Michael Jackson: No Groundbreaking Genius

Pajamas Media ^ | July 29 | Carol Gould

[AJKauf]

Am I the only person in the world not moved by or concerned with the death of Michael Jackson? Like all bereavements my heart goes out to his family and close friends.

But — a “genius”? “The greatest entertainer of all time”?

Why am I writing this article at all?

I believe it is important, especially for the young, to understand the true meaning of greatness and to appreciate the real essence of “genius.” This may sound like a sacrilege but, as I write, millions of youngsters are breakdancing to Jackson tunes and evidently thinking this is the be-all and end-all of life’s expectations. If I had a young child now I would want him or her to read books, go to orchestra concerts, and be exposed to selective media under my — and my partner’s — supervision. Whether or not the stars I am about to venerate grew up in such a rarefied atmosphere is debatable, but after hearing Al Sharpton’s pronouncements I would like to reflect on what true greatness entails.

The Rev. Sharpton said this week that Michael Jackson broke down a barrier: he made it acceptable for black entertainers to rise to the top in a white world. What is Al Sharpton talking about? ..

[Retired Greyhound]

of course not. Who is Carol?

[dfwgator]

Well then if we go on pure records sales, then what about “The Knack”. The album sold millions, and they were a phenomenon, because they brought in “New Wave” and put the final nail into disco.

Yet, I seriously doubt when they die off that they will get nearly the kudos as MJ.

[Windflier]

People who go on and on about his music breaking the race barrier must have never heard of Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, Chuck Berry...

Let's not forget that Jimi Hendrix became the absolute King of (white) rock music in his heyday, and was worshiped by the royalty of the rock and roll industry. Not one black musician has recaptured that title since he died.

[dfwgator]

Let's not forget that Jimi Hendrix became the absolute King of (white) rock music in his heyday

Over the Beatles?

[TChris]

of course not. Who is Carol?

Didn't read the article, huh?

[Mr. Mojo]

If Michael Jackson had been a republican the same people would be praising him to the stars...

What a bunch of BS. I can't imagine anyone around these parts would ignore his pedophilia, crotch-grabbing adolescent freakishness, average (at best) talent, and conversion to Islam if he were a Republican.

Fact: he sucked. ..and his fans are more than a bit musically challenged.

[Alberta's Child]

Plus there was nasty rumor which Bowie’s wife spread about her bursting in on David Bowie and Jagger in bed.

Ooh, boy. LOL.

I love this song, but something ain't quite right about these fellas:

Click Here

[ridesthemiles]

Most telling to me is that Michael Jackson didn’t want his Father to have custody of his kids.

I think old Joe Jackson was a total SOB, who rode a very BIG gravy train for a number of years.

At the ages of both Joe and Katherine, why should they get control of those kids and the money?

I sure hope Michael had a will. It might make the legal wrangling get cut short.

Wonder how soon after Joe is gone that LaToya and Janet will tell all in their books?

Joe strikes me as a common grifter...

[Dixie Yooper]

“Big Pink” was so huge back then. Eric Clapton was very affected by and wanted to jam with them.

The Last Waltz is the best rockumentary or music video ever made. Eric Clapton went head to head with Robbie Robertson for one of the best guitar duals ever. When Clapton's strap broke, Robbie jumped in so quickly, not a note was missed.

[Windflier]

Stevie Wonder hasn’t really done anything since “Songs In the Key of Life” and that was over 30 years ago.

Don't tell me you missed Stevie's "Hotter Than July" in the early 80's? That album smoked!

[Alberta's Child]

Interesting. In retrospect, I thought The Cosby Show reflected better on Bill Cosby than anything else he ever did.

[ridesthemiles]

Apparently Al Sharpton has never heard of Sammy Davis Jr.”

Cab Calloway
Duke Ellington
Pearl Baily
Mahalia Jackson
Lena Horne-—who had the sweetest voice of all.

[ridesthemiles]

Agreed. Adding Eddie Van Halen to “Beat It” was genius, imho.”

I couldn’t take his constant crotch grabbing. Today- kids emulate that and it is gross.

I always thought “Beat It” was code words attached to the crotch grabbing......

[dfwgator]

Miles, Bird, Trane, and Wes as well.

[WatchOutForSnakes]

“Fact: he sucked. ..and his fans are more than a bit musically challenged.”

Fact: I disagree, and I know a lot about music. Can both “facts” be correct?

[JimSEA]

Just the mention of Nat King Cole should put the lie to Al Sharpton. He clearly transcended race as his music did not depend on any racial stereotype. Just plain beautiful songs.

[Mr. Mojo]

and I know a lot about music

"Knowing a lot" and being musically challenged aren't mutually exclusive. ...as you've shown.

[dfwgator]

And how could we forget Satchmo?

[Windflier]

Stevie was always more than a bit naive in the politics dept.

God love him, he still is. He played at Obama's inauguration, and is a major Obot.

[GOPJ]

The Rev. Sharpton said this week that Michael Jackson broke down a barrier: he made it acceptable for black entertainers to rise to the top in a white world. What is Al Sharpton talking about? ..

Sharpton is talking about jumping on any vehicle that has a camera at one end and will accept his "quotes" at the other. Publicity whore?