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This is one of the few musicians that I would be talking about in this series, whom was nothing short of a downright global sensation.
You see, it's one thing to be some common mega star maybe in your country or a few other places, but then again, it's another to be a Global Sensation of a much higher calibre!
One thing that makes Michael Jackson stand out from other legends, is the fact that his name, his persona, the whole enchilada, is recognized by literally everyone around the globe! Certainly, it's not everyday you hear about a musician who became so successful that he/she literally broke all the barriers of race, culture, sex, and even religion with their music.
I mean think about it: just take a legendary band like Nirvana or a legend like Paul McCartney for example, go to the uptowns of Washington or London and ask who these people are and immediately, you'll get your answer! But ask the same question in say, a small town in Africa and everyone would be like, "What's a Nirvana?"
BUT, ask who Michael Jackson is in either a small village in Philippines, or a very religious place in Jordan, and they will tell you exactly who he is! Or at least, they'll do that signature crotch style of his😅
But you see, that's just how influential Michael Jackson and his music really was! Instantly recognizable literally everywhere!
A true legend indeed.
And so now, it is my utmost pleasure, that i welcome you to explore with me, as we delve into the inspiring world of Michael Jackson - A.K.A the one and only true King of Pop.
Hold on to your hats ladies and gentlemen, it's about to get inspirational up in here!
"In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe."
— Michael Jackson.
Ahhhhhhhhhh....ahhhhhhhhhh... (Doing a longer ah cause I love MJ) Michael Jackson! Global Pop sensation, talented singer/songwriter, a truly honest and caring person, revolutionary of popular music, and the only guy I know, to have been utterly obsessed with his own groin xD
See short video below to understand what I'm talking about. It's a parody of MJ by Family guy.
Yup! That's MJ for ya😅. However now, to truly understand just how inspiring this mega star was and still is even today, we must first take a look into his origins.
But honestly, who am I kidding? Who in God's name doesn't know this legend already?
The Inspiring Life of Michael Jackson
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Born August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, Michael Joseph Jackson was an American singer/songwriter whom is regarded today as one of the most influential musicians of the entire 29th century. Heck! If not even the most influential!
Growing up, Michael had always been a musical sensation. By the time he was 5, himself, along with his four older sibling brothers (Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, and Marlon), had already formed a rhythm and blues band by the name of the Jackson 5. And with Michael quickly proving himself to be such an afficianado with his impressive singing and performance abilities, it was no surprise how he quickly became the band's leader.
Surely, at that young age, one would expect Michael's leadership to make the band fall flat on his face quickly but no, infact, the young prodigy possessed such high leadership skills and such impressive showmanship, that people couldn't get enough of his charming and charismatic persona! And before long, the band became a hit with numerous supporters backing them up along the way. However, after a series of hits, the group ultimately disbanded and left Motown Records in the mid-1970s. However, Michael continued striving on his own, searching for solo success.
And boy did he find something!
After signing with Epic records and releasing his debut album "Off the wall" which was an instant hit and spawned radios and televisions across the country, Jackson had already begun making a name for himself in the industry. However, as it often is with truly successful people, Michael wasn't satisfied with what he and achieved and sort even greater heights; and later on, after spending over six years in constant hardwork and business lodgings, Michael finally released his most revolutionary and iconic album - Thriller - with Quincy Jones. This, in turn, went to be the world's highest selling album in all of history; shattering records and selling over forty million copies and winning over 8 Grammy's including album of the year.
It was probably at this height in his career, that I believe Michael had officially sealed his title as the King of Pop - forever.
And rightfully so...
You know, after taking another listen to the album recently, I was quite surprised on how just many of the songs I instantly recognized. Somehow, I managed to sing along to Beat it Billie jean and You are not alone lyric by lyric! And after all these years!
Ha! And to think I'm not even that BIG of an MJ fan myself😅.
Of course, my favorite from the entire 30 song album, was none other than the infamous thriller.
Here, have a listen. It's an absolute Halloween nightmare fuel! Ha! I still have fond memories of me getting scared by the video everytime I watched it as a kid:
Trust me, even if you don't know or remember the song, you most definitely will remember that iconic dance move.
Fun fact: Did you know that MJ was the pioneer of these types of story like music videos? Don't believe me? Just try googling one alike before this. I'll wait.
Let me guess, didn't find anything did ya huh?... Well of course not silly! Prior to Jackson's thriller, music videos were just good old classic band's performing on stage or something of that sort. But when thriller was released, this didn't just inspire later musicians to reform their style of videography but completely reshaped the style of music videos forever! Much like the ones you see today.
Honestly, it's quite hard to believe that a person could be unfamiliar with this song or even this video! Regardless of age, location, or culture. I mean with how revolutionary and influential the video has been even to modern day television, it would be funny to think that someone could watch that video and think:
What is that dance?
Ah... But we must not forget Michael's efforts.
Sure, at face value, Michael's success might seem as something that resulted mostly from his talent and opportunity and well... You'd be right! He was quite talented and had a handful of opportunities. But it wasn't all a bed of roses, in fact, most of his fame resulted from combination of said assets mentioned above, and ridiculous amounts of hardwork and consistency!
Many times, staff members who worked with him would recall Michael spending hours upon hours in the studio, trying to adjust just a single vocal line or even just the tiniest little bar until it was perfect. Other times, it was reported that before a performance, Jackson would often spend hours during late nights and early hours constantly practicing his dance routines, solo works, and his overall stage antics.
Ha! To say Jackson, on usual, didn't spend at least an average of 1-2 hours of sleep especially during tours and performances, would be to consider if there was truly water in the ocean XD. The man was a perfectionist and a hard worker when it came to his craft.
Michael had a pretty hard life though
I'm sure quite a lot of us already know this: Michael suffered quite a lot in his life. From his troubled childhood when his father would constantly beat he and his brothers with a belt if they didn't get a dance move right during one of the Jackson 5 performances, to his later days when all sorts of controversies surrounding him and the media, led to Michael getting into drugs, loosing a lot of friends, and ultimately, dissociating himself from reality.
Fortunately, despite all the sadness and hate, Michael didn't capitulate. In his words:
They did it to try and belittle me, to try and to take away my pride. But I went through the whole system with them. And at the end, I – I wanted the public to know that I was okay, even though I was hurting.
I’m just like anyone. I cut and I bleed. And I embarass easily.But I will never stop helping and loving people the way Jesus said to.
– Michael Jackson
But truly, he was much more than just some fancy celebrity
That's right, Michael was much more than just your average day mega star, he was a man with a heart of gold. He truly cared.
From the millions of dollars he raised for numerous charities and foundations across the world,
Remember this iconic song of his - we are the world - it was produced as a form of charity to help famine in Africa in 1985.
Ended up selling over 20 million making it the eight most spelled single physical song in history
Jackson was also cited by the Guinness book of world records as the most philanthropic pop star, donating over $300million to charities worldwide.
It was this type of act, that inspired many of his peers to also take up philanthropic acts like such.
To the intimate moments he had with his fans,
Fun fact: Michael once left his home without his security guards, and ended up spending the entire day with a bunch of his fans. They, in turn, where the ones who kept him safe and away from the gut wrenching eye of paparazzis. I don't think any celebrity ever cared as much for his/her fans as much Michael did.
To the world at large
Even during a time of severe cultural and racial bias, Michael managed to break all these barriers with his music. I mean, his name was literally everywhere! In the hearts and ears of many men, women, and children alike. Even in the most remote of places that hadn't been influenced by western culture.
He was a true global sensation that inspired the world at large.
Summary
Even after the death of the legend, his music and name still continues to echo in the hearts of the masses who knew him and even in the hearts of the once who are yet to know about him(i.e if there's anyone who doesn't actually know MJ lol).
But don't take it from me, here are excerpts by different people across the world online, and how they felt Michael Jackson has inspired and changed their lives:
He inspired me to have confidence in myself, which was lacking for several different reasons and, made me unafraid to show love in various ways. He taught me by example. Michael was not the most confident chick in the nest, except in entertainment. For instance, he lacked confidence when meeting someone new and having to talk to them one on one. On the phone he was fine which I think made things easier for when we met up. He taught me that I was….well….OK:).
I was growing up with quiet a lot of racism. Things where not easy for me as a kid. I really liked Michael from early age on, and because of him, I didn't devolpe racial barriers in my head. He always was a great example for me to participate in volunteering and supporting in social projects. Even though I do have trouble with crowded places due to my ASD, I found ways to be helpful for others. And to believe in myself. Michael is a great inspiration when it comes to social matters and self awareness. To follow his advice makes it quiet easy to do something good in your comunity, beeing wise about how to use resources and giving our best to be kind to others, regardless where they come from and who they are.
Do I think Michael Jackson was an inspiration ? No. Why ? Because I know he is still an inspiration for all of us. Not for just artists or singers or dancers , he is an inspiration for all of us.
Some of the most inspirational and motivational things about Michael Jackson were his work ethic and charitable nature. As for something most people do not know about him, it's that his title — King of Pop — doesn't refer to him ruling a particular genre, but all genres. Pop is the short form of Popular music like Rock, Rock-'n'-roll, Disco, Funk, Soul, Blues, Rhythm and blues, Punk, Dance, Hip-hop…you name it. Therefore, if Michael was the King of Pop, then he was the King of Music. Got it?
Indeed we got it Nana. Enough said really.
To the Media, Michael was a great musician, to the industry, he was the godfather and King of Pop; but to his fans, friends, and family alike... he was all this and so much more: a father, a friend, a role model, and an inspiration. And there will never be anyone like him again.
Thank you Michael! For everything...
Now before I go, let me leave you with my two most favorite insoirny quotes by MJ:
"I'm starting with the man in the mirror,
I'm asking him to change his ways;
And no message could have been any clearer,
If you wanna make the world a better place,
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change!"
"Please go for your dreams. Whatever your ideals, you can become whatever you want to become.”
Michael Jackson(1958- 2009)
Well, that's it for now! Hopefully you were able to gain a little inspiration from the life of this legend. Until next time when we dive into the inspiring world of the great composer: Ludwig van Beethoven!
But for now...
THANKS FOR READING AND KEEP EXPLORING!