Thursday, June 25, 2009

Being the World



Thank you, Michael Jackson.

22 comments:

Opaque said...

Frankly, I expected you to write more on him - MJ. I am shocked and still choose not to believe what I just saw in the news.

You will know this Judith, his contribution to music will never be forgotten. He changes the face of the most clichéd genre POP by infusing R&B and some rock elements to bridge the gap between Pop and Hard Rock.

Truly, a legend!

Pamela Cone said...

Words sometimes don't come right away. His music speaks for him.

Michael was a gift to the world. He made us dance, sing, laugh and sometimes wish we never had to grow up. But most of all he was kind.

Judith Ellis said...

It is just so very difficult right now, Ajey. May God bless his family during this very difficult time. A friend who was just recently on CNN could barely contain her sadness. I cried as her voice quivered. Just got a moving text from her. He is also an important figure in the African American community, as he is throughout the world. It's just all so very sad. Perhaps I will write more later. But maybe not.

Judith Ellis said...

It's so very true, Pamela. When I initially heard the news, I simply had no words. So, I posted what I had: his music and my gratitude.

Marion said...

I felt a little time shift, as when I first heard that John Lennon was dead, and I didn't believe it could be true. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with his family and children.

The Write Girl said...

Yes..I am really saddened by the news Judidth and still in shock. What an amazing talent. One of the best ever!! I love you Michael. God bless you and the family.

Judith Ellis said...

Marion - Yes, may God bless his his children right now and in the years to come.

Judith Ellis said...

The Write Girl - Yes, we love, Michael Jackson! My young nieces and nephews are responding as if they had grown up all of their little lives with the music of Michael Jackson. At first I wondered about this but indeed they have, through us.

dave wheeler said...

Judith,

I recall taking my neighbor's kids to a Jackson 5 concert in 1969 or 1971 in Sacremento. Not sure that many remember how terrifically talented and gifted vocalist he was back in those days. My favorite MJ song was "Who's Loving You" from 1969.

A huge loss indeed!

Judith Ellis said...

Dave - Thank you for your story. They're good to hear during times like this, eh? One of my favorite songs, is "I'll be there." What a talent at the age of 11. Wow! What a voice! What a dancer! What a presence! What a star! It is indeed a huge loss.

JOHN O'LEARY said...

MJ was a giant among giants. A GREAT singer, a GREAT songwriter, and a GREAT performer. He belonged to a club that had no other members.

Judith Ellis said...

Oh, John, I so wholeheartedly agree. And, yes, what a songwriter! Thank you.

Linda S. Socha said...

Judith. Yes and with love
Linda

Judith Ellis said...

Yes, love!

Pamela Cone said...

We try to keep people in the small boxes we call social norms and when someone rebels we hate them. Why? Because we are so afraid to exercise our freedom to do the same.

Michael & Farrah refused to fit into our boxes --they were too big.

This is one among many reasons why we will miss them.

Judith Ellis said...

Thoughtful analysis, Pamela. Thank you. Also, we really can't justly stand in judgment of others unless we have truly walked in their shoes. With all of the focus on any one of us as he had, we might not have been so strong and done so well. In spite of his child-like demeanor and soft-spoken tone, he was at core a perfectionist and savvy businessman. This is obvious.

CJ said...

One look at that video...and it's 1985 all over again!

This is surreal...

My mom...who has just made a transition--loved his music.

Right now I do not believe that Michael Jackson is no longer with us!

CJ

Judith Ellis said...

Yes, CJ, it's really hard to believe. Riding on the highway today with music blasting, windows down, and the brightest sun shining through the windshield, I was suddently most grateful that such a talented one was among us. He inspired many.

You have my heartfelt condolences, CJ, on the loss of your mother. Many blessings to you and yours.

rebecca said...

A conflicted soul and genius. His music and talent always spoke for itself. This was just such a shock. The world is in mourning right now....

Judith Ellis said...

Indeed, Rebecca. It's so very sad. Deepak Chopra wrote a touching tribute of his friend of many years in the Huffington Post today. Read it here.

JOHN O'LEARY said...

Forgot to watch the video until just now. I only wish Marvin had been alive for this. I can hear him wailing on the chorus.

Judith Ellis said...

YES, John! He is among my all-time favorites! LOVE the guy! His life also ended tragically and was riffed with controversy and conflict. What's up with these genius types? My heart goes out to them. I think the world around them also plays a big part in their undoing, not to mention their own self-destructive behaviors in many cases. But, oh, how we love them so!