Michael Jackson Tribute

July 7, 2009 - Tuesday
Michael Jackson Memorial

As Mariah Carey began to croon a heart felt rendition of Michael Jackson's "I'll be There" I felt a twinge and finally a tear, twelve days following the death of the inescapable icon. I immediately recalled the final show of the first season of "Karaoke Krazy" when my co-host and I sang that song as the final number.

I remember why I chose that song over all others. It was because, as an entertainer, I felt there was no other choice. There are many reasons for this. I began singing when I was two and by the time I was able to see and comprehend television the Jackson Five was beginning to make history. I remember my mother telling me "Michael will be on in half an hour. You better get your bath so you can watch him before you go to bed." And so began my fascination with the most amazing talent that this earth has ever seen, and may ever will see.

As Michael grew, I grew with him. Watching, imitating, learning. Over the years I took ballet and tap lessons, voice lessons, piano, guitar and drum lessons. I made it to the Cincinnati Bearkittens dance team and eventually in 1985 began my own dance group with my best friend Brenda. But before that happened, my goal in college as an educator was to help inner city children rise up out of their destined poverty through art and music. As a student teacher, my lessons revolved around putting art to the music of Michael Jackson. And the children responded. But teaching took a back seat to the entertainment business for me because when its in your blood, in your bones, you can never really escape it, and because I eventually realized you really have to be Michael Jackson to change the thoughts and minds of a culture or cultures.

Michael Jackson's concert was the first I ever attended. His posters were on my wall. I remember waiting and waiting for the Billy Jean and Thriller video's that were to make history on the notoriously white oriented MTV. Every dance move Brenda and I choreographed had its roots in Michael's feet. Eventually, I acquired a manager and promoter who make me continually study Michael Jackson's moves. And even at 47, I still find myself moonwalking from time to time. I eventually cut a record and toured the country for a few years, finally landing a local TV show where I performed his songs more than once.

It would be impossible for me to give a blogged lesson in videography, the art of illusion and evoking emotion, the technical aspects of music, the complexities of dance and choreography, or the rules of working a crowd ----which need seeds of talent to make one a good entertainer. All I can tell you is that there was always more to my fascination with Michael than hero worship. It has been a true respect for the artist who shaped the world not only as an entertainer, but as an ambassador of peace by not ever really saying a word, but by singing them.

As Stevie Wonder sings a song he wrote on the stage that is memorializing the child star, I take note that Wonder is probably the most musically talented individual the world has ever known. His tribute only confirms that Michael was indeed the most talented "artist" in that he incorporated so many different abilities into his body of work.

As a humanitarian, Michael gave more to charity than any other artist in the world. There are those who say that Michael was not a great person. But as a journalist who has been heavily involved with the media, I must say that I do not give much credence to the wrongs we have heard of. While obtaining a Bachelors in Communications, one of the things we learned repeatedly was the art of "spin." It's how we make a story interesting and make someone tune in to a story. Only Michael Jackson, and God, know what his life was really like.

I never saw Michael Jackson as "Black or White," and I admit that I still have my opinions regarding both sides of the equation. Say what you will about me for my admiration for the King of Pop. But he is what gave my life's work its successes. He is what made me understand the problems with poverty and disparity. And if you think about it, let's be honest, wouldn't it be nice to see EVERYONE try to better themselves by reaching for goals and being productive?

Try to understand the enormous responsibility that comes with such enormous fame and forgive the mistakes that even the smallest of us make. Remember the boy that sacrificed a childhood to bring the world together and make it a better place for everyone..."We are the World." Remember to dream, as Michael did. Remember the face of his distraught daughter at the memorial who said, "I love you daddy, you were the best daddy in the world. I am going to miss you so much." And remember to say to a friend, "I'll be there," for the man we all grew up with is gone...and it could happen you.

Thank you Michael Jackson. Your legacy continues. "Just Smile."

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