Michael Jackson

It's kind of funny that my first post of the year is about anybody other than resolutions or goals, but I was thinking about something last night before we went to bed. As different television broadcasts went through their most talked about media issues of the last decade, of course Michael Jackson's death with at the top of most lists.

Before I go on, I have to say that I have no idea if he was innocent or guilty of the child molestation charges that were filed against him. I really do hope that he was innocent, but if I think objectively here, he had the signs of a child molester. At the same time, he also showed signs that he probably was not. Right now the only people who truly know are the children who claimed that they were taken advantage of and God himself. If Michael was innocent, I'm sure the children and their families have to be eaten up with guilt having taken advantage of such a wonderful human being. But on the other hand, if Michael was guilty, they must feel justified for exposing him for who he really was.

Anyway, as far as Michael Jackson was as an artist, I'll continue to miss him, but it became apparent to me that his artistry was done. If he had more to give the world, he'd probably still be here. Think about it! He hasn't really done anything since the Dangerous album. Yeah, I really liked Invincible, but I believe that Michael's time had passed. All great artists have their peak and his was with the Thriller album. It's mighty hard to duplicate efforts of that magnitude. Each recording artist gets older and if they want to stay true to their craft, their music may not have what it takes to appeal to the likes of a younger generation. Don't get me wrong, from time to time, singers break through, but it seldom happens. Not too sure he could have pulled off a hip-hop record. Who knows?

I hate that he didn't get to be an old man, but I think that his life had begun to be purposeless for whatever reason. More than anything I hate that his children will have to grow up without their dad. I pray that he is in heaven, although I never knew what he came to believe after being a Jehovah's witness. But, that dude made some good music, much of which brings me back warm feelings of childhood nostalgia.

The great one's are slowly dying...Luther, Michael......ahem....Whitney (just kidding, but have you heard her voice?) In the words of Charles Barkley.....TERRIBLE. She could take a few lessons from Celine Dion about taking care of your voice.

Oh well, I wonder who's the next Mega artist. No matter what, there will never be another Michael Jackson.