An icon among us passes
7-30-09

Many of us have seen that curious wall hanging. The art deco diner scene adorned with neon featuring the iconic pop culture figures of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Elvis and Humphrey Bogart. I'd see it now and again. The actual name of the picture is 'The Diner at the Boulevard of Broken Dreams'. I'd usually see the artwork at a framing and picture store at a nearby mall or shopping center. Monroe, Dean, Bogart, Elvis. All bigger than life actors, singers. High profile celebrities all of whom had incredible talent and a sad tragedy about their life which binds them all together for eternity.

Another stool has been filled at this imaginary diner. This time pulling up to the counter at 'Heavens Diner' as the picture has been referred is one Michael Jackson.

Jackson's lifestyle starting from a young age growing up in Gary Indiana was twisted. Jackson's tell all interview with ABC's Martin Bashir said a lot about the tragically talented performer. The hair on the back of my neck stood up when Jackson explained that his father's demanding behavior meant he and his siblings would have to practice incessantly. Jackson went on to explain to Bashir that he actually vomited after several practice sessions for fear his father would beat and abuse him if he was unpleased. Jackson was extremely public about his father Joseph calling him abusive and beyond demanding. I'm the furthest thing from a psychologist and far from any kind of expert on human behavior but that kind of start to anyone's life is going to make for a maladjusted adult. Such was certainly the case with Michael Jackson.

Jackson the man had some serious issues. Not the least of which were his charges of alleged child abuse at his famed 'Neverland' compound in California. Allegations and a trial ensued a few years ago about Jackson having young children in his bed. Million dollar settlements were paid out. A few years later and deeper in debt Michael Jackson was at a crossroads as to how to pay down millions he owed from a lifetime of reckless spending, legal fees and much more.

Why couldn't this talented singer, dancer and actor find peace? Everyone who had access to Jackson would try to latch onto him and that in hindsight is another big part of Jackson's problems. Jackson's always changing physical appearance and what many insiders say was his 'pill' mentality to narcotize any of his physical or psychological maladies was no doubt his undoing. Like so many famous people who think 'they can handle it', Jackson it appears went the way of so many other famous and not so famous people by killing himself one dose at a time. Another stomach punch moment for parents and children. A stark example of the high cost of low living.

What a tragic end to a remarkable career. Jackson the performer was in a rare class. Who's in his class? Names such as Elvis, Sinatra, Jim Morrison, Joplin and Hendrix, just a few of the names taking up a desk in that room. There are many big name artists and groups throughout our nation's musical history but only a few are legends and 'all stars'. Jackson was clearly among the top performers of his time, of all time. What made Jackson so amazing was you would hear him on urban, rhythm and blues stations while across the dial you could hear his music on a pop/rock station and at the same time Jackson's crooning on an adult contemporary or 'soft' rock station. His blend of ballads, edgy rock songs and pop music crossed into several different formats all at the same time hugely successful. Remarkable and almost unheard of even today. I'm an old school guy, my favorite Jackson songs came from his album 'Off The Wall'. My favorite songs are 'Off the Wall', 'Working Day and Night' and 'Don't Stop till you get enough'. 'Billie Jean' and 'Thriller' are Jackson's two biggest hits and arguably the two biggest hits of all time according to Billboard Magazine.

Jackson didn't stop with his voice and song stylings. If that weren't enough his dancing was mesmerizing inventing dance moves, steps and choreography that defied the human body. Jackson's dancing and stage routines were truly incredible and dazzling. If Sinatra was called 'the voice' then Jackson will forever be known as 'the beat' in our lives. If Rhythm could have a face and a name it would be Michael Jackson. I've seen the biggest, hardest, heavy metal fans tap their feet and enjoy Jackson's music. Rare is there someone in our lifetime, any lifetime with such mass appeal.

No surprise in the recent weeks since he passed back in June Jackson's music is selling like hot cakes at area music stores and online. If there's a lesson in Jackson's life it's to live right, take care of yourself and seek help for what ails you if that's what you need. Don't take your talent and gifts for granted and don't think because you may be especially talented that you're invincible. Jackson wasn't and you aren't. Another icon pulls up a stool at that heavenly diner. An icon living and performing among us that did more than entertain us. Sadly, Jackson teaches us the value in right living by being another victim of a lifestyle filled with pain and poor choices. See 'ya around town.