to anyone in need…what he gave to children, was what many children only dream of, fun, excitement & adventure! His home living-proof that his own desires & imagination, were to be shared & enjoyed! Those who tried to tarnish this with ‘dirt’, ARE the dirt, and we owe it to Michael, his family & fans, to honour the gifts that were so freely given to us.
Remember the time…..and remember Michael!
May 25th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Well said, Bruce. Thank you for your post.