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Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009:my tribute to an icon

As I sat writing my tribute to Farrah Fawcett, working to wrap my head around the change in my historical iconography, something more stunning than I could have imagined happened. Michael Jackson was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital with cardiac arrest. Knowing that cardiac arrest is far worse than a heart attack, because during an arrest the heart is not functioning; my heart dropped. Death, never a respecter of status, had stopped through Hollywood on his rounds only hours earlier. Could he be stopping for another weary soul.
 

Though rumors of Michael's ill health have dogged him for years, no real credence was given to them. Finally the news came. TMZ first reported that Michael had passed, but many loathe to believe anything TMZ says took to twitter.com which has repeatedly been first to break many news stories in recent months, for more information.. After a bit of of confusion, it became clear through reputable media sources, the LA Times and CNN, that Michael Jackson had indeed died. Stunned is a kind representation of the effect. So many have said the didn't expect they would feel this way but it seems that Michael Jackson's music is sequenced into our DNA. He is a part of our becoming. My growing up is inextricably linked to a soundtrack filled with Michael Jackson tunes. I had no expectation that we would lose a musical icon who not only made some of the best music ever but who also figured heavily in my preteen fantasies. As Michael grew into a man, adoration of his musical prowess began to give way to concern for his changing visage. Little by little the Michael that we'd known was being replaced. However his artistry was unequivocal. At the top of his game he released “Off the Wall” and “Thriller” soon after. With success that has yet to be duplicated by anyone, Michael Jackson was in a class by himself.
 

To be sure, Michael had his share of ups and downs and whether one believes he was innocent or guilty, at the height of his career he was incomparable. While none of his albums were ever able to eclipse the success of “Thriller”, there was always the hope that he would overcome whatever issues he'd had to recreate the magic. He'd recently been preparing for a 50 city tour that was completely sold out. As always there were those hoping to see the next bit of magic from the eccentric and iconic, Jackson. This time there will be no comeback. A legend has succumbed. Though we all understand, on a practical level, that death is inevitable, it is the death of an icon such as this that allows us to get a handle on our own mortality.
 

Michael Jackson wore the crown as the “King of Pop” but somehow as I grew into adulthood and a fuller understanding of life it became apparent that there was still some part of him that was damaged and unfulfilled. One only wishes that he would have found that real life piece of himself that would have given him some solace. Perhaps he did, in the faces of his children. Maybe now he can rest from the onslaught of public scrutiny and find the beauty for which he seemed to be seeking.
 

Today, June 25, 2009, one of my most profound connections to music died. Rest In Peace, Michael.