My Michael Jackson Memories

In the wake of the untimely death of iconic performer Michael Jackson at the age of 50, I am recalling some of my own positive memories of this legendary figure. Although it is true that in recent times, aspects of Jackson's lifestyle were considered freakish, questionable, or even suspect - and although it is also true that I have not closely followed his musical career as a fan within the last few decades - I do have some good Michael Jackson memories from my childhood, the era in which Jackson's pivotal 'Thriller' album rose to fame.

As a grade school age child at that time, one fun-filled social outing that was an occasional special treat for my sisters and me and other kids our age was visiting the local roller skating rink. I remember the ugly orange laces on our rented roller skates, the shag rug decorating some of the walls, the cheap nacho cheese served up at the roller rink concession stand, and of course, some of the music we roller skated to. Pat Benatar's 'Love is a Battlefield' was one favorite standby roller rink song, as was Madonna's 'Material Girl'. However, 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson was probably the most popular standby roller rink song of that era and as soon as it started playing, it was sure to elicit applause and cheers and lots of excited little bodies making their way to the skating floor with an almost disco-like fervor.

That song's ability to elicit excitement is really no surprise, because it is a uniquely high-energy and dramatic production; indeed, it is quite theatrical. Prior to Michael Jackson hitting the scene, I don't think kids my age were privy to very many singers who were also such glitzy and talented performers, so Jackson's truly impressive fancy footwork (including his signature moonwalk) and glittery costuming did create a genuine impact. As if the sound of the song 'Thriller' wasn't energetic and dramatic enough, the incredibly theatrical video production of the song took it to a whole new level, with exceptional special effects and choreography, the likes of which we had never seen before in a music video. That video was truly a stunner.

I remember when I was in the 5^th grade, our class was treated to a viewing of the long version of the Thriller video as a reward for good grades or behavior. While this viewing spectacle was surely a fun and delightful pleasure for most every kid in class, it was probably an even more fitting gift for a classmate named Brad Thomas. Brad was our class's Michael Jackson uber-fan. A charismatic, dynamic, bright, and highly likable person in his own right, Brad was so drawn to Michael Jackson's unique pizzazz and attention-getting stage presence that he sometimes wore one silver glittery glove (part of Jackson's signature fashion at the time) and had learned and perfected the moonwalk for himself. I still remember sitting across from Brad and his glittery glove homage on the school bus.

Unfortunately, Brad Thomas also met with an untimely demise, dying suddenly before our high school graduation. Although he was not an individual who I had maintained a very close friendship with during our teenage and young adult years, I will always hold fond childhood memories of how likable, personable and appealing he was and what a strong and magnetic personality he had. Many people were positively drawn to Brad-and I'd like to think that part of the reason the childhood Brad was so drawn to Michael Jackson is because he had an affinity for the importance of being oneself and allowing oneself to embrace and enjoy unique personal expression.