(Photo Credit: George De Sota/Getty Images)
“Barbershop chair about to get my haircut.” “Getting ready to graduate from high school.” “At work getting ready for lunch.”
There are some moments in life that you remember exactly where you were, and what you were thinking as it happened. For many, the passing of Michael Jackson is one of those moments.
While most years were solely a celebration of his music, and how we all felt as kids after watching one of his concerts, or music videos of the first time, this year it has been different due to HBO’s release of the documentary Leaving Neverland.
The documentary allowed for James Safechuck and Wade Robson to tell their alleged stories of their time with Michael Jackson. It included detailed accounts of alleged sexual abuse that has been a source of debate ever since its release.
Jackson’s family and estate have filed a lawsuit against HBO due to its release because of the previous agreement with the King of Pop which states that the network would ever speak ill of the late singer.
His sister, Janet Jackson recently spoke about his legacy.
“It will continue. I love it when I see kids emulating him, when adults still listen to his music,” she said to UK’s The Sunday Times. “It just lets you know the impact that my family has had on the world.”
The Michael Jackson estate also wrote a statement to celebrate his legacy 10 years after his passing.
“Ten years ago today, the world lost a gifted artist and extraordinary humanitarian,” it begins. “The entire global community joined in grieving during a powerful and emotional memorial service witnessed by more people than had ever viewed a live event before.”
It then continues.
“United in grief, the world wept not only at the loss of an artistic genius but at the void left by the loss of a father, son and brother. A decade later, Michael Jackson is still with us, his influence embedded in dance, fashion, art and music of the moment. He is more important than ever. But the true measure of Michael was his giving to others which came in many forms.”
https://twitter.com/michaeljackson/status/1143371896550875137
Michael Jackson began his career as a young member of The Jackson 5. Following a successful career with his brothers which included four number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, he went solo, with his first major success coming in 1979 with his album Off the Wall.
He has released 10 studio albums including 1982’s Thriller which stood 37 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200. It has sold 66 million albums around the world, and is the second best selling album in United States history.
Much of his legacy also comes through his unique dance moves which were showcased in historic videos such as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and later in short films with “Bad,” “Remember The Time,” “Smooth Criminal” (included in Moonwalker), “You Rock My World,” and more.
What is your favorite Michael Jackson video?