the blogumentary of that magic number

RIP Michael

This is one of those moments in time that you will remember exactly what you were doing when you heard the news.

Yesterday, June 26 2009, the world lost one of its most important figures in music. The whole world is mourning his passing. I think we all at least have 1, if not many, amazing memories connected to his music. He broke barriers. He brought us together. He made us dance!

I remember my brother and I always trying to copy his dance moves. We never did quite get it right but I never stopped dancing. He was probably one of my earliest influences when it came to dance. I hung his posters on my walls. The yellow one was my favorite. I bought a white glove with my allowance hoping I could be cool like him. In high school, we did a dance routine to “Remember the Time” (the partner tutting part) that I still know how to do! I remember watching “Thriller” over and over after we taped the MTV special on how it was made. We would walk down the street like he did in “Billy Jean.” My favorite party is DJ Spinna’s annual “Prince vs Michael Jackson” party where people dance so hard they don’t care how much they’re sweating. I was too young to go to any of his concerts or so said my mother and I remember the pouting that ensued and me telling her that she was ruining my life because everyone who was anyone was going and I wouldn’t have any friends if I didn’t go. haha. The memories go on and on and on…

Girl, Close Your Eyes
Let That Rhythm Get Into You
Don’t Try To Fight It
There Ain’t Nothin’ That You Can Do
Relax Your Mind
Lay Back And Groove With Mine
You Got To Feel That Heat
And We Can Ride The Boogie
Share That Beat Of Love

It’s nearly impossible to pick a favorite song of his, it just depends on your mood. My personal favorite album was “Off the Wall.” I remember playing that record so much we broke the needle on the record player. And I’ve had a few copies of “Thriller”…play a tape that many times and you will eventually break it.

There is one song in particular that always made me smile and feel better. “Butterflies.” I tried to find some kind of video for it but didn’t like any of the ones I found and there was never an official one. I’ve uploaded it for your listening pleasure.

Butterflies – Michael Jackson from “Invincible,” 2001

** As I was looking, I found the video for “Gone Too Soon” which MJ dedicated to Ryan White. Don’t watch it unless you’re ready to ball your eyes out.

There will never be another like Michael Jackson…ever.

RIP MJ…I hope you find the peace in heaven that you never had here on earth. All your PYT’s will miss you and I hope you know that you were loved.