Michael Jackson was exactly 13 months older than I. As a young kid growing up in the 1970's, Michael and his brothers were Positive Role Models for me and thousands of other Black children of that generation.
No disrespect to his present-day fans, but there's a Unique and Special Connection people my age will ALWAYS have to Michael Jackson... before the videos, before MTV, before Thriller... We saw his genesis as an entertainment legend. We were there from the early days of "Big Boy" and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah." We witnessed the Purity of his Soulfulness on the Hollywood Palace, Soul Train, American Bandstand and Sullivan. We grew up with him.
Today, as I watch the memorial and heareveryone speak about how how global Michael was (and he was), I'm MOST PROUD that this phenomenal BLACK MAN came from OUR Community. He represented and respected his culture and history. He proudly carried on the musical legacy of other great R&B artists upon whose shoulders he stood. I'm sure Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday, Joe Tex and others are proud and waiting to embrace him.
Rest In Peace, Michael... THANK YOU for the Time and Gifts you gave us.
Posted By: Hugh Gaddy
Tuesday, July 7th 2009 at 3:50PM
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