So, This is my last word on Michael Jackson, Maybe

So, This is my last word on Michael Jackson, Maybe

It’s already been a few weeks since the passing of Michael Jackson, and just a few days since I have heard a story about his death, will, family, children or a comment on the merits of his death as actually being news. After listening to Bob Scheiffer have his say on Face the Nation, I’m a fan, and it occurs to me how many people miss much of Mr. Jackson’s significance.

As a college student I found the need, more than a couple of times, for help lifting me out of feelings of over-whelming despair. I found solace in music, in particular there were 2 songs that I could listen to and suddenly I could dance and smile and solve the challenge that moments before had made me quake. The first song was Sly and the Family Stone’s “Everybody is a Star”, the second, the Jackson 5’s “ABC”. For these gifts I am eternally grateful and an unapologetic fan!

My purpose is not to convert anyone into a Michael Jackson fan but to point out that, in my belief, those who understand that ours is a society of consumption and whoever drives consumption will be the ones who ultimately prosper. Forget or argue whether Michael Jackson had a gift to entertain, dance, sing compose choreograph, the man knew how and was one of the drivers of how we consume music for almost 3 decades.

I do not believe that any of us have the luxury to afford to miss shifts in our culture or our society if we choose to be a participant, and certainly not if we count ourselves as a leader! As for me, I would like to simply offer my thanks to Michael and move on.

“ABC, it’s easy as 1,2,3”