Not So Abstract

Music legends or geniuses always seem to lead tumultuous lives or have tragic deaths. But, they are long remembered after they are gone. Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Mozart, and let’s not forget Richie Valens, Buddy Holly and Selena. And now, Michael Jackson, dead at 50. While he may no longer be with us, his legacy lives on. And I hope his death doesn’t turn into a Anna-Nicole Smith fiasco, he definitely does not deserve that!

We all remember where we were during significant events in our life, whether it is birthdays, weddings, family deaths, etc., but also news events, such as the assassination of JFK, the death of Elvis and Lennon, Obama becoming the first African-America president in U.S. history, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and so on. I first heard reports of Jackson’s death at 6:30 p.m. (local time). Of course, we now know that he died at 5:26 p.m. (2:26 p.m. L.A. time). My mom was watching TV at the time and then at 6:30, we flipped it to CNN. I then tuned in to our coverage on 680News.

I was in shock when I heard. I was hoping the report was not true. But, then it was confirmed. I was sad, at a loss of words…my hands were shaking. As a child, I remember listening to songs by the Jackson 5, and then when he went solo. I remember my godfather playing the Thriller video over and over again in 1984, since I loved it so much. I still can’t get enough of it, and others such as, Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin, Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground), Billie Jean, She’s Out of My Life, I Want You Back, The Love You Save, and more.

When I first heard the news, I immediately thought of three people: 680News music reporter Rudy Blair, who is a huge fan of Michael, the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons, 680News.com web editor Diana Pereira, who is a fan as well, and also my cousin Mandy, who at one point, wanted to marry him.

I am sure you heard Rudy’s live reports Thursday night on 680News. To say that Rudy is a huge fan would be an understatement. He not only reflected on Jackson’s career, but also shared his memories of the singer and his music, as part of the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist. He mentioned how he saw the Jackson 5 in Buffalo, N.Y., and about how the music influenced his life growing up. His reports were poignant and filled with emotion.

Diana did a fantastic job covering 680News.com last evening and night — you have to check out the superb package she created online!  In fact, just a week ago, we were listening to Michael Jackson tunes in the newsroom, just to unleash some stress. What a difference a week makes.

My cousin Mandy used to (and still does) moonwalk brilliantly, and her dance routine made you do a double-take. She nailed it every time. She even performed it at her wedding some years ago, in her wedding dress and well…a black hat. Her mum said once that in the 1980s and even in the early-90s, no one could say anything negative about Jackson, because she would tear them apart. Of course, in his recent tumultuous years, she was saddened by what was happening in his life.

A music genius is gone, his legacy lives on. Be at peace MJ. We will miss you. You will always be the “King of Pop.”