Michael Jackson, “King of Pop”, dead at age 50
The beloved but controversial “King of Pop”, Michael Jackson, singer/songwriter of famous songs like “Beat It”, “Bad”, “Thriller”, and “Billie Jean”, died yesterday.
Around the country and the world Friday, legions of grief-stricken fans of the King of Pop mourned the sudden death of Michael Jackson with spontaneous flower-laden and candlelit memorials and emotional tributes, as the autopsy to determine the cause of his mysterious death was scheduled to begin in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office was to start the autopsy before 11 a.m. Eastern time Friday, but toxicology results were not expected for days, perhaps six to eight weeks. A former family lawyer gave interviews about his recent concerns of Mr. Jackson’s deteriorating health, and indicated that prescription drugs might have been a factor in his death Thursday at age 50.
(New York Times)
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In later years, Jackson’s enormous musical success was in many respects overshadowed by legal, financial, and personal troubles. His planned comeback tour, scheduled to begin this summer, will remain unfulfilled.
What was your reaction to hearing about Michael Jackson’s death? Does it matter to you at all, and if so, in what way?
Image credit: Pierre Éthier
I was surprised, but I learned of it after a meeting where we’d just gotten a report about what was going on in Iran, and against that backdrop it was kind of hard for me to get worked up. I’m sorry for anyone’s death, though, of course.
I’ve also had my own personal tribute to MJ over the past week listening to his music and watching videos. Sometimes I think people with such genius & creativity are “cursed” – cursed by their perfectionism, eccentricity and need to be push the limits. I’m sad that such giftedness also comes at a price: a life of alienation and personal tragedy. The world has been blessed to benefit from his passion for music and dance. Thank you Michael.
I drove home listening to the radio station playing non stop MJ songs. I was so sad…not just that he had died, but also at the thought of no more music, no more dancing…and also the sense of a waste of a life. Yes he was successful, had money and adoring fans, but I can’t help but feel sorry for the man who was almost forced by his celebrity to live a lonely life. MJ was an amazing talent, a pioneer in music videos, dance moves, showmanship. It’s too bad he’ll also be remembered for the scandals, accusations, and his ‘weirdness’. For my generation, he was truly a cultural icon, much like Elvis was for the previous generation. I choose to remember him for his amazing music rather than the other stuff that was a product of his astounding popularity.