1982 the music scene was bombarded with Thriller (I was just 3 yrs old). Fast forward to 1990, the first song I ever heard of MJ was ‘Leave me alone’. I was hooked instantly, I always tuned on to the radio hoping that they would play that song.
MJ was frowned upon by my folks and the Indians from that generation, rumors that he was involved in the occult etc circulated around (maybe they said it so that we wouldn’t listen to him), I didn’t care – cos I connected to that song. I still don’t know what it was though.
So one day I recorded the song on to a tape from the radio, and kept listening to it over and over again. In late 1992 Beryl (May his soul rest in peace) played Dangerous and that was it – MJ had done his magic. From there on I went in search for Thriller and BAD, listened to it and he was my icon, my hero. I tried to do the moon walk and tried to stand on my toes.
He was a dude, who cares if he changed his skin colour (it was his life and he had every right to do so – even if I feel he looked really good with a dark skin shade). Think about it has anyone ever dared to imitate his fashion (from dress to dance to singing style), wonder why? – Cos there is only one MJ and only one KING OF POP period.
There were times (before I made my music shift to rock etc) that I found solace in MJ’s music. I was a teen with my hormones going crazy, his music kept me in check. That was the indirect impact he had on me (like how metal kept my teenage rage in check).
As far his child molestations charges goes (maybe he did it maybe he didn’t) – and at times I have said that I would not listen to his music anymore (cos I was disappointed that my hero could have made a mistake). Now that I have grown my stand is otherwise, we all make mistakes in life cos we are not perfect.
I grew up listening to this guy, hoping to be like him (childhood dreams). Now that he is gone I am in a state of shock, a part of me has also passed away with his death. In a couple of years maybe my kids might go through my music and listen to MJ, I am sure it won’t have the same impact as it had on me. It’s like listening to the Doors, yes I find there music excellent but that history is to do with my previous generation – get what I’m saying.
In couple of days when the dust settles MJ will be forgotten just like everyone who have passed on before. In a years time they might have a memorial concert and foundation started in his name who knows, but in 10 or 20 yrs time when one day you hear his song play you will know that on this planet there was a man who used his talent to bring happiness not only for himself but to the world too.
In Doc McLean’s American Pie there is a line that goes like this :
“I can’t remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride,
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died.”
- Referring to the deaths of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P Richardson.
I know there are people out there who will agree with me when I say that on 25th June 2009 “the music died”.
RIP – MJ you will be revered in our hearts.
