Yesterday, the world lost a musical genius, Michael Jackson. (I began getting information on Michael's death yesterday at approximately 5:30 pm however, due to my own personal crisis, I could not report the details. I apologize to my followers for this.) To say that Michael Jackson is an icon is an understatement. Michael Jackson's life and contribution to the music industry can and will never be duplicated. Michael's impact was far reaching. Michael influenced fashion (red leather jackets and white shiny gloves abounded in the 80s), dance (invented the moonwalk), music (Thriller best selling album ever), video (no explanation needed), etc. His musical and dance legacies are undeniable in the work of some of today's most successful artists including Usher, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake, Neyo and the list goes on.

Michael was born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana and became the lead singer of the Jackson 5 which was also comprised of Tito, Jermaine, Jackie, and Marlon. The group made their first national appearance at the Apollo in Harlem, New York in 1967. Michael made his first solo album "Off the Wall" in 1979 and was the beginning of his collaboration and long time friendship with Quincy Jones. This album was followed by Thriller (1982) , Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995). Thriller still remains the world's best selling album ever. Michael created the moonwalk and revolutionized the music video industry. Arguably, he single-handedly launched MTV into its position as the premier music video channel in the 1980s.

Unfortunately, despite all of his accomplishments, his death is shrouded in controversy. It has been reported (via TMZ.com) that Michael Jackson's personal physician is missing and that police are looking for him for questioning in the case. The doctor's BMW was impounded last night at the Jackson estate. The car reportedly contains prescription medications which may prove instrumental in the case. Further fanning the firestorm surrounding his death is former Jackson family attorney Brian Oxman. Oxman states that he warned the family some time ago that "Michael is over medicating and I didn't want to see this type of case develop. ..My worst fears are here." TMZ is also reporting that Jackson may have been given a lethal dose of Demerol which may have caused the cardiac arrest. The autopsy is in progress and a report is expected this afternoon. Michael is survived by his three children Prince Michael, Paris and Prince Michael II, also known as "Blanket."

My favorite memory of Michael Jackson is when my childhood best friend and I created a dance to "Rock Wit You". We performed the dance at church and any party that we attended thereafter! We will enjoy him forever through his music", Berry Gordy. Indeed, Michael Jackson he will be greatly missed by all forever. My condolences to the Jackson family.

R.I.P. Michael...Let me know what your favorite Michael Jackson memories by leaving a comment.

Posted by: on Jun 26, 2009