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The day the music died: June 25, 2009

Like the popular song “American Pie”, June 25, 2009 will be known by Michael Jackson fans as the day the music died. Just 50 years old the iconic King of Pop passed away in Los Angeles from a heart attack. Jackson had been famous practically his whole life and scored chart hits with the Jackson Five and then as a solo artist with his landmark 1984 Thriller album complete with the white glove and signature dance moves. His global stardom reached every continent and continued through several generations of fans across every ethnic group in America and beyond. Jackson’s life was one of epic proportions from his musical achievements, plastic surgery, so-called Peter Pan lifestyle, personal tragedies, and the mystery that surrounded him in recent years. His music marked a era and the anticipated comeback will now never be. The loss of rare superstar is definitive beyond just pop culture. I predict this will be a global mourning as Jackson now belongs to history. The impact of his iconic status was far reaching and in the next several weeks the influence of his unusual fame will be a discourse for culture vultures and historians alike.  The king of pop is dead. Long live his legend. Rest in peace Michael.