Remembering MJ
Ping July 2nd, 2009
We weren’t great fans of him though we liked many of his songs. We did not purchase any album that he released, just enjoyed his music played on the radio. However, on the day I learnt that King of Pop, Michael Jackson passed way, Ajeet and I felt a certain loss within us - that small part which we grew up with listening and grooving to his music.
Feeling the urge to listen to his music again, we sat down in front of the computer and heard his songs on youtube. Despite having watched him on television perfoming several times , those original and classic cool moves of his fascinated the both of us again. He was such an interesting and captivating performer. Watching these videos made me wish I had gone for at least one of his concerts.
I personally prefer his soft ballads. He is able to touch the heart and soul with his soft, clear and unique voice quality. Even at a tender age, Michael Jackson’s powerful yet endearing vocals captured the hearts of many. This ability to connect with listeners makes him, in my opinion, one of the best singers I have ever known.
As a child in the Bahai Children’s Choir, we used to sing the songs ‘We are the world’ and ‘Heal the World’. These songs till today, hold so much meaning to me and I’m sure to many others around the world.
I remembered hearing on a television interview with Michael Jackson that one of the most honest songs he had written about himself was the song ‘Childhood’. We listened to it and were very moved by the song. I could not control the tears that kept flowing. I can only imagine what kind of a childhood he had - that which revolved around rehearsals, performances and recordings.
If you have never listened to the song ‘Childhood’, here is a link you can go to and see some pictures of Michael Jackson as a young boy.
Michael Jackson’s life was definitely far from perfect but his music and his person, as a great performer, has left an indelible impression on all his listeners. Whether we know it or not, I feel he has to an extent not only made the world a better place, but also influenced others to this ideal - through his music and thus his life on earth.