Michael Jackson - King of Pop

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Michael Jackson has been on my mind since his death Thursday, June 25, 2009. Though he wasn't a guitar player, I believe the impact he made on the music scene warrants respect from those of us who share a similar passion. His legacy is long and much can be learned from the life of this man who came to be known as the "king of pop."

Michael Jackson rose to fame from the obscurity of a small Indiana town to become the most recognized pop star the world has ever seen. This in itself demonstrates how others in like circumstances can do the same. You do not need to be rich or well connected to be successful in the music industry, but you do need to work hard and develop your talent. Michael showed us how to do that.

Though I was never a big fan personally, I can still remember my first impression when I saw Michael perform with his brothers, The Jackson Five, on TV. He was so cute and looked like he was only about ten years old! It was amazing how he could sing and dance so freely and effortlessly. I couldn't take my eyes off him. He was definitely the star of the show and stole many hearts that night.

Who would have known back then that one day he would create an album called "Thriller" that would become the biggest-selling record of all time? Certainly not me. But that's exactly what he did. How did he do it? Well, I think there are several things that factored into his becoming such a huge success...

First and foremost was the fact that Michael Jackson possessed an incredible musical gift.
He followed the direction of his father/manager when he was starting out.
He was not afraid to step out of his comfort zone later, go solo and make a new direction for himself musically.
He explored creative ideas and took advantage of the media tools he had available to him.
He worked hard to perfect his skills.
He allowed others in the music industry to offer him their professional expertise and advice.
He learned how to promote himself and create an image the public would follow.

But as with so many others in the music business, Michael's life began to suffer under the strain of constant media attention and ended unexpectedly in a sudden tragedy. Unexpected, that is, to most of us. But suspicion is rising as to his apparent prescription drug abuse, as well as other allegations. Apparently he had once expressed his own concern that he might die like Elvis. Well, it now looks like there may have been some basis to his fear.

Which points to one final lesson we can glean from the life of Michael Jackson and others who find themselves in the throws of fame and fortune. That is, the importance of considering the cost of publicity and subsequent loss of personal privacy. As you pursue your indie artist dreams, try to be proactive now, by deciding how you will handle things in the eventuality that success should come your way.

Too many talented artists and musicians have died as a result of drug abuse associated with the world of music and rock and roll... Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, Kurt Corbain, Michael Jackson... to name a few. Why not really be different and take a stand for something positive? Be a survivor, instead of a victim. Your musical influence might just last a bit longer if you do.