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GOSPEL INDUSTRY REMEMBERS MICHAEL JACKSON: The life of the musical genius to be mourned and revered.
In homage to my all-time favorite entertainer, this special edition of the Gospel Slice is dedicated to Michael Jackson’s musical legacy.
As Black Music Month nears its end, the music world at large has lost its “King.” The often imitated, never duplicated, entertainment legend Michael Jackson died June 25 at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. After the late afternoon pronouncement of his death yesterday, America’s greatest national treasures became the center of the media's attention.
News of Jackson’s death has overshadowed the same day death of actress Farah Fawcett, the passing of original tonight show side-kick Ed McMahon, admissions of infidelity by 2 well known conservative politicians, and the killing of Neda, an Iranian woman whose last breath was captured on video during a protest and seen around the world. Those were major headline stories until the world learned that the man who single-handedly moon walked across racial divides and brought millions joy through his music had ceased to be.
Jackson created music that attracted people from all walks of life, spanning the globe—including the church/gospel community. From coast to coast saddened and shocked devotees are grieving in their own way—some with tears, online tributes and as consumers. Time Square and the front of the Apollo Theater were packed last night with crowds singing classic hits, as clusters of people in LA stayed awake all night in disbelief. Bishop Larry Trotter of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church in Chicago, public officials and residents will memorialize the entertainment great in a special service Sunday June 28, at 11:30 A.M. Sweet Holy Spirit Church, 8621 S. South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL. Trotter will speak on the importance of embracing diversity reflected in the singer’s song, “Man in the Mirror.” Attendees are asked to bring candles.
Sky-rocketing sales off and online show people want to somehow keep a piece of the iconic artist. In less than a day, all Michael Jackson merchandise sold out at LA’s Amoeba music according to a CNN report. As of press time, the top 15 songs on Amazon.com were Michael Jackson hits. In death as in life, Jackson’s fans just can’t seem to get enough.
Michael Jackson, dead at 50.
The gospel music industry reacts:
“In my interpretation, a legend creates a path for others to walk and that legacy continues as others trot it. An icon is someone that comes along and changes the game. Michael Jackson in his journey was able to accomplish both. From the percussive breathy undertones in vocal tracks to the thunderous above and beyond presentations pushing the envelope, Michael Jackson has influenced me in many facets of my profession. May we all continue his legacy and keep his family lifted in comforting prayer.”
J MOSS, Singer
“I am deeply moved by Michael Jackson's passing. This nation, this world has lost a musical foundation that all of our careers as artists have been affected by in some way, shape or form. His artistry transcends racial, political, and social barriers and has given hope to so many. He was a legend before his time who will live on in the music that he created and in the hearts of his fans.”
DEWAYNE WOODS, Singer
“I saw Michael the first time as the World did as a six-year old with "The Ed Sullivan Show". It changed my world as I along with most black boys of my youth tried to sing, dance, dress and act like MJ.
I last saw him live at the 1993 American Music Awards. Still my favorite show of all-time was his "Bad" tour of 1988 at Atlanta's Omni.
Yes I have all the albums, 8-tracks, cassettes, 45s, CDs, music videos and more from the Jackson 5.
As a kid, we used to sharpen our pencils on Fridays in middle school so we could go to the grocery store on Saturdays and use the pencils as knifes to cut out the 45 which was the back of the Sugar Smacks Cereal boxes...[if you are too young to know what a 45 is - research it].
In my junior year of High School, "OFF THE WALL" was a big hit and I would wear the white shirt, black bow-tie and black pants rolled up with the shiny socks to band practice.
And in college, "THRILLER" was released and we all went crazy. I remember how many people bought their first VCRs because they wanted to see the 60-minute Thriller long form video.
I got to play his songs in the marching band and then later on the radio when I was an announcer/program director. Later, I began producing music videos and I always wanted to do a video like one he did.
Many people today are still doing the Thriller dance at weddings and commercials, but I was in the marching band in college as that song was a top-10 song and we did the dance on the field when it was a hot song.....it was incredible.....
Yes I stood in lines at midnight in 1991 for DANGEROUS, in 1995 for HISTORY and again in 2001 for INVINCIBLE. But my uncle Jerry bought me the ABC album in 1970 and I bought all since. My brother can tell you that I would ask for a Jackson 5 record as my Christmas gifts.
He was my boy and I will never forget this day!”
DARYL D. LASSITER, DDL Entertainment, Publicist
"The question for years to come will be, "Where were you when you heard the news that Michael Jackson passed?" For me and my family were in a hotel room in NYC just getting back from attending our daughter's High School graduation; our son was on face book when he read the news Michael Jackson had experienced cardiac arrest and was rushed to the hospital. We quickly turned on the television to CNN and within moments they announce that the LA Times had declared he had passed. My wife began to cry because she was a devout Michael Jackson fan since childhood. It still hasn't sunk in yet. I'm just at a lost for words."
D.A. JOHNSON, Malaco Music Group
Michael Jackson will always be remembered as musical royalty. He has influenced us and impacted our musical approach tremendously. His legacy will live on through the careers of the artists he touched. Our prayers are with his family.
21:03, Artists
My condolences go out to the family and friends of Michael Jackson. I pray that Michael rests in peace. He gave us everything he had to give.
BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON, Singer
"I was teaching class today at UCLA when we received word that Michael Jackson had died and had been transported to UCLA Medical Center. Within minutes, thousands of fans from all different backgrounds and ages started gathering on campus to show their respects to this musical legend. The streets are closed off near campus with people from all walks of life here to pay tribute to Michael Jackson, an icon whose music has touched hearts the world over and I pray for his family and offer my condolences."
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