Music Blogs

A few weeks ago I expressed my shock over Madonna turning 50.  Today I share that same reaction to Michael Jackson’s 50^th birthday (August 29^th)!  Can you believe that the King of Pop is going to blow out 50 candles?  Maybe more depending on how many he’ll have for luck?

Born in Gary, Indiana to Joe Jackson and Katherine Esther he was number seven of what would become a nine child household!  (One of the siblings to follow would be Janet).As we all know from various interviews, biographies and made for TV movies, the Jackson household wasn’t as bubble gum sweet as some of the Jackson 5’s hit songs were.  Joe's temperment and subsequent actions without a doubt affected each of the Jackson brood in a way that hopefully none of us can comprehend. 

The world watched Michael Jackson grow up as a performer and later as something of a spectacle.  His professional debut was at the tender age of 11 (before Disney started cranking out pop stars).

Despite his age, he was the clear star of the Jackson 5.  There was no doubt that he was going to command the attention of millions the rest of his life, whether on stage or through media, as one of the biggest things to happen to pop music.  Once Michael outgrew the Jackson 5 and went on to develop himself as a solo artist, all bets were off. 

For the last decade or so, The King of Pop’s accomplishments have been overshadowed by tabloid gossip, but I guess that’s what happens when you befriend McCauley Culkin, undergo rhinoplasty procedures a few too many times and hang your newborn off a balcony. 

I for one have never really been a fan of Michael Jackson and I’m not just saying that to preserve my rocker image.  I will confess though that I have sung and danced to Billy Jean before last call, still have his duet with his sister Janet, Scream, on my iPod and prefer Bad to Weird Al’s Fat.

On his birthday I would however like to offer this, a brief dose of credit where credit is due.

Michael Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, twice!

Michael Jackson set Guinness World Records for Thriller, his 13 Grammy Awards, 13 Number One Singles, and the sale of over 750 Million albums worldwide! 

Michael Jackson also broke onto MTV with the success of “Thriller”, breaking down racial barriers and raising the bar for all music videos.  Without him, the concept of mini movies as music videos may not exist.  Where would we be then?    

Also often ignored is how Michael Jackson pushed the envelope for music and pop culture.  The King of Pop fought against the limitations of what was deemed too sexual, incorporated people of different colour and creed that had not previously been seen in mass media into his videos, creating choreography that has yet to be surpassed and of course for being a huge pop influence in general.  In addition to his record-setting success, MJ has been cited as an influence by many of today’s biggest pop/ R&B stars, including R. Kelly, Usher, Ne-Yo, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, even Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz and many more!

I would also argue that MJ just might be the most famous man on the face of the earth…seriously!  I make that claim and you are my witness! 

So, Happy 50^th Birthday to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, who will be forever young!  Oh, and Michael, please have someone at the door to your party checking the ID’s of your guests.  We wouldn’t want any underage party-goers getting silly on bubbly!

I leave you now with the King Of Pop Video Show!  Now, beat it!