The news of Michael Jackson dying that day hit me like a ton of bricks. I was preparing to start my kickboxing class when one of my students came up to me and said “did you hear that Michael Jackson died today?” What made matters worse is that I had one of his CDs in my hand at that the time.

     For many of his fans they will mourn over not being able to deal with the realization that the ‘King of Pop’ has passed away. For me it means much more than that. Most people don’t know but I really like Michael with his brother as the famous ensemble called the Jackson 5.

Today's generation doesn’t remember the year when the Jackson 5 hit the air waves. I was about 6 years old when I first saw them on the Ed Sullivan show. What I remembered the most is how well they all moved and played their instruments. Compared to today’s artists the Jackson 5 was pure perfection.

Today's artist sing and dance to a music tracks while a cast of dancers cascade around them! How can 5 young guys play instruments, dance and carry four part harmony so well all at the same time?

     I remember saying to myself that this was what I wanted to do. As the years went by I bought every album the Jackson 5 ever put out. I even brought a few of their Christmas albums as well! Every time they were on television my brothers and sisters would rush home to catch their performance.

Even during the disco years and when they changed their name to ‘The Jacksons’ I was still a faithful fan. As time went on it was obvious that Michael was pushing for something bigger than what the group could offer. Of course Michael was always the center of the group. I just think it's a shame that the other brothers weren't noticed as much as Michael was.

     Jackie was the oldest but you could always pick out his soft falsetto voice in any song that they did. Marlon was always there in the background but he can be heard on a few Jackson songs. Believe it or not he was considered the best dancer of the group. Tito wasn’t a great guitar player but he could hold down the rhythm licks on any song and still maintain his dance steps in the process.

Randy was a late addition to the group but was slowly becoming the replacement lead vocalist for the group. He can be heard on the beginning lead vocal on the hit ‘Can you feel it?’ just before Michael comes in with his unrecognizable vocal. Of course there is Jermaine who was also a great lead vocalist who could carry a song without the signature vocal chops of Michael.

     In my opinion as a group nobody could touch them! Over the years we heard sound a likes such as The Osmonds, New Edition, The Sylvers, New Kids on the Block, NSync, and the Backstreet Boys. No one could hang with the boys from Gary, Indiana!

It’s so funny because as I am writing this I am sitting in the state of Indiana! The passing of Michael Jackson also represents the passing of a piece of my childhood.  It saddens me that I won’t hear the Jacksons singing their old hits any more. It is no doubt that Michael was extremely talented beyond anyone that we can mention. Truly there is no living artist living or dead that we can compare him to.

But there is a piece of me that respects the hard work and dedication of those five young men from Gary, Indiana. I feel sorry for Michael because he try to take on the whole world by himself. His fame caused him to isolate himself from the real world where people love each other unconditionally outside the performances of the stage.

I will respect his for his love of wanting to please the people, but we all know that is a very exhasuting job. When the music stopped and the applause was silenced Michael discovered that he was just like the rest of us. He needed love, affirmation and acceptance just like the rest of us.

Having people love you for what you do instead of who you are is sad. As a well known personality in my town I am reminded to keep myself grounded. I have and will never ever achieve the level of success that Michael has but with the little piece of success that I have achieved I am cautious.

I have to remember that 'fame' is fleeting and for the most part it is not real! Love, family and peace with God are my new values. Playing with my children, or enjoying the embrace of my wife's hug is priceless! Money can't buy you those simple pleasures.

We all have to agree that the true sadness is that Michael Jackson died a unhappy man. I will like everyone else will miss him dearly. 

I still get pumped up when I hear the Jackson 5 sing ‘Stop the Love you save’.  They will be forever my favorite vocal group of all time. All of them; Thanks guys, together, you all were awesome!

Article by: Sgt. Roy