Michael Jackson Remembered

It's not surprising that the untimely death of Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009 stunned his fans across the nation and the world. Jackson, only 50 years old, had dominated the music world much like the 'King of Rock and Roll', Elvis Presley, had in years past. Beginning his music career at age 11 as the youngest member of the Jackson Five, Michael won the hearts of millions with songs such as 'I'll Be There' and 'ABC' before making a name for himself with albums such as 'Thriller' and songs such as 'Billie Jean'.

I feel as if I've grown up with Michael Jackson. Coming from the same generation, I remember how popular his music was as my classmates and I bought single records and albums that, years later, would make way for cassette tapes, 8-tracks and CDs. No matter what device you used to listen to the music, it found its way into your heart, your soul. He had not only musical ability but a magnetism that spanned decades. It's no surprise that Michael was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. While Jackson was unique in many ways, including his musical style and sound, in his later years, he had a child-like persona, almost an innocence.

On the day he died, many expressed their grief as they gathered at UCLA Medical Center and outside the gates of Jackson's home. Grief for the passing of an icon, grief for the end of an era. Fans from around the world blogged, emailed and texted others of the tragedy. Websites carried Jackson's death as their top story. Twitter users 'tweeted' their own thoughts and feelings. Several celebrities posted 'tweets' such as David Archuleta's "Ah, I can't get over MJ. I know everyone's talking about it but he deserves respect. I hope people will appreciate what he's done." Melissa Gilbert of Little House on the Prairie fame, had this initial reaction: "What?!? What?!? Michael Jackson!!! I'm in shock...Really." Actress Alyssa Milano wrote, "Remember the first time you saw him moon walk? RIP Michael Jackson." Marlee Matlin of The West Wing and The L Word posted, "I remember seeing the Jackson 5 at Golf Mill when I was a kid in Chicago & again before his LA show & at Sammy Davis Jr's house. It's a sad day." And there was Kirstie Alley's "Michael...you are and always will be the King of Pop...sweet sleep for now...but come back soon and shine your light on us all again."

From this 46-year-old woman who fondly remembers singing along to 'Rockin' Robin' when she was 8, to the 7-year-old who solemnly placed a pink flower in front of the late Jackson's gate, many will reminisce and remember the decades of music this pop icon left to us and to the world. And, as grief gives way to fond memories, we'll turn up the music and we'll sing along.