Things You Thought You Knew About Michael Jackson But Aren’t True

What is the first thing you think of when someone mentions Michael Jackson? His chart-topping, self-made album, Thriller? His cosmetically-altered face and whitened skin? Or his many songs that will last for centuries to come? For me, it is his, some would say, claim-to-fame moonwalk which he first showed the world in his Motown performance of the song, Billie Jean in 1983. However, contrary to many people’s beliefs, Michael Jackson did NOT invent the moonwalk and was just an “ambassador” for the dance move.

The moonwalk had been recorded as early as 1955 by a tap dancer named Bill Bailey. Other notable people who performed the move before Michael Jackson included big names such as Marcel Marceau, the French mime artist, David Bowie and James Brown.

Jackson’s showmanship is perhaps arguably the best that there has ever been, with followers and fellow artists influenced by Jackson’s talent. Justin Timberlake, Usher and  Ne-yo, just to name a few. His showmanship though, I have noticed has one strange part to it. After the many concerts that I have seen him in, I have noticed that the only thing he will throw into the crowd is his fedora, which is always accompanied by his performance of “Billie Jean”. Apart from the fedora, all the shirts and jackets that he takes off, is always thrown to the side of the stage, presumably picked up by him later. This I think is very strange, considering Jackson, being the millionaire that he is, is willing to purchase and build so many weird and wonderful things (Neverland for one) but is not willing to spare a few clothes for his fans.

Jackson’s performance of Smooth Criminal had people scratching their heads and some marveling at his dancing skills. In fact, he, being not just a musical genius but an engineering genius himself, invented what he called, “anti-gravity” boots. These boots had an ankle support on the shoe so that when he leaned, he would be leaning with the ankle support. The figure below will explain the shoes’ mechanisms much  better.

Although Michael Jackson is weird in some ways, it is his talent that has brightened the world today. His good heart has led to millions of dollars to be fundraised for those in need and in retrospect, his personal life should have been left alone. So to Michael Jackson, thank you for bringing so much into this world and sorry for all the pain that we have caused you.

Image via Wikipedia