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 lifes 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 partners supervision. Whether or not the stars I am about to venerate grew up in such a rarefied atmosphere is debatable, but after hearing Al Sharptons 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 ...
I believe most of Michael Jackson's "genius" was courtesy of Quincy Jones.
Just to clarify, that is a quote from the article.
“The Wiz” was (wiz-was?) the Greatest Movie in the History of the World!!
Oh, wait, no it wasn’t.
“Gay” isn’t even a strong enough word to describe Michael Jackson. The guy was an absolute freak.
Probably the most overrated guitar player of all time.
Michael Jackson's (post-J5) music was of no substance. I think it appealed to minorities, kids, chicks and fags.
Hubby and I agree with you that Davis was way more talented than Jackson. But our vote for most talented, at least that we could think of, was Fred Astaire. Talk about dancing.
They both looked pretty stupid at The White House...
I think even EVH would say he was overrated.
As far as Jacko being the “greatest ever”; if that is so,then why couldn’t he write a decent song the last 10 years?
Believe me, you are not alone!
Some people just don't have taste, I suppose...
I really can’t think of a single song of his, except Beat It. I really hated that one, still do. So much for his so-called legacy. I’m sorry he died, but he doesn’t warrant all the hoopla.
I agree.
Jackson 5 to Thriller was phenomenal, and Jackson by most accounts was a pretty normal kid.
Around 1987 the weirdness started.
Yep, “The Corporation” used their best songs and musicians on those early Jackson 5 songs, and “Thriller” was essentially a Quincy Jones album.
No, not the greatest movie in history, but one of the most underrated. There were some wonderful songs and some wonderful cast members (Nell Carter was my favorite), but it was not well-received by the black “community” because it was too “white.”
So spare me your sarcasm.
Thank you for playing. We have some lovely parting gifts for you.
“why couldnt he write a decent song the last 10 years?”
Give the guy a break. He had his hands full with little kids.
Please don’t compare that freak MJ to Elvis Presley.
“On December 20, 1957, Presley received his draft notice. Hal Wallis and Paramount Pictures had already spent $350,000 on the film King Creole, and did not want to suspend or cancel the project. The Memphis Draft Board granted Presley a deferment to finish it. On March 24, 1958, he was inducted as US Army private #53310761 at Fort Chaffee near Fort Smith, Arkansas. Two Army officers Arlie Metheny and John J. Mawn, coordinated the entry and shielded Presley from bombardment by national media and free-lance photographers.[118] Presley completed basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, on September 17, 1958, before being posted to Friedberg, Germany, with the 3rd Armored Division, where his service took place from October 1, 1958 until March 2, 1960.[119]
Fellow soldiers have attested to Presley’s wish to be seen as an able, ordinary soldier, despite his fame, and to his generosity while in the service. To supplement meager under-clothing supplies, Presley bought an extra set of fatigues for everyone in his outfit. He also donated his Army pay to charity, and purchased all the TV sets for personnel on the base at that time.[120]
Presley had chosen not to join “Special Services”, which would have allowed him to avoid certain duties and maintain his public profile.[121]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presely#Military_service_and_mother.27s_death
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