MJ- The Greatest Performer Ever

Michael Jackson to some was an enigma, for some he was a weirdo but to me like his millions of fans worldwide, he was a musical genius. I remember watching the Thriller Video as a child and being amazed by this phenomenon...The early days of MTV had MJ hits playing over and over again. Ya those were the days when MTV was not so Bollywoodised as it is today :):)

Thriller was and still is the best selling album of all time. He went on to win eight Grammy Awards for Thriller the most Grammy's won by any artist in a single year. His moonwalk step was a craze and spiralled people into utter frenzy. He inspired so many people to dance like him.

Everything about MJ's performance was so special; the sequined gloves. the diamond studded jackets, the characteristic white socks ohhh the list is endless. However stardom comes at a price and he was constantly hounded by the media. Imagine the pressure and stress under which he had to live as he was constantly in the media glare right from the age of 5 when he debuted as part of the band 'Jackson 5'

One of his best videos according to me is 'Black or White' which shows Jackson dancing with some African tribals , an Indian dancer, Chinese etc. He also brought about a social message through his music. His compositions like Heal the World, We are the World and Earth Song are poignant examples of his concern for the children and Mother Nature. He was a multitalented guy.A dancer,singer,choreographer,composer,lyricist and to top it all an excellent stage performer. I regret missing the chance of catching him live when he had come to Mumbai in 1996, but those who saw it for them it was a dream come true.

Just a few days back I watched the movie 'This is It' which contains footage of the rehearsals and soundbytes of artistes performing with MJ. 'This is It' was supposed to be Michael's final curtain call and was to feature 50 concerts all over UK and whose tickets were sold out in a matter of 4 hours. But alas Fate had other plans and less than 3 weeks before the show MJ died of a cardiac arrest. Coming back to the movie experience, I was enthralled to see the preparation and effort put by MJ for each of the songs. He was working with seasoned music directors, drummers and vocal artistes but even they were amazed by the knowledge and talent of this man. The thing that struck me when I was watching the movie was that MJ was such a perfectionist and he looked into every aspect be it the music, the lighting, the vocals, the backup dancers, the stage. I would like to narrate an incident in the movie.There is this song that MJ is rehearsing. It is a song that he dedicates to the Jackson 5. Suddenly he stops midway saying that volume is very high and it feels someone is driving a 'fist through his ears' The director asks him does he want to reduce the volume. And MJ says that Yes and I am saying this With Love, L-O-V-E. This shows the humility that he possessed inspite of being so famous. If he wanted he could play tantrums like some of the other stars but Humility is one of the many factors that separates him from the rest.

To me MJ was a person who brought joy with his music, enthralled people with his dance steps and will be the 'Greatest Performer Ever'. Lets remember him for the wonderful music legacy that he has left behind and not for the charges and scandals and allegations on his life.

I would like to end my post with these words: " Michael wherever you are May You Find Peace and Rest"

From A Die Hard MJ Fan