Today was the first time I've been able to process the death of Michael Jackson. Can you read the text I received from my student Chinah on Jun 25, at 6:08 pm? That would be 3:08 PST. It reads: Michael Jackson king of pop has passed. I mentioned it in an earlier blog but because today I have nothing to report except the inner workings of my mind, I decided to take a picture of the text message that today has me thinking about the past and the future with fondness and hope.
Now I just did a little research because I was astounded at the speed in which that information spread across the nation. TMZ posted that Michael Jackson was dead at 5:20 (not sure what time zone that is). I called my brother-in-law immediately after receiving the text and he said there wasn't anything about it on the web....that's how fast the news was spreading. The official time Michael died was reported at 3:24 pm PST. It’s an exhilerating idea to think of how much the media has changed the way we gather and send information. It makes me wonder how much time passed between the shot that killed JFK and the shock of the news when it finally hit the nation. I'm sure it took time for the news to spread. Today, just about anybody who was near a TV, had a cell phone, or a computer was getting the scoop within minutes. It was sad to lose Farah and Michael on the same day - two influential 80's icons but Michael's passing is testimony to the impact technology has made on our culture.
And to think that I used to listen to Michael Jackson on a record player! One of the first records (yes - that's right I did say RECORD!) I ever owned was Michael Jackson's Thriller. I played it on my record player upstairs in my bedroom over and over again. PYT was my favorite. It made my friends and I use crazy acronyms for things we wanted to hide from our parents. The noise used to make my stepfather crazy - he thought the ceiling was going to cave in with all my gyrations. But who can listen to his music and not move?!? I think I need to bring my memories into the 21st century and put some Michael essentials on my iPod. I can't wait for Cody to watch the Thriller video...
His talent is unquestionable but his stability has been an issue for as long as I can remember. It just proves that fame and fortune has its price. His music touched everyone ... God bless his soul.
What Michael Jackson song is your favorite and why?
"Beat It". One reason - Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo. That E-flat minor (tuned down 1/2 step) with the slight growl of the lead guitars set the tone nicely for that kickass solo.
ReplyDeleteI have a fond memory of returning from the trip to Ann Arbor when the basketball team went there, going to the band room at about 2130 or so (we got back late, as I remember), and hearing "Beat It" over the school's PA system. I was able to air-guitar the solo with no one around to make fun of me!
Strangely enough, I'm still able to play it for real, just not as fast as Eddie did. :)
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ReplyDeleteJodi,
ReplyDeleteIf you didn't write so well, I wouldn't keep reading, and reading, and reading, and reading. You have GOT to publish your book! Love ya Jodi!