Michael Jackson Phenomena Transcends Generations

When the news of Michael Jackson's death first aired, there were three generations of people in our household in a state of sadness or actually crying in stunned disbelief. When the Jackson Five first began being noticed, I was a young mother not that long out of High School raising two young babies. Music was a big part of my life at that time, and the first time I heard Michael Jackson sing I said, out loud if I remember correctly, "Oh my god, that kid is going to be a huge star!" I was right.

The Jackson five, and later Michael solo, continued to be part of the entertainment culture of my young family, and as they were growing up my girls were familiar with all their music. I remember my daughter, then about five years old, standing on the coffee table, strumming her toy guitar, and trying to sing "Rockin' Robin."

By the time Michael broke off on his own and released "Thriller" in 1982, my girls were in their middle teens, and at just the right age to be swept away by the frenzy that Michael Jackson had begun to inspire. We probably owned every Michael Jackson Album there was, on several media types over the years. But I too was still mesmerized by his talent. His innovative dance moves were intriguing, and like I had predicted, the exceptional quality of his voice continued to be awe inspiring.

Having grown up with Michael Jackson, it is not surprising that my children were hit hard by the news of his death. What did surprise me was the passionate responses of my grandchildren. Since they had grown up amid the constant news of his rather bizarre behavior and tragic life events, it never occurred to me that Michael Jackson would still be a musical icon for their generation as well. As I became aware of this it really hit home to me how much influence this wonderfully talented young performer, had had over all of us, young and old alike, proving that a talented person can be loved and admired for that alone, regardless of what other circumstances might surround the individual's life. Like Elvis Presley and John Lennon, his time with us was too tragically cut short, and like them as well, while the world may know other great stars, other awesome talents, it will never know another one quite like Michael Jackson.