With music a part of this area of cyberspace, it is only appropriate to comment some thoughts on Michael Jackson.
If you read an LA Scene post from 2005, you will know my Dad had a connection to Michael Jackson. You will see an autograph my Dad got for me as a driver for Epic Records. As you can read, I am not, nor I was not a Michael Jackson fan. I am appreciative that Jackson signed the autograph.M
So I need to say a few things...
1) Michael Jackson's Superstar Solo career is largely based on three albums - "Off the Wall", "Thriller", and "Bad". You have read in LA Scene, I felt Thriller is an overrated album. However, these records were some of the most successful albums in history. The common thread - producer Quincy Jones. When Jackson and Jones split ways in 1987, Jackson never had any amount of success again.
2)Michael Jackson did sign an autograph for me - so I have no ill-will or hatres toward him. From my Dad's connection with Jackson, I do believe Michael Jackson was a confused man. While many did not believe his explanation from his trial, I happened to be in the minority - this is due to the stories I heard from my Dad.
Where in the LA Scene does Michael Jackson lie in history. In 1999, I gave a list of the Top 10 music acts of the 20th century. Here is what I came up with. A lot of this is based on commercial success, criticial acclaim, and longevity.
1) The Beatles
2) Frank Sinatra
3) Elvis Presley
4) Michael Jackson
5) The Bee Gees
6) The Rolling Stones
7) Elton John
8) Billy Joel
9) Bruce Springsteen
10) Madonna
If I were to add the last 10 years in, I still have Jackson in the Top 4, but U2 on their tails at number 5. I eventually see U2 surpassing Jackson in their careers from a musical standpoint. However from a "media magnet" standpoint, they will never pass Jackson. Jackson was bigger than the music industry and despite the fact I am not fan, he has cemented his place in history.
There are several days you will never forget where you were and who you were with when Michael Jackson died. I do believe this event is now added to the list. Here are the ones I have in my lifetime.
1974 Nixon Resignation
Where Was I? At My Grandparents house watching the resignation speech.
1976 Bicennential
Where Was I? Home sick. Watched festivities on television.
1977 NYC Blackout
Where Was I? Watchin Baretta when the lights went out.
1981 Reagan Shooting
Where Was I? Recovering from a serious leg injury at home that day.
1986 Challenger Explosion
Where Was I? In the College Student Center huddled in front of the TV there.
1994 OJ Chase
Where Was I? The magical June when the Knicks and Rangers were playing for championships. I was home, NNY had gone to bed and I was hanging with my toddler daughter watching the Knicks - then the Ford Bronco came on.
1995 OJ Verdict
Where Was I? Huddled in the office lobby where I was working - along with everyone else.
1999 Change of the Millennium
Where Was I? Watching the Peter Jennings coverage with my family.
2001 World Trade Center
Where Was I? Driving to my office listening to Imus when Warner Wolf came on and broke the news.
2008 Election of Barack Obama
Where Was I? On a business trip to New York and then got in a car to drive to Providence, Rhode Island. Listened on the radio.
2009 Michael Jackson Death
Where Was I? Having a cigar at a local cigar lounge when the news broke out.
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