So What's Next...

I'm sure many of you heard on the radio, news or by reading it in the newspaper about the tragedy that has hit our world. Myself, now I'm just in a weird awe. If you haven't heard, I'm sorry that I'm the bearer of bad news...

Michael Jackson is dead. Paramedics were called to his home where he was found unresponsive and believed to have had a cardiac arrest. Resuscitation was attempted but with no success. The came just days before "The Kings" plan to make his comeback tour opener in London - July 13th. Since the news came out, radio stations and MTV (possibly other channels) have been playing his music and videos non-stop as a tribute to the most renowned artist of our time.

Ok, so maybe the world isn't touched by this - but I'm shocked. Something many of you may not know...I do have an obsession with the freakishly odd looking artist. First off, PERSONAL LIFE ASIDE. I'm not one to say whether those accusations are right or not...if they are correct - that's terrible and NOT acceptable. With that out of the way - who has EVER been able to sing, write, dance and perform that well??? In my opinion, no one - not even close. You have the ones who can re-enact pretty well, like Justin Timberlake, who has picked up some of his moves pretty well, but he's not Michael. Others attempt but fall short, and that's putting it generously.

Hours were spent in my freshman year dorm room watching Michael Jackson's Number 1 DVD. Often with the lights off and a bowl of freshly popped popcorn and possibly with the only friend who will feel this sadness as much as I do, Danielle. With the door shut, we'd whip out our attempts of the hottest dance moves ever done by man. We'd sing it loud and proud. My poor roommate...and what she had to go through by living with me =) Love ya Jess!

When you think of Michael, there are so many amazing songs that come to mind, it's hard to even just name one, because there are so many great ones circling in my brain. Some of the goodies: Free Willy Theme Song, Black or White, Thriller, the Earth Song, The Way You Make Me Feel, Bad, Beat it, Man in the Mirror....and the list just goes on and on and on....And that's just to mention him as an individual artist, don't forget about the Jackson Five singing Rockin Robin and ABC, 123 and oh so many more.

It will be interesting to see how our performer's legend will live on through current and future artists. I can see his songs and dances being utilized and re-enacted by high school dance teams, half time performers and the thousands of musical artists on stage. Let him live on in the way he reached out to the world.

It's not a secret that his childhood was questionable and we can't deny that would impact someone farther into life. His surgeries and alienesk appearance were more than odd. His behaviors and clothing were not typical of what is expected. But he created ways to channel his thoughts and mood into a way that could reach out to all - entertainment. I pray that his hurt soul is now at rest and also pray for his friends and family in this tough time. He definitely will be missed.