Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

"Off the Wall"--my favorite Michael Jackson album.

I'm really surprised at my reaction to Michael Jackson's death. I'm actually a lot more sad than I thought I'd be after hearing the news this afternoon. I was shocked, yes (sort of?) but the sadness is just sort of creeping in unexpectedly. Every news channel is reporting on Michael's death, and showing clips from all stages of his life. All the controversy in Michael's during the past 15-odd years has off-putting, to say the least. He wasn't found guilty in all of that mess. Who's to say? I'd rather focus on my own childhood and teenage.memories right now.

I, like many others my age, fell in love with Michael and the Jackson 5 back in the early 70's. In the early 80's, I remember sneaking into a disco (before they really checked ID) and dancing to "Workin' Day and Night" from the "Off the Wall" album. That's still my favorite song on my favorite album of Michael's. Everyone else loves "Thriller", but not me. I still have that album, down in our guest room, that we call "The Pop Culture Room". I bought it at the legendary Tower Records on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood with my darling friend Joanne. I remember that day as one of the best days--you know, the day you look back on and remember every little detail. (The clutch broke on Joanne's classic 1963 convertible Porsche. We ate at The Spaghetti Factory, got the car fixed while we were there, and generally had a fantastic time.) I couldn't stop staring at my "Off the Wall" album cover. I couldn't wait to play it when I got home.

My boys loved Michael; Alex, especially when he was really little. "Bad" came out when he was two years old. Hunter came along and loved the same music his older brother loved.

We're no different than any of you, with personal memories of Michael Jackson.

Please share your own memories here, if you'd like. I'd love to post them.

Rest in peace, Michael. Maybe now everything will be easier for you.