The End of an Era: Michael Jackson is Dead

I thought that my piece on Farrah Fawcett would be my only today on icons who have died but I was wrong- Michael Jackson, 50, The King of Pop is dead! Michael was taken to a hospital when found not breathing in his home today. Paramedics showed up and gave him CPR and rushed him to the hospital.

I have to say that I am truly devastated. As a child I would tape all of his music videos and dance to them at home and sing his songs. Michael was the original choreographer for many moves like the moonwalk and has been an inspiration to many performers such as Usher. I was convinced as a child that I would grow up and marry Mr. Jackson and live with him and his monkeys and have my very own theme park in my backyard. Okay so I was like six.

Mr. Jackson has been through a lot of trials-not just court trials, but many tribulations throughout his life. His father was a very abusive man to him and all of his siblings. Michael also suffered a burn while doing a Pepsi commercial. Michael also went under a skin pigmentation surgery supposedly due to a skin disease that causes discolored blotching.Not to mention all of the other many cosmetic surgeries Jackson has gone through.Jackson’s career suffered majorly after the accusations of sexual child abuse. Mr. Jackson has also had money troubles over the last few years.

Jackson starred in the masterpiece adaptation to The Wizard of Oz-The Wiz. Some of Jackson’s most memorable songs were Thriller, Beat It, Billy Jean, Bad, Smooth Criminal,and Black and White. Jackson was a forerunner with his moves and music video styles.

Jackson was a true philanthropist and raised millions of dollars for a variety of charities and brought much awareness to the AIDS epidemic.

Jackson had some quirks and much publicity with the two sexual abuse cases he was involved in. I am not sure if I believe these charges. They were dropped.Jackson was a loving father and fashioniesta. Jackson was close friends with Elizabeth Taylor and Diana Ross. Jackson was married to another “King’s” daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. Jackson’s marriage to his second wife resulted with his 3 sons. 

Jackson had scheduled a European tour to begin next month.Jackson has recently been in the news for his bankruptcy troubles. The exact cause of death is still unknown but many fear that it was voluntary due to the money troubles and depressive state he has been in. Either way, an icon is dead, only to leave a legacy of fashion, music, style, and quirkiness behind.

Among his accreditations and awards, Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, had 13 Grammy awards, 13 number one singles and held multiple records in The Guiness Book of World Records.

Jackson is survived by his siblings including also famous, Janet Jackson, and millions of fans world wide.

August 29,1958 – June 25,2009.