COLUMN: Just the Way It Is - Remembering an entertainment legend

Many people were in a state of shock this past Thursday when the unthinkable happened.

Most people will most likely always remember where they were and what they were doing when they learned of the death of Michael Jackson, singer, songwriter, producer, choreographer, dancer and just to sum it all up entertainment mogul.

Fans all around the world are celebrating the life and legacy of the pop icon. Since Thursday, all television music channels have been paying tribute to him with marathons of his greatest hits. Radio stations are also remembering him by playing his greatest hits and allowing fans to request their favorite Jackson tune.

As a young boy, he dazzled the world with his “own-point” dance moves and is being remembered for bridging the gap between all races with his love of dance and music. For all his life, he lived in the spotlight and “owned” the stage in every performance. His music and dance moves were definitely on the cutting edge of entertainment and aspiring recording artist looked at him as a “master” teacher.

Jackson reinvented music videos with the phenomenal “Thriller” in 1982. He did an amazing job in the video of packaging together music, dance and theatrics. National news reports say “Thriller” was the best selling album of all time. The choreography in the video was sensational and I would love to have had the opportunity to portray once of the dead creatures in the video. The costumes and theatrical make-up were award winning and gave the video that added suspense which kept me and I’m sure others on the edge of their seats when they watched the video. “Thriller” was Jackson at his best.

I was also a fan of the 1995 “Scream” which was his duet with his sister Janet Jackson. The video had a space-like theme and was another masterpiece by Jackson. Every time I watch the video, I can feel the creative energy from Michael and Janet. The video was innovative and I also wished Michael and Janet could have taught me the dance moves they performed in the video. The dynamic duo were synchronized in every dance move, and at the end of the video they hugged, showing the world their brother and sister love.

“You’re not Alone” is a 1995 Jackson hit that I’ve always loved and makes me think every time I hear the song. In the video, Michael stands in a theater on a stage singing his heart out, but with no audience listening to him. The 1982 “Billie Jean” was another favorite Jackson song of mine. In the video, as Michael walked on the sidewalk, each tile would light up with his every step.

I honestly feel each person in the world has a gift and I’m glad that Michael saw fit to share his gift with us. He was indeed an entertainment genius. A music legend. An indescribable rare talent.

Today national news reports are covered with information on the investigation of his death. The questions “How did Michael Jackson die?” “Was there foul play in Michael Jackson’s death?” keeps flashing at the bottom of the screen of major network television news channels.

Even before his sudden death, he somehow managed to be the center of unwanted media attention. But what we need to realize is that it was Michael’s time to go. His work here on earth was over. His mission was complete.

I’m sure on Thursday, Michael was saying, “Purge me, O Lord, from all my sins, and save thou me by faith from ill, that I may rest and dwell with thee, upon thy holy blessed hill.”

Michael Jackson — a lifelong music lover who changed the “face” of music forever.