They say deaths come in threes. But rarely have they all been such well-known celebrities like the last three: Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.
Ed McMahon was an institution on the television when I was growing up. Always there beside Johnny Carson, the two of them created the basic of late night talk shows and no one has ever done it quite as well (sorry Dave!) And you could hardly turn on the TV without seeing him advertising something and trying to make us millionaires.
Farrah Fawcett, a fellow Texas girl, stole the hearts of many. Many remember her as one of Charlie’s Angels. Others rejoiced when she finally graced the pages of Playboy at the ages of 48 and 50 (which went on to be two of their top selling issues.)
But the most significant of these departures for me is Michael Jackson. I wasn’t one of the crazy ones willing to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to see him perform in London but that doesn’t make me less of a fan. I’ve always appreciated his music and any child of the 80’s can’t deny that Michael Jackson was an icon. You could barely listen to the radio without hearing hits from him. He was everywhere!
When I was in elementary school, we used to love hanging out at the skating rink. There was a DJ who would play requests…and at least one song from Michael would always be played. But it was even better than that. Every time I was at the roller rink (and it was OFTEN) there would be a break while they turned down the lights, gathered everyone at the end of the rink, rolled down the movie screen and blasted “Thriller.” I have to admit that the video STILL gives me the creeps. But how about those awesome dance moves?
Now I especially love the hits from the Jackson 5. “I’ll Be There,” “ABC,” and one of my absolute favs — “I Want You Back.”
Even Mackenzie has been captivated by his spirit and dance moves. Stefan recently found out that Michael’s famed hand grabs and other gestures get her giggling and laughing like nothing else. But I guess we’ll never get a chance now to take her to a concert.
His story was a complicated and rather tragic one, from his difficult childhood until the day he died. Despite the mistakes he made financially and the attacks brought against him, the world stood by him and he was way ahead of his time in so many ways. I hope now that Michael Jackson is in peace, happy with himself and his accomplishments. He touched the lives of millions, could be recognized just by his white glove and his moonwalk, was passionate about saving the earth (even when he was a kid with the Jackson 5) and his memory will live on for generations. We lost a legend last night. MJ was the King of Pop who revolutionized the music industry and taught us how to dance. Rest in peace, Michael. You will be missed.
