I was going about my usual routine, when I opened my laptop this morning to check my email. I was surprised with what it says on my browser. It says the King of Pop Dead at the age of 50, I was still sleepy or probably groggy from all the medicines I was taking the previous day. People here in the house thought I have H1N1 already. Going back,I have to double check,different browser same headline.
As I left the house I listened to the radio in my car. There were these radio stations giving there condolences and tributes. There was this one radio station that I always listen to, and I was glad at first that they have come up with a tribute for Michael Jackson.
I was listening during the entire program at first the DJ was knowledgeable and giving these bits and pieces of trivia of Mike. Then, since he is doing this live and knowing that two hours for a tribute is not enough for an artist iconic such as Mike.
He was playing the commercials and segues two songs without giving any information of how significant that song is to Michael's life and career. I was disappointed, he said he was a big fan. In short he didn't do him justice.
If I was the station manager or program director of that station , I would've recorded that show and made it at least in two parts. And aired it on a later date. Since it is a Friday and it fits well in their Oldies programming they shouldn't have rushed it or the DJ would've just played all of his songs during that particular time slot and just didn't say it is a tribute to Michael Jackson or a Special.
Because it didn't sound like it.
What even made it more worse he aired a fan that sounded more knowledgeable than him and made him more stupid on air. He didn't have to air a caller since he only have two hours. A lot of people are already grieving and mourning this day.
I could recall back in 1983, my parents and everyone else was watching the Grammies and there he was. He won a lot of awards that night, I would imitate his dance moves, I looked up to his style of clothing and his demeanor.
I was probably in third grade that time and the other kids in school would do the moonwalk and do the crotch thing.
He was so cool,my uncle bought a cassette tape of Thriller and I would play it more often than not. And do the moonwalk, I wanted to be like him, I wanted my name changed to Michael. I would often wait for the video of Thriller or Billie Jean on television.
He influenced me with his music, creativity, and his iconic appeal to everyone. I wanted to be in music, because of him.
Later on, he had a few more albums. But not quite as a big hit as Thriller which is the all time best selling album of any artist on the planet.
Finally, the year 1996 he performed here in Manila as part of the History Tour. I was a radio deejay back then we had concert tickets as part of our promo. I played songs of Michael but this time with 50,000 watts of power behind it.
It was an eventful day, I was a college student at the same time. I finished class or even if I had class the later part in the afternoon, I will definitely skip it.
I would'nt miss this for the world.
We trooped in early, it was a long way from Manila to Paranaque. I did'nt have a car that time, I invited a friend with a car to be with us. We were early, a huge crowd has gathered from far and wide to witness this momentous occassion.
We singed, we danced the night away that day. It was a dream come true for me, even if we had complimentary tickets only it was so special. The experience will truly be remembered and treasured.
I also had a copy of the History double disc album, which escapes me, I can't seem to remember where I last saw it. It's been quite some time since I played a song of his.
Only a hypocrite would tell that in no way was Michael Jackson an influence to him, or her once in their lives. We sometimes outgrow our childhood heroes when we grow up. But always remember that without looking back we can never go forward.
Another tragic loss in music, he was an actor, a brother, a father, composer, writer, singer, philantropist, artist, friend, an inspiration for everyone to look up to.
Sometimes looking back he was a lot different from the Michael, we saw in the early 80's. Later on he was troubled and confused but lets keep the good memories of him.
We will treasure your music. We love you Michael... Now you're at peace.
