STATE OF THE ADDRESS: Remembering “The King Of Pop” – Michael Jackson

Today is a sad day in the music world. One of the great icons, entertainers and music artists of all time has passed. Michael Jackson meant so much to so many people, and everybody has a story they can relate to about the music he created.

Before I ever listened to rap, hip-hop, r&b, I grew up on the radio. I listened to Top 40 and in the 80′s one man ruled the airwaves: Michael Jackson. What he has done for my generation and so many music fans across the world will never go unnoticed. He’s broken and set many Billboard records. He’s sold out thousands of arenas. He’s left us with a lifetime of memories. The voice, the style, the dance moves and imagery all define what Michael Jackson did for popular culture.

As I write this and listen to a catalog of MJ’s many dozen hit songs, I’m reminded of a time period when I was younger and grew up listening to one of my favorite artists of all time. I can safely say, Michael was my favorite singer in my childhood. Years later, his music continues to inspire others and people still talk about the man despite him not being as dominant as he once was. For today’s kids who have no clue who he was, ask your older siblings or your parents or a teacher. They’ll tell you what a legend he was and will forever be.

For all the negative issues he went through in the past 15 years (plastic surgery woes, extortion, child molestation accusations, failed comebacks), Michael Jackson’s legacy will never die. It will continue for generations and generations after. He was a trailblazer, a trend setter, a risk taker, an innovator and a consummate performer. I’ll miss you Michael Jackson. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the soundtrack to different eras of my livelihood.

In celebration of Michael Jackson’s illustrious career, I’ve posted some of my all-time favorite songs/music videos for you to catch up on and reminsce.

Thriller is estimated to have sold 47–109 Million+ copies worldwide

Michael Jackson – Rock With You (1979)

Michael Jackson – Thriller (1982)

Michael Jackson – Billy Jean (1982)

Michael Jackson – Beat It (1982)

Michael Jackson – Bad (1987)

Michael Jackson – Man In The Mirror (1987)

Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal (1987)

Michael Jackson – Leave Me Alone (1988)

Michael Jackson – Black Or White (1991)

Michael Jackson – Remember The Time (1991)

Michael Jackson – Who Is It (1991)

Michael Jackson ft. Janet Jackson – Scream (1995)

Michael Jackson – You Are Not Alone (1995)

Michael Jackson – Rock My World (2001)