This date June 25, 2010 marks the one year anniversary of Michael Jackson's death. I know where I was when I got the news. I had just gotten out of the shower and my daughter brought the phone upstairs to me. My best friend, Sharon called and told me he was unconscious. I told her that "joke" wasn't funny. she was serious and told me to turn on the TV because it was on the news.
I did. I saw images outside the hospital as the caption on the screen confirmed that he was unconscious. This was a moment I had been afraid of. I couldn't imagine my world with him let alone his music.
I remember that when The Jackson Five came to Rochester, she wouldn't let me or my sister see them. I was mad. It was at the height of their popularity. I wanted to cry but I was so mad I just sulked and went to my room. A few years later, when they came back, she got us tickets. I watched as he performed "Ben", "Off The Wall", "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" and other songs. He was a musical genius.
Flash forward a few years later to Motown 25 and the unveiling of "Thriller" on MTV. And my love for his music soared as his popularity grew. I was a fan. I know the words to Jacksons songs that most people don't know. That all came crashing down for me a year ago today, MJ died.
A piece of my heart went with him. I was in denial until the day of his funeral. I hoped it was a mistake. Maybe they meant it was another member of the family. But no luck.
Today, our black radio station WDKX is doing an all Michael Jackson musical salute weekend. I for one am delighted. I've posted musical clips on my Facebook page and relived MJ memories. Even though, he is no longer here with me on Earth: his music and spirit are.
Posted By: Marsha Jones
Saturday, June 26th 2010 at 9:43AM
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