5-year-old Michael Jackson… 1963 Detroit Debut
Circa 1963 – Detroit, Michigan - Michael Jackson, then 5-years-old appeared live with’ The Jackson Five’ at a local fairground. MerrieWay was a kid in the audience. Gaping at little MJ in awe, his perfect ‘afro’ resembeled a chocolate version of ‘Little Orphan Annie’. I adored him instantly. Michael dominated center stage. He held the mike and danced and sang his little heart out. I recall the older Jackson’s seemed like his back-up group.
For weeks after seeing Michael perform, his image stuck with me — I’d put on my dancing shoes, spinning in delight, trying in vain to mimic his moves.
One of 9 children, Michael described growing up in a mired childhood, “If I made a mistake in rehearsals I would get the belt.” At puberty, he reportedly had an operation on his vocal cords, to keep his voice in a falsetto range. Working in what he loved, a childhood lost…there was a child inside that wanted just to be and play. Building Neverland would be a tribute to what kids loved to do, from rides to cotton candy.
A recluse by nature MJ revealed to his fans, “I feel strange when I go out into the world. I’m comfortable, at home on stage, here with you, I love you all.” He often expressed he loved his fans from the bottom of his heart. His gentleness and childlike innocence remained even into manhood.
MJ was ordained ‘The King of Pop’ by his dear friend (and MerrieWay’s) – Dame Elizabeth Taylor. His genius as an entertainer belongs to the world stage. A treasure trove of delight includes, his moon walk and robotic moves, all iconic images imbedded in our minds . The ‘Thriller’ album reached #1 for 37 weeks running and became the 2nd highest best seller of all time – 100 million albums sold. ‘Thriller’ is wired into our consciousness, as an emotional visual and sound trigger.
Troubled by two divorces, 14 month’s with Lisa Marie Presley. His second wife, Debbie Rowe, the mother of two of his children fought publicly for child custody. Public outrage begged the question of child abuse when MJ held Prince Michael 11 out of a London hotel balcony. His physical challenges haunted his well-being. MJ’s battle with skin disease Vitiligo, eating disorders, and repeated plastic surgery became tabloid fodder.
More trouble followed Micheal for entertaining kids at Neverland Ranch, a Disneyland setting for chidren.
MJ was accused by Michael Chandler, a minor, of sexual molestation. MJ was exonerated in court. The physical and emotional havoc on MJ was publically visible when he appeared at court with his coveted umbrella and in pajamas.
Since Michael’s death Jordan Chandler, has supposedly recanted the accusations, admitting they were lies. Chandler claims he repeated lies concocted by his father to get the $22 million settlement. Chandler has expressed remorse for public shaming MJ. Micheal’s health declined shortly after the trial began.
MJ’s current financial woes supposedly exceeded a debt of $400 million dollars in dept – a factor that catapulted him to attempt a bail out with a 50 concert commitment in London alone — A seemingly unrealistic human feat. Even the Beatles come-back wasn’t a world tour. What superhuman could even fathom the schedule? The overwhelming stress and anticipation must have played an underlying role in his death coupled with high levels of sedative/pain killers. The Jackson family was forthcoming trying to convince him for years to get off the addictive and potentially lethal pain medication.
As an inspired talent Michael had wisdom, a knowing and when he spoke about his feelings, about life- there was a magical poetic understanding. He commented, “If you are born with love and you die with the same, what’s in between doesn’t matter.”
So, much goes down in life’s divine play. Remember 5-year-old MJ, one question lingers, did we grow up yet?
Michael declared with conviction in an interview, “He would be “Peter Pan forever.”
Yes, the Angel-Fat-Lady has sung her final tune – for Michael in his passing on June 25, 2009. Not even death can stop fans from enjoying his music legacy — he will continue to inspire and enthrall a new generation of listeners with his magic.
Michael with great love and blessings, may you rest in sweet peace.
Comment to songwriters Michael Jackson said, “Don’t try to write the song, let the song write itself. “
Merrie,
I too remember Michael as the star of the Jackson 5, and liked all of his music especially his tune 'Black or White' where his lyrics suggested brotherly love between the races. I will even go a step further and say that without MJ their would be no Barry in the WH. Unfortunately, it seemed to me the dominance of Rap or Hip Hop drowned out much of his influence in later years. After all, he was considered to be and labeled as a black artist.
I am not surprised to hear of Chandlers remorse, but I doubt it will be adequately reported.
The DA in SB should also apologize, but this is unlikely. There is no remedy for the damage they caused to MJ in life, but pehaps a spirtual lesson has been learned for posterity.
He tried, but he never could recapture the loss of his childhood, borne of responsiblity, work and ambition which is represented in the fond memory of a 5 yr.-old Michael performing.
Not knowing him personally, and however his image was distorted by fame, I contend that it is likely that he was deserving of much more respect and human kindness than he had received from the media and all of us onlookers.
He was the biggest music star in the sky representing my generation, and a bright one it remains.
Kind Regards
Most of us grew up grooving and singing along with his songs. That is why he became a part of our younghood and until. Michael Jackson, the King of Pop and perhaps the best selling artist of all time, has passed away at the tender age of 50. The internet has flooded with searches for Michael Jackson children photos, as the fate of his children is a subject of intense speculation. Many are concerned with who will assume responsibility for Prince, Paris, and Blanket Jackson. Prince and Paris were fathered with ex-wife Debbie Rowe, and who knows if the children will need cash loans after their late father's debts are settled. They may revert to the custody of Katherine Jackson, Michael's mother, and fans may give pay day loans to get the results of autopsy for closure over what happened to <a rev="vote for" title="Michael Jackson Children Photos | How Will They Live?" href="http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2009/06/26/michael-jackson-children/">Michael Jackson.