four months ago when michael jackson died of cardiac arrest, the world grieved and lamented for the loss of their "king of pop." the day of his death, i was at efy actually listening to his history album in my car, as i ran to the grocery store to buy food for the youth. no joke. i found it a little ironic.
because i had no access to television, i was not forced to watch the twenty-four hour news coverage, filled with speculation, music and controversy surrounding his murder and health problems. i found that healthy because i chose to focus on what made him famous in the first place. his music. that day i listened to "man in the mirror, they don't really care about us, smile, billie jean, thriller, the earth song, the way you make me feel, childhood, don't stop til you get enough, the girl is mine, hold me like the river jordan, i just can't stop loving you, and many many other of my favorite songs.
just like any other product of the '80s, i grew up listening to his albums and imitating his dance moves. i burned the history double album as soon as we bought a cd burner and i listened to it almost daily. though cliche, his music became a part of my life. at every school dance in high school i danced to beat it and billie jean. while in mexico, i bought a two-disc pirated dvd set of all his music videos. as a freshman in college, i learned the thriller dance with my roommates and performed it at a talent show. last year man in the mirror solidified itself as my favorite song. it goes on almost every cd i burn as track number eight.
when i got word of his london concert shows, i called my dad and told him i wanted nothing more than to go to see him. i was excited but disheartened because i knew there would be no way that i would fly to london and pay $200 for a ticket. i just secretly hoped that i would be able to see him perform at least once before i die.
last night, even though he has passed, i was able to watch a glimpse of what was sure to be a heck of a show.
the compilation of selecting dancers, interviewing them, teaching them the signature moves and watching them perform was remarkable. the songs, even though not all complete, were unbelievably performed. the sets were huge and immaculate and full of bright colors. the theater was sold-out and as soon as it started people were dancing, clapping, screaming and of course singing. it was the most entertaining time i have had in a long long time.
the movie itself had high expectations, and every single one of them was filled by the time i left the theater two hours later.
i recommend watching his movie and letting your last memory of him be the one that you first remember.
his music.
hurry, it's only playing for two weeks.
No comments:
Post a Comment