Thrilled to Remember Michael Jackson

One year ago today, I was on my way to the beach with a friend when we received news of Michael Jackson’s death. In shock, we turned on the radio, and were immediately met with the late King of Pop’s voice. We switched to another station—same artist, different song. And again, and again. I was absolutely astounded. It speaks volumes when one man’s musical career has spanned over so many different lives, and so many different tastes. It didn’t matter what type of station it was (pop, rock, oldies, etc.), Michael Jackson’s voice took over the radio airways that day.

MJ’s death came as a sad surprise to me, but, I must admit, I wasn’t profoundly affected by it like I observed in so many others. I just didn’t get it. What was all the fuss about?

I went to one of his greatest fans for answers—my Aunt Sheila. My first introduction to our pop icon was through my aunt, but I never really grasped how deep her admiration went until I interviewed her for this post. I prompted her with just one question, and she gushed non-stop about the famous entertainer for a good half hour. I discovered that, for my aunt, Michael (as she refers to him) was so much more than just a performer.

“He represented the goodness, hopefulness, and sweetness of youth,” she explained. “And the talent—the talent was extraordinary.”

Sheila became a fan of MJ at a very early age, when he was with the Jackson 5 and all she wanted was for him to become her prince. They both grew up and changed together; he began his ridiculously successful solo career and she…continued to pine away.

“In all of his career, I never felt disappointed by Michael,” Sheila stated. “Whatever he did, it was always with the utmost class, style, and pure entertainment.”

But Sheila also recognizes the many scandals and rumors about Jackson’s personal life—recognizes, but doesn’t let it cloud her vision of her prince. As she explained, she didn’t know Michael personally. What she does know is that he was never rude to a fan. He always showed his appreciation the only way he knew how: by performing.

“Even when he was going to court, he stood up on top of the limo, and started doing moves,” she recalled, with a smile in her voice. “Because the crowd was out there supporting him, cheering him on. So, he was always on. For the fans.”

Such intense pressure from such incredible fame takes a real toll on a person, and that couldn’t be any clearer than with MJ’s life and eventual demise. But even in death, Michael continues to touch people’s lives not only through his music, but through his legacy as well.

Sheila recently visited MJ’s childhood home in Gary, Indiana with her family. She wanted to share the moment with her daughter, who is around the same age Sheila was when she first started listening to her favorite artist.

“When I went to his house, I felt like that same little girl,” Sheila told me, the emotion pouring out of her voice. “I was filled with that excitement you get when you are near somebody that’s more than just an icon. It was very personal.”

Michael’s cousins, who were outside preparing for the anniversary, graciously greeted Sheila and her family. Sheila was grateful, but not surprised, by the Jacksons’ welcoming demeanor.

“The way they treated us, once again, followed suit to the Jackson name. The Jackson way of how they treat their fans.”

It’s no wonder that today, millions of fans will gather around the world to celebrate the life and career of a man who touched countless lives with his music and generosity. There might not be another Michael for a while—if ever—but we can continue to remember, and share in our appreciation for, this extraordinary pop icon. Join over 650,000 people by sharing your thoughts about Michael Jackson and help reach the goal of one million tributes for one incredible man.

“He was before his time,” Sheila declared, sadly. “Which makes it even more tragic that his star burned out so quickly. He was always thinking ahead. Always thinking what could make people happy on the stage.”

Michael Jackson will no longer be stepping on stage to perform, but his spirit is still around to put a smile on your face. Celebrate MJ’s constant desire to entertain with an official bobble head from MJ Bobble. Now, Michael Jackson can rock out with you in the car, at your desk, or just in your living room. But before you purchase your icon of an icon, be sure to stop by 58Coupons first for the latest MJ Bobble coupons, discounts, and promo codes.

As Sheila so eloquently articulated, “We lost a good one. We lost the best. We’re not going to recover anytime soon.” But we can still remember.