Michael Jackson: How Will He be Remembered?

Michael Jackson – How will he be remembered?

 There are numerous news items appearing since the untimely demise of Michael Jackson. The question that arises is which Michael Jackson will be remembered? Will the vast overload of revelations and debate result in a legacy enshrined to the creative genius of the musical entertainer? or will his image always be tainted or indeed completely overshadowed by the more negative deviations allegedly inherent in his life?

Michael Jackson was plunged onto the stage from boyhood by his controlling father, Joe Jackson who managed his affairs with an iron fist. At this point it was glaringly apparent that Michael had little or no real control over the talent that would eventually see him emerge as a global megastar. It was only some years later when Michael was able to break away from the controlling path envisaged by his father and pursue more success of the kind that had denied him his childhood.

In the beginning Michael’s progress was astonishing but the resultant adulation would only proceed to the outcome of further isolation. The isolation was reflected in the reclusive behavior, the eccentricities and the constantly evolving features which would get to a point where his face became little more than a mask. The latter was illustrative of a man who although gifted, was inherently uncomfortable in his own skin.

Despite this there was no denying his talent and ability to mesmerize audiences with his skill. The phenomenal success of “Thriller” was Michael Jackson’s biggest triumph that would see him escalate to the very pinnacle of pop stardom. It is also apparent however that after reaching such a peak the digression that followed was more related to Michael’s demeanor than his work.  This was reflected in his work with some of his songs illustrating a darker and more sinister approach, like “Smooth Criminal” with its denotation of violence in the 1987 album “Bad”

The underlying fidelity that made Michael endearing, even at his strangest, was severely dented by the allegations that were made against him. Although he was never convicted or found guilty there would be those who firmly believed that “there was no smoke without fire”. The musical persona had been overshadowed the personal persona.

In his last days he was working to resurrect a career and resolve all the paradoxes with sheer musicality but whether his skill and showmanship would have enabled him a new start, we shall never know. It is perhaps too soon to determine what legacy he leaves. At the moment it is one of flawed genius.