Was Michael Jackson’s death a big deal to you?

Yes, and it still is. Even now, the news that Michael Jackson passed away still seems surreal. His sudden departure from the world, despite being in seemingly good health just a few days before, continues to puzzle me. After all, he danced and jumped on the stage one morning, and the next day he was gone.

Memories and Childhood

When I was just five years old, I remember sitting on the rug in our family room playing with dolls, when the news was on. I kept hearing the name ‘Michael Jackson’ over and over, which led me to ask my mother, "Who is Michael Jackson and why is he all over the news?" She simply replied, "He is a very famous entertainer and he died today." At the time, Michael Jackson wasn’t a big part of my childhood. I would occasionally hear songs like "Billie Jean" or "Beat It" on the radio. However, it wasn’t until I was about 17 that I became a fan of his music.

Reclusive Period and Controversies

When Michael Jackson died at the age of 50 in 2009, he was largely reclusive and known more for his shaky personal finances and erratic behavior, including allegations of child abuse, than for his active musical engagement. He was indeed supposed to be starting a comeback tour shortly after his death, but the pressure of this might have been a contributing factor. All of his best musical work, however, was far behind him by that point.

His death was a bit of a surprise, as he wasn’t that old, and the manner of it was pretty shocking. He died in part from an overdose of propofol, a short-acting anesthetic that isn’t commonly used as a drug of abuse, but was in this case. This was quite a “crazy” end to a person who was known for some other questionable behavior, such as keeping a pet chimpanzee.

Memories of the Funeral

Remembering the news of his death through the TV with my family, especially the funeral, was a deeply emotional experience. Even though I was never a huge fan like some people, Michael Jackson was indisputably a legend, and the controversies and allegations surrounding his personal life and around his untimely death made it all seem like an even bigger deal in retrospect.

Final Thoughts

Was Michael Jackson’s death a big deal to me? Absolutely. It was a shocking and sad moment in the world of entertainment. His legacy remains as a symbol of music, dance, and cultural impact, even though his personal life was often marred by controversy. Whether you're a fan or not, his death touched the lives of many around the world.

For those around at the time, the impact of Michael Jackson's death cannot be understated. It was a wake-up call for the public and a sobering reality check for those in the entertainment industry. It's a legacy that continues to influence future generations of musicians, dancers, and performers.