A Tribute to Michael Jackson

Many people disagree with giving Michael Jackson the title the King of Pop. Jackson, who died of cardiac arrest yesterday in his home in Brentwood, CA, will of course be remembered for the adorable kid who first appeared on our TV screens with Ed Sullivan when he was 11-years-old. All will recall his problems with the law and how he became a cartoon later in life. He will also be remembered for a solo act that made him a true superstar all over the world. However, what only a few people will remember about Michael Jackson is that he and his music transcended the boundaries that had kept America separate.

Sure, he is infamous for his publicity stunts with Bubbles the chimp and shopping in disguise. Some of us wondered why he had this fascination with McCaulay Culkin and we understood why he wanted to be Peter Pan. He eventually did become a cartoonish character after multiple plastic surgeries and his skin color changing. When he was later charged with molestation some of us wondered if he had not brought the allegations on himself.

Despite all of that, what makes him King in our hearts was his ability to transport and audience from their seats. His performance of Billie Jean at Motown's 25th Anniversary is legendary and it was Robert Hilburn who later wrote that it was that performance that catapulted him to that title of "King of Pop". And no matter what we thought of his private life or problems later own that is what made him King. His music was not the greatest and even his songs were sometimes shallow, but his performance of those songs, whether in the studio, live, or on video was always electrifying. Just watch Billie Jean and enjoy:

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