Remembering The KING - Michael Jackson

When I was in born, my mom and dad filled the house all the time with music of all kinds. At 2-3 years old, I remember hearing rock, jazz, soul, blues, r&B, lots of motown...my dad played the congos alot with his boyz or he was jamming to some Santana, EWF or Weather Report. My mom would crank Carol King and the Isley Brothers (loud, too)...but the first song I remember ever actually singing a song, it was "ABC" by the Jackson 5.

We lived in Los Angeles, so it was like the Jacksons 5 were our family...distant cousins. I was around 3-4 years old and remember singing every word of that song, and then their next song and their next song...For as long as I can remember music and singing, I remember Michael Jackson.

When I was 12, we lived in Ohio (near Cleveland) and I remember my dad taking me, my sister and her friend to the Jackson's reunion concert in Cleveland. By then, Michael had left the group, but returned for the reunion tour (Randy was there too). It was my first concert ever, and the most amazing thing I'd ever seen! The Jacksons were awesome! And, I had this madddd crush on Jermaine, and Tito, and Michael, and Randy...and...

I didn't know Michael personally, but I suspect his music kept MJ sane in a madd madd ass world. Most artists are sensitive and have tortured souls. They're eccentric, different. I respected Michael for that. I never judged him or relied on the media for the truth. Michael was the most incredible musician/entertainer/talent of our time. God graciously gave him to us as a gift for a short time. MJ was an endless humanatarian and activist FOR children, black people and communities all over the world. That's what I know for sure.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories about Michael Jackson. And, please tell your children and their children about this powerful Black man who single handedly shaped pop and R&B music to what it is today.

RIP KING Michael. Thank you for being open and bold enough to share your talents and music with the world..and you did it despite the pain, the judgements, the hatred. Forgive them.

Your fan forever, L