'King of Pop' mourned, remembered

STAFFORD — Michael Jackson is most fondly remembered for his original style of music and revolutionary dance moves. He was submerged into the limelight at an early age, and never escaped it — whether he wanted to or not.

The pop singer lost his life June 25, and people the world over are mourning his death.

Jackson started out with his brothers in The Jackson 5, and it wasn’t long before Jackson became an iconographic figure.

“Even people in China were walking around wearing T-shirts with Michael’s face on it — they were fanatics!” said Yan Wu of Stafford.

Jackson later launched a solo career, producing major hits such as “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and “Thriller,” which made its way to being named the world’s best selling album of all time. He electrified audiences with his singing and breathtaking dance moves. In no time, he earned the title the “King of Pop.”

Although he never ceased to entertain his fans, the shocking accusations made against him later on in his life, along with his alteration of appearance and bizarre lifestyle made him hard for the public to accept.

“He was a very talented young man. I really enjoyed his music. It was awesome, but the other things tainted it for me,” said Doris Bolen, of Aquia.

This once idyllic figure soon became the center of controversy.

With the negative tabloids and media taking over Jackson’s life, the public seemed to have forgotten what they once adored him for. However, it seems as though America soon remembered him as the talented young man that he was, with the swelling purchases of Jackson albums immediately after his death.

“Basically, the first night that his death was announced, people rushed in and picked up everything that had anything to do with him. I was expecting this because whenever a famous actor, actress, author, or sports figure dies, it is common for everyone to buy their stuff. Before his death, there were only a few fans who bought his CDs, now there is nothing left on the shelves,” said Chris, an employee at Stafford’s Walmart, who declined to give his last name.

Jackson was a man of undeniable talents. He set the bar high and put entertainment into his own hands while inspiring millions of people across the world, along with influencing countless contemporary R&B, hip hop and pop artists across several generations. However, in order to fully appreciate his prodigious music, it appears as though many aspects of his unique personal life cannot be taken into consideration at the same time.

Whether you remember him as a child star from Jackson 5, the artist of the pop sensation “Thriller” or for the negative allegations made against him, Michael Jackson’s music continues to thrive, even after his death. There is no doubt that his work has influenced and entertained millions of fans throughout the years. According to the rocketing album sales shortly after his death, it appears that the “King of Pop” will never be forgotten.

Julie Feng is a member of the Commonwealth Governor’s School at the Stafford High School site. She is working with the Stafford County Sun on a mentorship program. Reach her at info@staffordcountysun.com.