Showing posts with label Remembering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Remembering. Show all posts

Monday, August 30, 2010

Remembering "The King" Named Elvis Aaron Presley


Image : http://www.flickr.com


Referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll", Elvis Aaron Presley is one of the most popular American singers of the century. Born on January 8, 1935, Elvis started his musical journey in Tupelo, Mississippi. At an early age, he was seen with much interest to music until in 1954, when Sun Records owner Sam Philips saw Elvis as the realization to his ambition of bringing the sound of African American music to a wider audience.

RCA Victor acquired Elvis' contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who managed him for over two decades. His first RCA single "Heartbreak Hotel", which was released in January of 1956, became a number one hit and made the way to becoming the leading figure of rock and roll. He also appeared in the television via CBS's Stage Show and stayed in New York and recorded "Blue Suede Shoes" and "I Forgot to Remember to Forget". His self-titled album was released two months after.

From then, his success continued. He appeared in 33 successful films, has sold over hundreds of millions top music chart records, and performed many, often record-breaking, live concerts and tours here and abroad. For 150 different albums and singles, he earned gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards. And among his accolades were 14 Grammy nominations, three of which he won, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (which he received at a very young age of 36), and was named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. He served in the US Army for two years without special celebrity treatment.

Though gifted with talent, good looks and sensuality, Elvis remained humble and kind throughout his life. That is why; he is regarded as one of the most important figure of the twentieth century popular culture. He died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Michael Jackson Remembering a Legend


Image : http://www.flickr.com


Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009)

The whole world was shock when news all over media announces that the king of pop, Michael Jackson is now dead. Not only the entertainment industries were grieving, but the whole world literally. He is a legend and an icon in music industry.  

As a kid I was always telling everybody that Michael Jackson was my cousin. I would even make my Mom back me up . I remember going to the Barber and saying I want my hair to look like Michael Jackson. My favorite all time songs were Ben, ABC and the Legendary Thriller. I didn't know it at the time but not only was Thriller an Awesome record and crazy video . It was also a history making event . Thriller forced the music industry to start playing Black Videos on Television changing the face of music forever. I also remember getting off the subway at Young Street & Bloor in Toronto, Canada and in every direction as far as you could see, there were mini Michael Jackson's everywhere sporting the tight pants, Red leather Jacket and solo white Glove . To say Michael Jackson is a Legend is an under statement.

Michael Jackson: The Beginning

Michael is the seventh child of the Jackson family and made his debut as professional singer at the age of 11 in 1969 as the new member of Jackson 5 then. He began a solo career in 1971 while he was still a member of the group. He was later referred to as "The king of pop".

The World Got Thrilled with his "Thriller"

"Thriller" album that was launched in 1982 is the world's best-selling record of all time. Four other solo studio albums are also among the world's best-selling records:

•    Off the wall (1979)

•    Bad (1987)

•    Dangerous (1991) and

•    History (1995)

Michael became a leading figure in popular music and the first African-American entertainer to build up the strong followers on the "White" dominant MTV in 1980s. The phenomenal popularity of his music videos aiming on MTV such as "Beat It", "Billy Jean" and "Thriller" transformed the music video from a promotional tool into an art form and bring him new level of fame. He was also known for his famous dance move "Moon walk", "Crotch grabbing" and "Robotic moves".

His Controversies

Michael's life was full of controversies; among these controversies are his changing appearance and behavior which earned him the nickname "Wacko Jacko". To add more, his child sexual abuse case in 1983 although acquitted was generated significant controversy, damaging his public image.

He was married twice, first to Lisa Presley in 1994 and they were divorced on January 18, 1996 and later to Debbie Rowe in November 1996. He fathered two kids with her but they also got divorced in October 1999.

This Is It - The Final Curtain Call

After how many years of career hibernation, Michael announced his comeback world tour in London, England on July 13, 2009. This is entitled "This Is It" and added on a press release that this is "The Final Curtain Call".

Sad to say, 18 days before this concert, Michael had a cardiac arrest and the king of pop is now dead at the age of 50.

This is The Final Curtain call for the talented and incomparable artist, who not only gives "Thrill" to us but touch many lives by his influential contribution in the Music Industry.