As an afro-latina american Michael Jackson’s image made a very strong impression on me. I watched the show “The Jacksons” religiously. I sat so close next to the TV. I connected to his chocolate skin and natural afro hair. It makes a huge impact to children to see people who look like you on TV. I thought he was so so cute. Children of all backgrounds loved Michael Jackson. Watching the Jacksons on tv was a family event.
Later on in life his music helped to change American radio. I love all types of music from R &B, rock, classical, goa, blues, jazz..the list goes on. American radio stations could best be described as black stations and white stations. Sad. I remembered being terribly teased in school for playing the violin and loving Led Zeppelin. I did not understand. To me music is music. Artists had been placed in boxes according to their skin tone. The Album Thriller initially confused radio stations. It could not be placed in a box. Rock stations played Michael Jackson as well as R & B stations. Music brought people together. I am just REELING from hearing the news. I was on the mailing list to get tickets to the O2 concert and received a code to purchase pre-sale tickets but I changed my mind at the last minute. It did not feel right to me in some way.
I will remember how good I felt watching him on TV as a little girl and that he brought folks together.
Yes this post is in English because I just can’t think in Dutch at this moment….and you can respond in Dutch, German, English or Spanish. It does not matter to me. What is your favorite Michael Jackson song? Mine was “JAM”. The song “Ben” brings me to tears everytime. Thank you Michael, you were truly in a class of your own.
July 8th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
HI lori,
I talked to you on the phone this afternoon. I would say, one of my favourite Michael Jackson song is Off the Wall. I like the lyrics as well as the beat. But of course there are plenty more songs of him that I like. By the way that was a funny story of you wanted to look like Pebbles. Girl you are funny. Oke take care. Greetings from Simone.
July 22nd, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Hi Simone, It was fun talking to you. It’s strange, at the time I did not think it was strange for wanting to look like Pebbles Flintstone. Thinking back I can not believe that I left the house looking like that. I never even thought twice about it. I never seen kids laugh that hard. I have absolutely no idea what I was thinking. It seemed like a good idea at the time (DUH!) .
Hope to meet you at the Utrecht Jaarbeurs in September. Info to follow folks.
Peace!
Lori