Speechless, speechless, just speechless...

That's exactly how I feel when I've heard the passing of the King of Pop-Michael Jackson, arguably the greatest entertainer of all time and a stunning career spanning over 4 decades. Since everyone are aware of his passing, I won't go into that as I'm still in shock and sad as every fans out there. Instead of grieving over his departure, I prefer to talk about what Michael Jackson means to me since I've been a fan to his musics and signature dance-Moonwalk since 1980s.

My folks has been big fans of Michael Jackson's heydays as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 band back in the late 1960s till 1970s. In those days, they listen and rave to hits like "ABC", "Ben", "I'll be there" and "Dance Machine". Michael who still barely make it to puberty then was already a big name in the 70s music scene and the Jackson 5 continue to produce more hits until Michael went on a solo career in the 80s with singles "Rock with you" and "Don't stop till you get enough"

As an 80s child, my first Michael Jackson experience was the MTV of his "Billie Jean" single, the catchy bass line and glowing pathways still live in my memory since the first time I saw it. Then came the zombie infested MTV-"Thriller" that haunts every TV screens across the world and became the biggest selling record of all time with a whooping 109 million copies worldwide. Later, his explosive "Beat It" single that features gang violence and an ultra cool electric guitar background, followed by "Bad" and "Man in the Mirror" in 1987. At that time, kids and teens were so wild over his high-pitched falsettos "Owwww" and uncanny dance that goes backward, which only later known as "Moonwalk" and it was further immortalized in his 1988 "Moonwalker" musical that features more MTV hits like "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Speed Demon", "Leave Me Alone" and "Smooth Criminal". But to me, the most memorable feature about Moonwalker would be Michael transformed into a robot, taking out a drug cartel single handed and save 3 kids before flying off as a space ship. Oh, let's not forget the Lancia Stratos Zero sportcar he morphed into.

After a long absence in the music industry, Michael made a huge comeback in 1991 with his "Dangerous" album and a new look with bleached white skin for his "Black or White" single that touches on racism issues and promoting racial harmony. I was like "Wow" he changes his black skin to white just to prove a point and become that single. Although other hits like "Remember the Time" and "Jam" are cool, "Heal the World" make a greater impact and still a memorable tune to sing at any worldly charitable events. The 1993 live interview with Michael by Oprah Winfrey offers more insightful views into his personal thoughts, Neverland Ranch and he even flashed his signature "Moonwalk" live, real and no tricks at all.

Like every legends, they rise to the pinnacle of their times and fall from grace. Michael was labeled by medias as a pedophile after he was accused of child-molestation by Jordan Chandler-a kid who lived with Michael in his Neverland ranch. Despite his acquittal, his tarnished image continues to deteriorate with mounting public scrutiny fueled by tabloid allegations. Not even his short-lived marriage to Lisa-Marie Presley can shun all that and since then, the world also remember Michael as a closet pedophile with an obsession of his looks, due to multiple plastic surgeries he had over the years.

The HIStory comeback in 1995 was loud and big as his previous tours but only came out to be more like a compilation of his greatest hits along with new singles like "You are not Alone" and "Earth Song" which touches on environmental issues. Later, a duet with his sister Janet Jackson in "Scream" followed by "They don't really care about us". Michael' transition to fatherhood came after he marries Deborah Jeanne Rowe (later divorced) who gave birth to 2 children-Prince and Paris. In 2001, followed by the 9/11 incident, his "Invincible" album had a shaky start after label dispute with Sony but things still go well with charts-topping singles "You Rock My World", "Butterflies" and "Cry". But my personal favourites are "The Lost Children" and "Whatever Happens" where Carlos Santana plays the background guitar.

No matter how the world sees him, whether as a celebrity, a pedophile, an immature childish man or a freakshow with no nose, it doesn't change the fact that his musics and explosive performances still rock us to our core even after the "Thriller" tour 2 decades ago. Aside than always being a trend setter who spearhead the music industry, Michael Jackson is also known for his humanitarian activities across the globe. His love for lives, primarily children was his greatest asset and also his Achilles' foot that often land him in various pedophile scandals and lawsuits. Not to mention his vanity for keeping his young looks that took a wrong turn and screw up his face as today... Then again, Michael Jackson is only human and no humans are free from mistakes. Like Jesus said "the righteous man casts the first stone", none of us are perfect and we all have our share of screw-ups as much he does. So what is there to bitch about? Give him a break, people

Although Michael Jackson's departure is a great loss to the world, particularly the fans both young and old who grew up listening to his musics and watching his dances, it isn't such a bad thing too. When he was alive, he was the center of gossips and target of hounds and vultures who want a piece of him. So it's better for him to leave sooner than later as life isn't without sufferings and the previous 3 years were nightmarish for him. In conclusion, it's US who killed Michael Jackson and now he finally got what he deserve-PEACE

To end this journal, I wish to convey my condolences to Jackson family for the departure of their beloved son and this is how I wish to express should I had the chance to attend his funeral:

You are always an Inspiration
You are an undying Legacy
You are forever Young


Go in Peace, Michael Jackson
Thank you for rocking our world