Michael Jackson: On The Move
The trial of Michael Jackson earlier this year reminded us all of how tough life is. Once presumed to be the world's greatest superstar, and proclaimed 'the King of Pop,' he had to face the indignity of a sordid and soul-destroying trial, which must have pushed him close to the borders of insanity.
But it was all his own fault, I can hear you say. I am not sure that I agree with you. I think some of it was his own fault. But a lot of it seem to occur because of his celebrity status. The story of MJ can be written in many ways, but whatever the chapters, the start will always be same. Little Michael, and his four brothers leave Gary, Indiana, and becomes a success story.
That success story presents 'The Jackson Five' not just to United States of America, but also to the rest of the world, making good music to be enjoyed by all. Eventually MJ leaves the group for his solo outing, and to many, delivers a virtuoso performance on the first album, Off The Wall. By the time 'Thriller' arrives his reputation is established, and the plaudits are everywhere.
But as his success grows, a degree of alienation begins to develop, probably unnoticed by most of those around him. It manifests itself in a reluctance to deal publicly, with the adulation, that fame and success brings. Refusal to give interviews becomes the norm. Public encounters, and even the simplest social contact, is avoided. But as this emotional turmoil develops, the world, and in particular the world media, can only see it in their terms. The stories appear. And then, there are more and more stories. Too much is never enough.
And there are the problems of business. In the old days MJ used to be managed by some reasonable competent managers. They appeared to be able co-ordinate everything that was needed with aplomb, and decency. At least that is how it appeared on the surface, as outsiders looking in. Then the rot set in, and his management profile suggested confused, and conflicting decision making. That responsibility he has to shoulder. There are times when artists seem to lose their way, and preoccupied by litigation and scandal, and of course, a degree of self indulgence, the original pursuit of making music gets lost in the shuffle. And that is a terrible shame.
Jackson survived the court battle, but there are still a few more battles waiting down the line. They should be less challenging, and let us hope much easier to lead to a logical conclusion. Having spent the last few months in Bahrain, there are rumours that MJ plans to abandon America forever. Whether he does or does not, time will tell. But for those of us who remembers him strictly for the songs, we feel it is quite sad the man in the mirror is not making the music any more.
The trial of Michael Jackson earlier this year reminded us all of how tough life is. Once presumed to be the world's greatest superstar, and proclaimed 'the King of Pop,' he had to face the indignity of a sordid and soul-destroying trial, which must have pushed him close to the borders of insanity.
But it was all his own fault, I can hear you say. I am not sure that I agree with you. I think some of it was his own fault. But a lot of it seem to occur because of his celebrity status. The story of MJ can be written in many ways, but whatever the chapters, the start will always be same. Little Michael, and his four brothers leave Gary, Indiana, and becomes a success story.
That success story presents 'The Jackson Five' not just to United States of America, but also to the rest of the world, making good music to be enjoyed by all. Eventually MJ leaves the group for his solo outing, and to many, delivers a virtuoso performance on the first album, Off The Wall. By the time 'Thriller' arrives his reputation is established, and the plaudits are everywhere.
But as his success grows, a degree of alienation begins to develop, probably unnoticed by most of those around him. It manifests itself in a reluctance to deal publicly, with the adulation, that fame and success brings. Refusal to give interviews becomes the norm. Public encounters, and even the simplest social contact, is avoided. But as this emotional turmoil develops, the world, and in particular the world media, can only see it in their terms. The stories appear. And then, there are more and more stories. Too much is never enough.
And there are the problems of business. In the old days MJ used to be managed by some reasonable competent managers. They appeared to be able co-ordinate everything that was needed with aplomb, and decency. At least that is how it appeared on the surface, as outsiders looking in. Then the rot set in, and his management profile suggested confused, and conflicting decision making. That responsibility he has to shoulder. There are times when artists seem to lose their way, and preoccupied by litigation and scandal, and of course, a degree of self indulgence, the original pursuit of making music gets lost in the shuffle. And that is a terrible shame.
Jackson survived the court battle, but there are still a few more battles waiting down the line. They should be less challenging, and let us hope much easier to lead to a logical conclusion. Having spent the last few months in Bahrain, there are rumours that MJ plans to abandon America forever. Whether he does or does not, time will tell. But for those of us who remembers him strictly for the songs, we feel it is quite sad the man in the mirror is not making the music any more.
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