Remembering Michael Jackson three years after his death
Here’s to knowing the King of Pop (August 29, 1958- June 25, 2009).
By ANGIE ROMERO
There are two kinds of people in this world. Ones who were able to experience Michael Jackson while he was alive, and everyone else. The latter group will probably only remember him as “that guy who made his kids wear masks and had some sick moves.”
The thing about Michael is that we often forget he was a human being, not just the greatest pop star the world has ever known. I think what makes me sad, three years after his death at 50 (too, too soon), is that I don’t think future generations will ever have another Michael.
My kids will never know him. But I’ll try my best to teach them.
Just the other night I was at a nightclub in Miami and the DJ played “Rockin Robin” and my heart was happy for those few minutes. Because little Michael’s voice always has that effect on me.
Michael had a favorite song: “Smile,” composed by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 film Modern Times. Michael loved it so much he put it on his HIStory: Past, Present, And Future Book I album in 1995.
Smiling was something he did often, despite everything that was going on underneath. It takes a certain kind of human being to do that. Shouts to Amaris Castillo, who found this Facebook album dedicated to Michael smiling. It’s beautiful.
As Jay says, “long live the King, yo.”
(Photo: Facebook.com/Jackson5)
