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Michael Jackson is gone. They say its the end of an era, but wasn’t that era essential over when MJ as tabloid fodder eclipsed MJ as  a musical icon? In death, fame takes on a different hue. Instead of the white, hot glare of a 24/7 world spotlighting warts and all, the lights dim a bit, become more forgiving, eliciting regretful introspection.

Michael Jackson’s musical legacy stands up to any glare, his place in the pantheon of musical geniuses/revolutionary is well-cemented and with few rivals. His place as a 20th century personality is a little more complicated.

Having grown up in the 80s, I always thought it was funny/interesting that between Prince and Michael Jackson, Prince turned out to be the “normal one” (same could be said about Christina & Britney).  We expect, even welcome, eccentricities in our artists. MJ took eccentric to a whole new level.  A level completely illogical and unconstrained by normal social mores. Whether he did or didn’t, it still remains that in life he was undoubtedly plagued with self-doubt & personal demons. He was also an  incredible talent, tender with his loved ones and fans & trying to find his way.

I remain conflicted about how to feel about MJ.  What I do know for sure is that “Off the Wall” still stands as one of  my favorite albums ever.

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