By now most of the world knows that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, died yesterday afternoon in Los Angeles. By evening in New York City, spontaneous memorial music jams and sing-a-longs were everywhere.At 10 PM I suggested to a few companions we make a trip to Union Square - always a mecca for events of this nature and magnitude. As expected, hundreds of fans had gathered - a boombox supplied music while a group sang Michael Jackson songs together. At one point, a white glove with sequins was passed through the group to one of the prominent singers.
Fans waved illuminated cellphones and candles. Here and there, some initiated small vigils. A similar but smaller scene could be found in Washington Square Park. On Laguardia Place and Bleecker Street there was crowd of singers that could be heard two blocks away. I was informed last night that a huge crowd gathered at the Apollo Theater in Harlem (confirmed by the press today), where Michael had performed many times as a member of the Jackson Five. I am sure in the coming days and weeks there will be numerous tributes and memorials, both planned and unplanned, in the theaters, streets and parks of New York City
With over 750 million records sold, Michael Jackson was the best selling solo pop artist of all time. Of course, anyone who looms larger than life as Jackson did will have his life under a microscope. Jackson was both lionized and demonized by the media, with his later life plagued and darkened by scandal. However, I think his work will outshine any darkness, leaving a legacy brighter than than shadow of his final years ...
12 comments:
There was a huge MJ dance-off at the club I was at, and it was bittersweet.
I'm afraid I'm rather tired of the Michael Jackson story already and all the wailing and gnashing of teeth and celebrities falling over themselves to tell us how much they've cried at the news...
However, your blog reflects New York and I welcome your reflection...
Mr J may well have had great hunanity as the poster in your picture suggests, and he was the best-selling solo pop artist but he also owed around $200m (at least) as at yesterday, at which point he was residing in a house which cost $100,000 per month to rent...
"Billie Jean" and "Beat It" were quite good though I suppose...
What about the 140 people killed by suicide bombs in Iraq yesterday - or even Farrah Fawcet who fought cancer for a considerable length of time....
Any vigils/gatherings in the Big Apple for them?
Each event is unique and relative to what is happening somewhere else in comparison. But let's not forget manipulation.
This is a sad day! I was so lucky to see hime live at Valle Hovin in Oslo, Norway i 1991. I am so glad for that. It was a real great show, and I loved how they did Thriller on stage!
The world will not be the same, but his music and legacy lives on.
This is probably a really sad day to be leaving my first comment on your blog. I discovered your blog a few days ago and have been marveling at photos, the quality of the photos and what they've captured!!!
What camera do you use?
And how on earth can you get your template to allow posting such big photographs?
These are some of your best photos...
I am sure it was an incredible experience to witness such vigils in memoriam. Thanks for sharing.
Profound loss and I'm sure there'll be more vigils as the days pass. He was certainly a great artist.
Good job, Brian.
Great reportage and as always, fabulous photographs.
I never gave into the media when it comes to scandals and controversy about Michael Jackson. To me, whenever I hear about MJ, I'm just interested about his music. Whether he's going to release something new and if there's a tour to be held in the future. He is truly a musical genius and icon, he is very much missed and his music has inspired all even myself.
I miss you Mj , You'll be always our hearts :( You are the King of Pop and Legend .Greetings from Turkiye
Ashley
Post a Comment