Like many of my peers in the blogosphere, I’ve been trying my best to move on. But it’s hard.
I still can’t quite believe — a week ago, Michael Jackson passed away.
Even typing that phrase feels wrong.
I wrote a tribute from the depths of my heart and then tried to look away from the onslaught of rumors and almost-news that took over the internet and television. I got into Facebook fights and Twitter spats with people who just were itching to disparage his name as soon as the tragic news came. I tried not to read the nasty online comments and poorly timed jokes. I tried to just remember the music. The dancing. The talent.
Michael had talent to spare. When he was at his peak, nobody could come close. To this day, I can’t think of anyone who compares — sorry, Beyonce fans, that includes Bey. Michael Jackson revolutionized entertainment and held it down from the age of 7, well into his 30’s. There will never be another like him.
Having said all of that, I’ve been disappointed with the so-called tributes I’ve seen people trying to pass off. I didn’t torture myself with the BET Awards in its completion, but I watched enough YouTube clips to think they could have done better.
Soulbounce has been doing a phenomenal job of putting the best tributes together, for example from Erykah and the Roots (courtesy of Erykah’s Twitter, click here for a free download of that BTW), to Stevie Wonder, to Raphael Saadiq. All artists I would have loved to see together, on stage, paying fitting tribute to the King of Pop. Another artist I wish could have contributed — Marsha Ambrosius.
The former lead singer of Floetry has an incredible vocal instrument. AND she wrote one of my absolute favorite latter period Michael Jackson songs, Butterflies.
Marsha’s version gives me goosebumps, I swear. Her voice is absolutely angelic.
And just for good measure, here’s Michael’s version, from the Invincible
Sorry for those who are sick of hearing about Michael Jackson — these wounds are going to take a while to heal. The tributes aren’t about to die down anytime soon. The King of Pop left too enormous of a shadow. Saying he’ll be missed is an understatement. Like Quincy Jones said in this awesome, candid interview — it still feels surreal.
Who would you like to see pay tribute to Michael? Who do you think could do justice?
I’d like to see He Who Shall Not Be Named aka Chris Brown do a tribute.
The World Music Awards from 2006 were rebroadcast last night. Michael was present that year to receive a Diamond Award and a Guiness Book of World Records presentation. It was so touching to see him, just a short 3 years ago, looking so healthy and strong, filled with gratitude in front of screaming hordes of fans who still (after everything) held him up as “The King of Pop”. When he took off his jacket and flung it into the crowd, I lost it. It really hit me that this man is gone–seeing Michael Jackson 1958-2009 still makes me shake my head everytime I see it. I hope that arrangements for him are made soon because all this 24 hour news speculation and everybody and their cousin coming out of the woodwork is sickening.
I’d like to see Diana Ross.
I miss Michael,and I think he was one of the greatest entertainers of all time and his music will live on forever. His impact on the world reminds me of Bob Marley; his music is still relevant to this day and so will be Michael.
Personally, I do not blame BET Awards for not giving a proper tribute. I feel as though they bit off more than they could chew and they did change their plan in a short period of time. No one knew Michael was going to die. I am still in shock as we all are. I feel the talented musicians from all genre should pay tribute to Michael Jackson and he needs his own tribute show. Celebrating him on an awards show does not give him justice due to the time limit and the fact it is an awards show.
Michael Jackson is an original in every sense of the word and he needs to be treated as such and given his own tribute special.
My God be with u Michael 🙂
Umm… Are we really sure that the Quincy Jones interviewee- is really Quincy Jones. This person seems like he never cared for MJ at all…
I have to disagree with HijabiApprentic- Chris Brown did a tribute to Michael Jackson at the world Music awards a few years ago and it was less than spectacular-matter of fact, it was down right not good. Besides- I don’t think Michael wants his memory and legacy to be presented by someone who pled guilty to assaulting his girlfriend.
I think the tribute would have to be video based. People sharing their stories and fondest memories of Michael with bits of footage thrown in between and maybe, MAYBE, a live performance from a whole group of talented artists- that way no one has to try to live up to him on their own.
I agree with Ms Beans…BET had but a lick of time to bring it all together to pay proper homage to MJ. He dies Thursday, and they broadcast on Sunday. I think, given that turnaround, there’s some room for forgiveness. I’ll watch the whole thing tonight when I TiVo it.
I think too, that if BET knows what’s good, they’ll do another tribute to MJ in the vein that the show started…honoring his legacy as an all around performer and amazing humanitarian.
As far as who we should tap for tributes, I think this is an opportunity to pull Randy and Marlon out of obscurity and do a true tribute to Michael and the whole family. Not for money, not to launch careers, but for rebuilding whatever bridges were burnt during their lives. If there’s one thing that comforts in times of tragedy, it’s the reassurance you can only receive from the family. This whole situation has made me yearn for deeper connection with my own family.
We make so much now about his will and who’s supposed to take care of his children…regardless of how all that shakes out, I’d like for his children to see a loving family unit, welcoming them with open arms.
Only person that I can think of is Justin Timberlake but I still haven’t forgiven him for throwing Janet under the bus.
I love Butterflies, too. That and Break of Dawn were my favorites from what, I still can’t believe, is his last cd.
I think BET did their best, they only had less than three days to put a tribute to him. As the time passes, I know there will be better tributes to come.
It’s still so sad that he’s gone. I hope he finds peace in the hereafter.
I would really love to see a tribute to his afros. His fros were always on point and I would enjoy getting advice on just how they may have maintained them.
Wonderful post Afrobella – Butterflies is my favorite song from that CD :o)
@Midori – Frolab did a nice picture tribute showcasing MJ’s afros http://frolab.com/
I want to see Chris Brown, I have heard about his performance (MJ) and I want to see it. I will never get tired of tributes to MJ he deserve them. And I must agree it is hard to hear and read the negative comments about MJ, but regardless of the negativity he will forever live on in the hearts of those who love him!
I am having a terrible time with his passing.
I am almost 50. Loved his music, but did not follow him closely as a fan… and now I am waking up to all that he truly was – what he really stood for… what his message really was… Love, Compassion, Giving… caring…
and I can’t keep my cheeks dry.
what the world has lost –
a jewel that we stepped on,
poked our fingers at,
judged in such a petty and superficial way…
what have we done…
what have we lost..
can we ever really know ?
The more I learn of him
the heavier my burden
I am shocked at how deeply I
am mourning.
How was I so blind, how was the world so blind to the gentle goodness of this man?
I loved Michael, so did my grandfather. I
remember as a little girl me and my grandfather
listening to him and dancing. My family and I are
Michael fans and forever will be. We are all sad
to see Michael gone but we know he is in a
better place and is no longer suffering from
those who couldn’t see he’s talent and
contribution not only to African Americans but
to all those involved in music. Also Janet
should be praised for her bravery on the BET
Awards. She did a beautiful job in holding it
together.
RIP Michael
still in a daze …. still shocking. he was surely blessed with talent. all his music videos were short films. amazing. This MJ stan needs to add to those already making his music number 1 again
RIP MJ gone but not forgotten
Marsha is doing a sold out show at the Jazz Cafe, here in London tonight. She is going to do her own MJ tribute, and naturally, she will include Butterflies. I can’t wait!
I miss Michael too 🙁