My friend and fellow writer, Tyrone Umrani wrote this piece and for me it says it all:
Words don't come easily for this. The news of Michael Jackson's sudden death was a shock for me, as I am sure it was for everyone. We are all still trying to wrap our minds around him being gone. Word was that he was about to tour again. There was even word that he was going to tour with his brothers. I had visions of sitting down front eagerly waiting for them break into "Maybe Tomorrow."
Michael's death is a loss that will take some time to comprehend, particularly from those of my generation. Michael and I were the same age. I've heard many comment that they felt like they grew up with him. I've only seen him from a back row seat in the Capital Center, but I feel the same sentiment -- we DID grow up together.
It is hard for the younger generation to understand what Michael and his brothers meant to us. Most forget that when the Jackson 5 made their debut on the Ed Sullivan Show, it was a time when black folks used to read Jet magazine to see what blacks were going to be on TV. We waited for the September Ebony to count the number of black players on NFL rosters.To see those five brothers from Gary, Indiana, dressed in stripped bell bottomed pants, butterfly collared shirts and perfectly shaped afros was magic!
Michael was us. Michael represented a new place in the world for a black boy to be. His talent was electric. We loved him for it and we never stopped loving even when it looked like he didn't want to be us anymore. We all made fun of his
metamorphosis. We laughed at the jokes, but we never forgot the magic and we were always in awe of his art. Michael always got the benefit from me and I'm sure I'm not alone. Through all of the craziness that engulfed him in recent years, I gave him the benefit of doubt because of what he meant in those formative years.
I received a text from my brother saying that we will all remember where were when we heard the news. That is true and ironically fitting because I surely remember where I was that night those five stair stepped brothers came into my living room courtesy of Ed Sullivan. We will all, old and young, have our memories of Michael to hold. My daughter Jasmine literally broke into hysterical tears when his HBO concert aired, so that may be her memory. Whatever it is for you, and there are many to choose -- Motown 25, Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller, and many more -- I am sure that Michael's transcendent talent will forever endure.
A footnote: When Michael bought the Beatles' catalogue, he found that he'd also bought the publishing rights to Little Richard's music. He gave Little Richard his music back. GAVE it to him. He had a respect for the legacy of artists that made him possible.
Michael, we will miss you. May GOD forgive your shortcomings, accept our prayers, and grant you paradise.
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