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With his greatest-hits flooding radio-waves across the world and tributes from fellow entertainers filling the air, the world is now remembering the person who people have referred to as a true musical genius and legend that will never die. Pop culture and musical icon, Michael Jackson (age 50) died the afternoon of June 25th after suffering cardiac arrest. Jackson was rushed to UCLA Medical Hospital when he suddenly collapsed at his nearby rental home. The true cause of his death still remains a mystery as medical examiners await autopsy and toxicology reports. But one thing that remains certain, through all of this, is that Michael Jackson has left a legacy of music and talent that will never be forgotten.
“Michael was and will remain one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived,” said Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. “He was exceptional, artistic, and original. He gave the world his heart and soul through music.”
That is just what Michael Jackson did. From a very young age, Michael began performing with his brothers in the musical pop-sensation the Jackson 5. From 1966 to the late 70’s, the pop group changed the face of music, being the first black teen idols to cross racial barriers – appealing equally to both white and black audiences alike. From performing with his brothers, Michael then decided to go solo in 1971, blossoming into one of the best-selling pop artists of all-time!
Jackson instantly became a hit with his solo career. With the Jackson 5 as his launching pad, Michael went on to release his hit albums of Got to Be There, Forever, Michael, and Off the Wall. But it was his 1982 album Thriller which sent this pop-sensation through the roof with popularity. Thriller sold nearly 21 million copies in the US and over 27 million internationally, with seven Top-10 singles on that album alone! Michael continued to dominate the music scene throughout the 1980’s and into the 90’s.
Not only did he dominate the music scene, but he became a pop culture icon that influenced the masses. Music videos would not be what they are today, without Michael Jackson. With hit songs he turned music videos into an art form rather than simply a promotional piece. Thriller is one of the top music videos of all time, with its movie-like plot line, classic dance sequences, and costuming. His iconic fashion of the oversized colored jackets, corduroy (from back in the day of the Jackson 5), and the iconic glitz and glamour of costuming (including the famous silver glove) have left a lasting impact on fashion for his four decade run in Hollywood. But, with the passing of Michael, he has left more than just tangible objects of himself. He has had a lasting impact emotionally and inspirationally for so many performers, wanting nothing but to follow in his footsteps. An eclectic mix of artists such as Mariah Carey, the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, P.Diddy, Run DMC, and more have all made mention of Michael’s lasting impact on them.
Michael had been spending the past two months in Los Angeles preparing for his upcoming London “This Is It” concert tour, which ironically was to start the week after next. It has been said by interviews of cast and crew for that tour that his last rehearsal on Wednesday night at the Staple Center was amazing and his all time best yet. Though Michael had had a rough few years, with legal allegations and controversy seeming to follow him wherever he goes, the world can all agree that this is a true loss to the entertainment industry. With rumors of Las Vegas casinos and Las Vegas shows in his honor, it leaves BestOfVegas and the rest of Las Vegas wondering how such an entertainer might be honored in the entertainment capital of Las Vegas.
The sad departure of this two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and 13-time Grammy winner is one that will be mourned for a long time. It is a true loss to the music community and our thoughts and prayers go out to the beloved friends, family, and fans of the King of Pop.
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