The Legend of Michael Jackson: 1958-2009
King of Pop Leaves Strong Legacy on Music and Film
Jun 26, 2009
According to national media reports, Jackson’s attorney stated that the pop superstar may have passed away as a result of mixing prescription drugs, yet an official cause of death has not been determined. The list of other celebrities who died from mishaps with prescription drugs include: Elvis Presley, Marilyn Munroe, Health Ledger and Judy Garland.
Unfortunately, those coming of age in the late 1990s were never exposed to the Michael Jackson who revolutionized the music and entertainment industry.
Those old enough to remember Jackson in his prime recall music videos, songs and dance moves never seen before, while today’s generation remember a freaky, creepy version of the once unrivaled star – one marred by child molestation charges, financial troubles and plastic surgery disasters.
While in fact, a majority of the pop music heard today can be directly attributed to innovative ideas found in both Jackson’s albums and music. And even though his change in appearance shocked fans of all ages, Jackson will always be remembered as the “King of Pop.”
He's been recognized as “The Most Successful Entertainer of All Time” by the Guinness Book of World Records, and won 13 Grammy’s as well as 13 number one singles. Throughout his solo career he sold over 750 million copies of his work.
Thriller: Using a Bona Fide Hollywood Director For Classic Music Video
Before the filming of the Thriller music video Jackson’s singles including Billie Jean were already number one on the pop charts. In an unprecedented decision, Jackson hired director John Landis to direct the 14-minute music video.
Landis had directed An American Werewolf in London and Jackson contacted him to work on Thriller. It featured Jackson turning into a werewolf and zombie. An aging Vincent Price narrated the video and the Thriller dance was so popular it still appears in films and on television today.
This wasn’t the last time Jackson used film directors for his videos. Legendary film director Martin Scorsese directed the music video for Bad and Bob Giraldi took the director’s reigns for Beat It.
Jackson Inspired To Work on Philanthropic We Are The World Project
In 1985 Jackson worked with producer Quincy Jones on We Are the World. It hit number one status in many countries and was recorded with the help of over 30 best-selling musicians and celebrities.
Jackson and Lionel Richie personally wrote the song.Some of the names involved in the project included Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper and Tina Turner.
The song was a philanthropic project to benefit the people of Africa. It raised millions for USA for Africa Foundation that helped the people of Ethiopia in the early 1980’s.
Through his career he was recognized by President Ronald Reagan and later by President Jimmy Carter. In his final days Jackson was reportedly in a lot of pain and often took different prescription medications. He leaves behind three children.
Fans can leave behind their memories of Michael Jackson at his official website.
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