Genius!
Posted on 06/30/2009 8:52:45 AM PDT by 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? ..
(Excerpt) Read more at pajamasmedia.com ...
Guilty as charged.
Nice List! ...and EVERY ONE more talented than Michael Jackson.
I have always liked Etta James’ voice.
I’m not surprised you completely missed the point of my post. Or you just chose to ignore it. Either way, I got my answer about your opinions.
Another one was the “All in the Family” vehicles.
In the Cosby case, it was the producers that wanted to make the turn (LA libs). They thought the exceptional ratings was a mandate for social activism instead of just a reflection of how entertaining the show was.
An early example of “Shut up and sing!” heard at most Bono and Ditzy Chix concerts.
Oh, no doubt that “Thriller” is the single most greatest selling album of all time, but considering the amount of time he was an entertainer, and all the hype that people give him, he should have been in the top three sellers of all time. I am just saying that I do not think he is the greatest of all time.
As far as voice and singing ability, I would take Freddie Mercury over Michael Jackson every single time! He had range, he had control and he could be smooth or he could belt it out! THAT was a talented singer, but still neither could nor should they be considered the greatest of all time.
Maybe Republicans would, but conservatives wouldn't.
Interesting. I didn’t watch the show regularly (saw most episodes in reruns), so I guess I’m not sure when exactly the show turned from “entertainment” to “social activism.”
Exactly. I vaguely remember Sharpton calling James Brown "the greatest entertainer of all time" right after he died a few years back. ....and he was very close to the truth on that one. (I'd put JB in the top 10, and maybe 5).
Now he has the same words for Jacko. It's all about camera facetime and kissing up to "his people" for that guy.
That's a non-sequitur, but I'll bite.
I don't know where you were in 1967, or what you were paying attention to, but when Hendrix hit the scene, he basically shell-shocked the reigning Lords of Rock on every continent.
Later commentaries from most of rock's legendary performers (of the day) recount that they were in utter awe of the man. Eric Clapton said that he was so stunned by what Hendrix was doing, that he couldn't play guitar for a solid year after seeing him live.
I won't dispute that The Beatles may have maintained record sales exceeding Hendrix', but there's no doubt that he achieved an artistic breakthrough of monumental proportions, and his peers all gave him his due for it - including the members of the Fab Four.
I don’t disagree on that level, in fact, Hendrix played Sgt Pepper two days before it was even released, with Macca in the audience.
But if you asked the average person who the “King of Rock” was in 1967, most would have answered “The Beatles”.
But yes, Hendrix has had more of a long-term impact on music, because he was so far ahead of his time.
I didn't mean to indicate that Hendrix was crowned King upon his arrival on the scene. But, over the next four years of his life, his incredibly ground-breaking output solidified that position in most rock listener's minds.
It was very evident at the time of his passing. There just was no one else in the pantheon of rock greats that held a higher level of respect (and even reverence) at that time.
Since he was not married at the time of his death, I'm gonna guess because they are the legal next-of-kin.
Blue Jays:
"...Which one of your bands has been pivotal in the rock music scene for 30+ years?..."
Guru
"...Off the top of my head, I'll go with the Stones, the Who, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, Bob Dylan..."
Wow, you were a guitarist with the Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan?
You were a truly prolific and world-famous guitarist after all.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana
Just for the record, I am a conservative, NOT a Republican.
I happen to totally disagree with the lifestyle that Freddie Mercury lived; however, I cannot deny that he was a very talented singer. A much better singer than MJ, I might add. I would hope that no one determines the greatest singer/entertainer/dancer of all time on their POLITICAL views!
And before you even mention it, I used my first amendment right to stop buying Ditzy Chix CDs because they exercised their first amendment right to complain about our President - IN ANOTHER COUNTRY! You don’t like him, say it here - don’t wait till you are overseas to start badmouthing him!
He is OUR President (of the United States), not everyone’s - something I wish this current loser would figure out!
Well, ya got me there. And even now I don't think that Michael Jackson has begun to approach her.
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