Michael Jackson: A Modern Legend

Some people lived during the time of Hercules, we lived during the time of MJ. As the news poured in on June 25 at around 3 pm, news anchors were stunned to report the death of a musical icon.

The icon that raised the bar in performance, marketing and talent that would change the music industry forever is gone, and the world mourns.

Jackson changed what it means to make music, to love music and to be moved by music. His music was so prevalent in our culture that it is associated with some of our best memories. Every time I hear PYT, it reminds me of being loved for the first time.

In the 60's Michael Jackson debuted with his brothers in a five piece band, The Jackson 5. The band cut 12 albums, the youngest Jackson was only ten years old when they first started recording. Even at ten years old this star in the making had the vocal range of Aretha Franklin.

By the time the young star hit his teens he managed to sell 9 million albums of his groundbreaking 1979 Off the Wall record. Quincy Jones, aka the godfather of rhythm, produced the record with Jackson.

Jones, in a statement about Jackson's death said, "I lost my little brother. Part of my soul goes with him."

Thriller, the star's next triumph hit the top of the charts in 1982 and stayed there for weeks. The album has become the best selling record of all time.

He went on to release Bad, a major hit album, produced by longtime collaborator and friend Quincy Jones. The music video, filmed in a subway station, was directed by Martin Scorsese. Weird Al Yankovich later parodied the Bad video in his film UHF with I'm Fat, with Jackson's permission.

Aside from his golden years in music making, Jackson crafted an unforgettable image that so many can confess to buying into - such as the infamous red leather jacket, the silver Billie Jean glove and who can forget the aviator shades?

Jackson taught so many people how to dance. How many times did you practice the moon walk? Shameless crotch-grab? Maybe the pelvic thrust on the dance floor?

Jackson death closes the book to the end of an era, but leaves with us unforgettable times and an unforgettable story. Hats off to the memories, the music, the soul - the musical legend that is Michael Jackson.