Two years ago today...MJ

 I can't believe it has been two years since Michael Jackson passed away... Here is a LO I did about Michael shortly after his passing.  

 Journaling:

 Jackson, the King of Pop passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2009. He went into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing reportedly after an overdose of medication. Michael was only 50 years old. The Jackson brothers formed the Jackson 5 in 1964 when he was just 5 years old. They catapulted to stardom when they were signed to Motown records in 1969. A long and successful string of hits followed including, “ABC”, “I Want you Back” and “The Love you Save”. Although all of the boys were talented in their own right, arguably it was Michael’s lead vocals that truly made the group the powerhouse that it was. Although just a young boy; he sang with the fire and emotion of an older man who had experienced both joy and serious heartbreak. The Jackson 5 recorded 14 albums on the Motown label, while Michael recorded 4 of his own.

     Michael began to branch out in his late teens. He made his film debut in “The Wiz” playing the scarecrow. He collaborated with legendary producer, Quincy Jones on the albums, “Off the Wall” and “Thriller”, which became the best selling album of all time. “Thriller” garnered Michael 8 Grammy awards in 1984.

     Michael was more than a singer and actor. His style of dance was versatile, incorporating silky and fluid movement and also gritty street dancing. In addition to his trademark, the moonwalk, Michael changed the face of music videos with his production of “Thriller”. His videos were actually short films that told a story. This was markedly opposed to what was in rotation on television music channels. Michael also had the distinction of becoming the first African American music artist to have a video featured on MTV.

     But there was even more to Michael Jackson. He was a humanitarian. He created the Heal the World foundation which donated millions of dollars and food to the less fortunate. Michael and Lionel Richie led the project, USA for Africa which was formed to help aid victims of famine in Africa, particularly Ethiopia. Michael was also the doting dad of three children, Prince Michael, Paris and Prince Michael II.  

     No matter how some felt about Michael, his musical influence on many, including me has been very deep. I lovingly recall seeing Michael and his brothers in concert when I was a girl and trying (unsuccessfully) to do the moonwalk in my teen years. Thank you Michael for gifting the world with your music.

Michael Jackson--- musical legend, humanitarian and icon gone much too soon.

BTW, the original glove was in a set I purchased at dollar tree. (See below, right) I cut the glove down and added glitter and rhinestones to mimic Michael's signature glove of the 80's. Thanks for looking!