Forget The Scandals: Michael Jackson\'s Legacy As A Performer Is Untouchable

classicaldj

New member
Forget The Scandals: Michael Jackson's Legacy As A Performer Is Untouchable

06.03.2005 8:28 PM EDT

A heartfelt testimonial on the man's musical career from MTV News' hip-hop editor.

For several years, Michael Jackson has been in the news more for his activities outside of the studio than he has for his artistry. Whether or not the King of Pop goes to jail, one thing remains certain: Michael Jackson is one of the greatest performers of all time, with a musical legacy of timeless records and historic moments.

Before 'NSYNC, the Backstreet Boys, B2K, New Kids on the Block or even before Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ralph and Johnny formed New Edition, Michael and his brothers Tito, Jackie, Marlon and Jermaine became an instant phenomenon when they debuted in 1969 with Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5.

The Beatles had already set the standard for boy bands, but the Jackson 5 were like no other. They played instruments, had synchronized dance moves, wore puffy afros and snazzy threads, and their trump card – Michael – would propel them to legendary status over the next decade.

The pre-teen Mike stood out from his older siblings with his shy persona and innocence, but there was no denying the kid was a superstar. He could serve up a bigger dish of eye candy with his dance moves than James Brown, and his voice was so pure and soulful that it's still hard to believe that someone so young was belting out hit records like "ABC," "The Love You Save," "Dancing Machine," "Blame It on the Boogie" and "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)."

The Jacksons' blitzkrieg left no stone unturned: They had hit albums, sold-out concerts, a Saturday-morning cartoon and more merchandising than your average summer blockbuster film. Still, the public needed to hear more from the collective's breakout star. Michael had been dropping solo albums between Jackson 5 records, but it wasn't until Michael hooked up with producer Quincy Jones for 1979's Off the Wall that the masses would see his full potential.

That album, arguably Jackson's best, highlighted his angelic vocal stylings with Jones' blend of funk, disco and R&B. More than 25 years later, songs like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You" can crush anything on today's charts. Little did the world know Jackson was just warming up, because three years later, with the release of Thriller, the singer took his career where no other solo artist, before or after, has been.

Thriller wasn't just an album; it was a phenomenon that has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide. As much as the fans were into Jackson's music, many were more infatuated with him as a person. Coming into adulthood in the '80s, M.J. had a whole different swagger from anything we had ever seen or will see. Everything he did was an event. When he put on the white glove or a jacket like the ones he wore in the videos for "Beat It" and "Thriller" – every kid had to have one. Jackson truly was the epitome of a universal superstar because no matter what age, sex or race you were, he had a special place in your heart.

Then there was his performance. You think Usher or Justin Timberlake or Omarion have some steps? The three of them combined couldn't begin to compare with Jackson's genius on the stage. His choreography became iconic: The high leg kick, the crotch-grabbing and, of course, the moonwalk became synonymous with greatness. Michael didn't need 18 background singers and dancers or a baseball team's worth of hypemen – all he needed to connect with his fans was a mic, his dazzling white socks and the black penny loafers.

Not only did Jackson dominate radio and the charts in the '80s, he was a trailblazer on television as well. "Thriller" is still regarded by many as the greatest music video ever made, and in the years that followed, his mini-movies such as "Remember the Time" and "Jam" would solidify his status as the music-video standard bearer.

How much of an impact has Michael Jackson's legacy had? Just ask artists like Usher, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg and Beyoncé. All of them cite M.J. as a major influence on their careers and continue to pay homage to him in their videos and music.

Regardless of whether the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is convicted, there's still no erasing the memories we have of staying up late to watch him take home an armful of trophies at the 1984 Grammy Awards, or seeing him ease on down the road in "The Wiz." Of course, some critics will argue that, over the last 13 years, Jackson's musical output hasn't been what it once was – but after almost 40 years of making music, he has nothing left to prove.

MTV News will have live coverage from Santa Maria on-air, online and in Overdrive when a verdict is handed down.

– Shaheem Reid


http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1503484/2...?headlines=true

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wacky_sis

New member
MTV SUCKS! Just because they know that MJ's gonna be innocent they need to start kissing his ass to have him on they're shows and interviews and shit. What about all the other times when they bashed him on they're live shows, etc?!?!?!? Are we supposed to forget that too????? Why are they talking about this now, why not before this whole scandal started????? :screaming
 

classicaldj

New member
They said nice things about him. Just appreciate that.

their trump card – Michael – would propel them to legendary status over the next decade.

The pre-teen Mike stood out from his older siblings with his shy persona and innocence, but there was no denying the kid was a superstar.

Thriller wasn't just an album; it was a phenomenon that has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide. As much as the fans were into Jackson's music, many were more infatuated with him as a person. Coming into adulthood in the '80s, M.J. had a whole different swagger from anything we had ever seen or will see. Everything he did was an event. When he put on the white glove or a jacket like the ones he wore in the videos for "Beat It" and "Thriller" – every kid had to have one. Jackson truly was the epitome of a universal superstar because no matter what age, sex or race you were, he had a special place in your heart.

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wacky_sis

New member
Originally posted by classicaldj1
They said nice things about him. Just appreciate that...

Yeah, I know it's nice things and I would appreciate it if they had been saying nice things about him all along. What bothers me is that why are they saying nice things about him now, why not before? It's just too convenient. :extremely
 

[O_o]

New member
Scandal sells. Otherwise, the gag rags you see on the checkout lines would not be there. People like seeing the misfortunes of others until it happens to them.

Remember: It is only a cliche until it happens to you.
 

HeavenSent

New member
Originally posted by Mack Dogg
but it's still MTV.
right.

the same ol song and dance. It's not so much that we don't appreciate articles like this. It's just the fact that it's MTV. They rode off of Michael's fame, he catapulted them to world dominance...and what did they do, they turned around treated him like sh*t, when he wasn't so called 'it' anymore. That's why Michael needs to stay away from that network.

I hope Shaheim Reed realizes this. His article was well written and truthful, without the usual digs @ Michael's appearance or his "bizarre" behavior. But while he's talking about Michael being the greatest of all time, don't forget his own employer didn't give a damn giving him his due, didn't care about integrity, of granting fair coverage to Michael when it counted the most.

So you know what? Whatever.
 
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