June 25, 2009 started for me in the year of 1970. It seems fitting that I’m sitting here watching a rerun of this season’s American Idol, “A Tribute to Michael Jackson”.
Credit: tipoyockn (Flickr)
Being from the Deep South and the daughter of a very strict father, I don’t know how I was even able to hear their music; none the less, I was very aware of them, especially the young one. He could just sing like no body’s business and he had moves I’d never seen before…and oh my goodness, he was so cute! There was only one other boy that could compare and secretly, Donnie Osmond didn’t come close to giving me the excitement this kid did! His music made me want to sing and dance just like him! Watching the Jackson’s variety show was the highlight of my week; the show had so much energy, the skits were funny, and I loved hearing them sing. I was hooked! I’d walk around singing “ABC” all week! I knew no shame! LOL
Countless times I’d entertain myself in our backyard. I’d have Michael Jackson and Donnie Osmond sitting at my little table for dinner with an occasional appearance by David Cassidy; each one would take turns being my husband. I can’t remember what we would talk about, but I do remember the conversation was always flowing…and they never said anything I didn’t like. LOL
As life rolled on by the Jackson’s show canceled and I heard less from the Jackson’s and my favorite singer. I was so disappointed by it all. I can remember thinking, “How in the world will I get by without that show?!” A couple of years passed by and a new movie came out called Ben. I didn’t go see the movie because I just hated rats, but I fell in love with the Song “Ben”.
Life continued to roll on and I heard bits and pieces about Michael here and there but not too much information. Eventually the “need” to hear his music faded but never left me entirely. Then as I grew into my late teens new music hit the radio. Michael had new stuff and I LOVED it! I couldn’t get enough of “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” or “Rock With You”. Getting into discos before I was old enough made my time spent with these songs all the better, but nothing compared to the elation of seeing the Jackson’s in concert and hearing all my favorite songs in person. To this day it is still by far the best and most memorable concert I’ve ever attended. This is the same time period I thought he was the most good-looking man on the planet. Not to take anything away from him in “The Way You Make Me Feel” and of course my other favorite, “Billie Jean”…starting to see a pattern here? LOL
He rocked my world! No one could move like him and certainly no one could make you feel like he did through his music.
It’s hard for me to pick my favorite song by MJ, there are so many that have touched my life. It just doesn’t seem right to choose one that stands out over another. Maybe by the time I write part two of this post I’ll be able to pick an all time favorite or at the very least narrow it down to a select few…just don’t know if I can. Maybe I’m finding his songs mean more to me today because he passed away last Thursday, June 25, 2009.
Maybe someone reading this can leave some of their favorite song names or favorite memories of MJ. Maybe I’ll get lucky and you’ll remind me of a song I’ve forgotten about. So go ahead…what is your favorite MJ song(s)?
