I have purposely been avoiding the hype that has been Michael Jackson’s death, but every time I see a musical clip of him (not so much anything else, just musical clips), I am seriously whelmed over with sadness (that’s what my family says instead of “overwhelmed”). And truly? I wasn’t expecting that reaction at all. Not that I participated in MJ Mania when I was in middle school (when he was ginormous), but his contributions to the world of music can’t be underestimated. Was he bigger than Elvis or the Beatles, as people are arguing? Who knows, and who cares? Elvis, the Beatles, MJ--all changed the music world, and that’s fine with me.

I know, I know--he might have been a child molester. I will not dishonor those who might have been abused by him. But I also honor the talent he had, and the sadness he possessed. MJ was one troubled dude, and was a mixed blessing to our world. Nevertheless, I have shed a tear or two while watching him on YouTube.

In case you’re interested, here’s an unusual one, with him and Janet: “Scream.” LOVE the visuals, and the old MJ is there, even if his old face isn’t. If you want something classic, try “Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough.” His smile is so damn genuine! And because my secret ambition is to be a dancer, watching him is awe-inspiring. Watching him with Janet is even better. And even Mr. Boy agrees the Moonwalk is pretty amazing, and all he knows of MJ is the child molester stuff. He’s even asked me to listen to MJ with him.

It is odd for this music nerd to imagine a world without MJ. Not that we were close, but he was a great. Thank you, King of Pop, for “Thriller” (thanks, Quincy Jones) and everything else. Rest in peace, unhappy dude, best dancer in the universe.

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