1972 - I was 3 going on 4. My family went to Kentucky for a few weeks. I was in my uncles living room all alone playing the record player. I started listening to ABC by the Jackson Five. The part of the song came when Michael says, "sit down girl, I think I love you, no get up girl show me what you can do." Following directions, I sit and then I get up. Then Michael says, "shake it shake it baby" I got up and start shaking it. I was in my own world. Pure joy. I was so entranced I didn't realize my entire family was standing behind me watching. I stopped out of embarrassment. Every time I hear that song, I remember that moment and the pure joy I felt.
1988- I came home for Christmas break from San Francisco. My oldest nephew AJ, now 25, he was 4 at the time. He stood in front of the TV watching Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal video. He was in his own world. Dancing, trying to recreate Michael's moves and singing at the top of his lungs, "Are you walking, are you walking, are you walking Annie?" We all stood around watching in tears cracking up. It was the sweetest and purest moment to see a child completely loving a song. He didn't know anything about Jackson nose job, cleft chin or any of the tabloid stories. He just knew how great the song was and the joy it brought him.
2009 - I played Smooth Criminal and Bad on my iPhone and recorded my 2 and 5 year old nephews dance their hearts out. Here in course of almost 40 years many things have changed. Technology, clothing, communication but one thing has remained the same. The power of amazing music and the joy it brings to children. At least the children in my family.
Thank you Michael Jackson
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Sunday, November 15, 2009
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