Long Live the King

No artist alive, dead, or yet to be born has a catalog of music more impressive than Michael Jackson. Through song and dance, Jackson has entertained audience after audience for four decades, with hit after hit after hit. From his years as the Jackson 5’s boy wonder to later being anointed the King of Pop, Jackson sang and danced his way into the hearts and homes of millions, maybe even billions. Even while his personal life suffered intense questioning, Jackson’s music continued to have its staying power. “PYT (Pretty Young Thing)” was still played at house parties, “Rock With You” at high-school reunions.



With the passing of Michael Jackson, the world has lost a musical giant—one who wrote, sung, and composed a large portion of the songs many have come to love, and to cherish. Along with his musical genius, though, Jackson’s skill to create genuinely good music—music devoid of the profanity and obscenity that seems to run rampant nowadays—is something to be admired.

Jackson’s Thriller album, which is reported to have sold as many as 109 million records worldwide in 1982, remains the highest-selling album ever. Notably, Jackson pulled this feat off without having to utter a curse word, aggrandize the thug-life, or objectify women. His music instead was uplifting and had a positive message. Contrary to most of the auto-tunes, ringtone-rap, watered-down vocals, and hyper-sexualized R&B songs of today, Jackson’s sound was evolutionary. Each album he recorded showcased his progression as an artist, as did most of his concert performances. “Black or White” offered a healthy perspective on race relations. “Man in the Mirror” underscored the importance of personal responsibility. “Beat It” is one of the greatest musical videos of all-time.

Because of Jackson’s impressive talent and storied singing career, he has traditionally been the standard by which other successful singers have been measured. Nearly every singer-performer worth his mete has either been compared to or has been influenced by the pop legend, from Usher to Omarion to Chris Brown. Yet, though these artists are talented in their own right, none can compare to Jackson, even on their best days.

Alas, the King of Pop has died. Still, his contributions to the music world will live on forever.