Sea Street

BASKING IN HIS GLOW

Michael Jackson died a few days ago. The night before his death he stood on a stage and talked about his upcoming fifty-concert tour. He seemed to be in good health and displayed his usual grace and humor. Only hours later, he was found in a comatose state. Even if Michael was taking Demeral and other narcotics, an overdose would have taken several hours to lead to cardiac arrest. The question that arises is, "Where was his doctor, his retainers and hangers-on during this period of time?" There is no point in dwelling on this, however.

I have strong memories of Michael Jackson. When my band-The Rojays-was touring the Midwest in the mid-eighties Greg Paxtis, my lead guitarist, sang all the Michael Jackson songs. The most popular of these was Billie Jean; you could hear the hand of Quincy Jones in it because of its strong jazz undertones. But the songs, in themselves, did not knock me out and were not the most popular songs in the band's repertoire. On the other hand, the whole package that Michael presented at that time-musical, visual and chorographical, was astonishing. Michael's dance moves did not compare with Nureyev's technique but they were more creative and the Moonwalk was brilliant. It was probably the most creative movement in dance in the last century. Add all of these things together with Michael's persona (gloves, etc.) and you have a package that WOWED the world. Michael was just as popular in Israel as he was in Japan. He was idolized in Europe. He was able to transcend race and be loved worldwide for what was inside of him; and that thing inside of him was pure genius.

Personally, I was most impressed with Michael's performing as a young boy. He was obviously-not only talented-but a very, very good boy. My own son, Daniel, was a musical prodigy in his own right; but he was not forced into a twenty-four/seven rehearsal schedule which would have deprived him of a normal life. Michael was deprived and this deprivation affected his adult life. Much has been made of this and the troubles that accompanied it; but it must be understood that Michael's sole aim in life was to please.

Now that he's gone, I find it distasteful that everyone is lining up to "Bask In His Glow". I watched Larry King with so many guests on his program wanting to talk about Michael that Larry, rather rudely, cut them off in order to move on to the next one. Liza Minnelli was there, of course. Usher made sense with his comments but the over-the-top melodramatics of others-Elizabeth Taylor, et al, turned me off. Deepak Chopra talked about Hollywood doctors that push drugs, and he was right in doing so; but that does not negate the responsibility of those who take them. Of course, Jesse Jackson is coming on stage with Al Sharpton right behind him.

In spite of this, let's not loose sight of a simple fact, Michael Jackson was one of the most extraordinary men of the last century. May he rest in peace and may we celebrate his life.

Starting July 5 on my Sea Street Blog: Black, White and Gray and the Golden Ass Café--------------------------Obama's Dilemma!!!!!