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Michael Jackson – And What YOU Have in Common With HIM!
by Gary ~ June 29th, 2009
Millions and millions of people all over the world are mourning the passing of musical and dancing genius Michael Jackson.
I must admit, when I heard the news I was shocked and I felt a profound sadness at the passing of yet another icon of the music industry. I felt the same way when I heard the news of Elvis Presley’s untimely passing and the shocking execution murder of John Lennon all those years ago.
Most of us never get to meet these people (though I have worked for one very big name in the entertainment industry) and yet we all “feel” as though we know them through their gifts to the world, in this case, music. We marvel at their drive and passion to succeed in their chosen fields and we all sing along, dance, hum, whistle and tap out a beat in unison with their music. And it isn’t just musician’s who make us feel close to them…
Let’s spare a moment of thought for Farrah Fawcett too. Her death, after an awful period of pain and suffering, was almost put in the shadows by Michael Jackson’s sudden and unexpected death on the same day. Her iconic 1969 pin-up poster sold more than 12 million copies and she was a HUGE televison star (Charlies’ Angels) in the 1970’s!
Unlike Jackson, Farrah Fawcett was expected to pass away. Jackson’s death came out-of-the-blue! And I think that was why Michael Jackson’s passing was so much of a complete shock for everybody.
Before I mention what I believe YOU have in common with Michael Jackson let’s just do a quick run-down of his massive achievements in a life cut far too short and indelibly marked by inner turmoil and anguish.
Five of his solo albums – “HIStory,” “Thriller” (the BIGGEST selling album in music history), “Off the Wall,” “Bad” and “Dangerous” are among the best selling albums of all time. Collectively, they have sold an estimated 750 million units. He was inducted TWICE into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and had no fewer than 13 number ONE singles. He was the winner of 13 Grammy Awards and won the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award.
THAT is SERIOUS talent by anyone’s measurement!
But despite all his MASSIVE achievements he was flawed. He had “issues” with his self-esteem. I’ve read with interest in so many publications that he detested his appearance and only felt truly comfortable with himself when he was on-stage performing. And, as a boy, it was alleged by him and others that he was abused. (Sadly, how many times do we hear that these days?)
Most people have self-esteem issues and see themselves as FAR less than what they really are. Most of us believe we are too fat, too skinny, not good-looking enough, not happy enough, not successful enough, not talented enough and a whole range of other “lack” issues.
Sure the Michael Jackson’s of the world come along very seldom. He had precocious talent. But he still had demons that he wrestled with on a daily basis – just like you invariably do!
We can all do more and be more and achieve more. Mostly, it is self-doubt that holds us back.
I’m presently writing an e-book to address this self doubt gremlin that so many people from all over the world and from all walks of life have. But in the meantime, if you would like to learn more about how you can do more and ACHIEVE more then I’d like to direct you to another one of my e-books – “Power of Choice”. I won’t bung on about it here other than to say that it has been downloaded 1000’s of times into over 40 countries of the world. If you want, you can read about it over there on the left of the page (see cover art at top LHS of this page) . And, again if you want, you can get a copy by visiting this link: Get your own FREE life-changing POWER OF CHOICE e-book
We will continue to mourn those who shared their lives and talents with us but the most mournful thing of all will be the fact that they can no longer share their genius with us. Can you imagine the joy that Michael Jackson and John Lennon and Elvis Presley and others could have brought to the world had they lived on?
YOU have greatness locked within you. When are you going to release it and share it with us?
You see, you are going to pass on one day too. We’re all gonna do that. But here is a question I’d like you to ponder…
What legacy will YOU leave behind to show us all that you walked on this earth? When are you going to leave your mark?
RIP Michael Jackson – August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009
RIP Farrah Fawcett – February 2, 1947 – June 25, 2009
Feel free to make any comments below…
PS: Sorry, but I can’t reveal any details about who the “big star” was in my opening paragraph other than “he was a he” and he knew Michael Jackson well. And yes, this guy had “issues” too.
June 29th, 2009 at 5:29 am
With his eighth studio album due in 2008, it is about time to start standing in line to get ticketing for the time he is going to play a concert again. Musical
June 29th, 2009 at 7:33 am
Gary,
An excellent post and one which should cause each of us to as Michael Jackson put it look at “the man(or woman) in the mirror”. As you stated we all have greatness inside of us. It may be a parent as viewed by a child or a friend viewed by a friend or in a vast number of other situations. When we realize that others do view us in a much more positive manner than we often view ourselves we can begin to see value where once we saw doubts. We can begin to act in a different manner because we we have a bit more confidence and we can begin to accomplish ourselves what we once thought was only possible for others.
Ken
June 29th, 2009 at 11:08 am
@ Musical – 2008? Surely you mean 2009!
@ Ken – Great comment – “Man in the Mirror” – I should have used that song title in my post.
Correct Ken, we are often our harshest critic.
We often see in sport when a player gets a few early touches and then they become almost magical with their ability – tennis, baseball, basketball, all the football codes.
Thanks for stopping by.
Gary
PS: They just announced a Michael Jackson Tribute on TV tonight. I’m gonna break my self-imposed ban on watching junky TV shows and take a look, I think.
June 29th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Man in the Mirror is one of my favorite songs – and what amazing talent he had!!
None of us are perfect, and we all have different struggles in life.
Some have financial struggles, some have physical struggles, some have emotional struggles, and on and on.
What I love about your Power of Choice book, is that it is not about the struggles or trials that we have – it’s how we CHOOSE to respond and deal with them.
We are blessed by God for every day that we have to live, and for the power of choice that we all have.
Great post Gary – and thanks again for your great book.
Adam
June 29th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Hi Adam – yeah that is one of my favorite songs of his too. Such a shame what has happened.
I watched the documentary tonight and I felt really sorry for the way he was manipulated – all for the sake of the almighty dollar. It was disgusting.
We are indeed blessed. Life can be taken from any of us in the blink of an eye. That is why we must make the most of our opportunities and also why we should strive to help others less fortunate than us.
Thank you so much for your kind words about Power of Choice. I really appreciate that Adam.
Regards
Gary
June 29th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Hi Gazz-Man,
Great Post!
I agree that we can be all that we want to be and more!
Life as we know throws curveballs at us, and I think they are two kind of people – those that try and bat the curveball back and deal with it, and those that think they can’t deal with it and negatively give in straight off!
I think I am the opposite of most with regards to Self Esteem and but do have some doubt issues:
I doubt there is anyone as gorgeous than me
In all seriousness though – two talents have been lost to the world this week
God Bless them both ( Heaven will be rocking!)
Cheers
Tommy
ps- Product launch later this week
June 29th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Hi Tommy – VERY amusing comment re:
Hmm…
About the REST of your comments – I agree.
Regards
Gary
June 30th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Thanks for article. Everytime like to read you.
Thank you
June 30th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
It was a sad week for the entertainment world that’s for sure.
Who can forget Farrah Fawcett and her 1969 pin-up poster and of course “Charlies Angels”. I know I couldn’t get enough of her at the time. Of course I was in my mid teens when that poster came out so that explains a few things if you catch my drift.
As far as Michael Jackson goes I could take him or leave him. Didn’t care much for his music although I did like some of it and his videos. But that’s just my opinion and I was in the minority at that. I have to give him credit where credit is due though. He was a music and entertainment icon. He changed music forever just like his predecessors Elvis Presley and The Beatles had done in their time.
But let us not forget that Ed McMahon also died the same week in Los Angeles on June 23 at the age of 86. I don’t know all the details but I believe he had been suffering from bone cancer.
Ed McMahon was one of the greatest sidekicks in the history of show business. He and Johnny Carson together made “The Tonight Show” the great show that it was and still is(although I don’t care for Jay Leno). For 30 years McMahon’s trademark opening line “Heeeeeeerre’s Johnny!” will be remembered by millions.
These 3 Legends will be rememebered for years to come by millions.
Later,
Jeff Sargent
June 30th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Hi Jeff – Gee, I think I owe you a few blog comments. I have been so busy lately that I hardly have time for my own blog ATM. But I will get over to your neck-of-the-woods soon.
As you probably know from the pic on the right I visited Graceland a couple of years ago coz I’m an Elvis fan. Loved his music.
That pic of Farrah Fawcett has been proven to make people feel happy. Her smile was also said to do that. I remember reading it in a very old book that I had called “Your Body Doesn’t Lie.” It was written buy a guy whose surname was Diamond.
Well… look at that! I did a Google search and his name is JOHN Diamond. Amazing what you can find on Google!
I gotta admit Jeff that over here the name Ed McMahon isn’t well known. But Vince McMahon of the WWE is!
I agree with your comment about such people being remembered for their vast bodies of work and “gifts” to humanity. I referred to that above.
Thanks Jeff. See you soon.
Gary
July 1st, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Hey Gary,
I must be losing it. How long has those photos of your daughter’s wedding been there. I think I’ve seen the one on the bottom of you and your wife with your heads together. But I know I have not read about the wedding before now.
Anyway, congrats and you had better start making some serious money to help pay for that wedding. They sure went to quite a few nice places on their honeymoon.
Hey, I just came here to tell you that I signed up to Skype last night and I wanted to get your Skype Username so we can talk from our computers. You can email me your username and we’ll hook up. I did do a search for you but the only Gary Simpson in Australia was from Sydney which is about as far away from Perth as you can get.
I started to ramble on about my wedding many moons ago and how different it was from today’s weddings but the more I typed I said to myself I should post this on my blog.
So Gary, if you want to know about my wedding you’ll have to visit my blog.
Later,
Jeff Sargent
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:56 am
Another great post by my good friend G Man.
My favorite MJ is Man in the Mirror and everything he did around the same time he did “Ben”. My all time fav. of his.
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:45 am
This is where the winners will be announced. Hopefully by the week ending 10 July 2009. Post here if you have any queries. Lots of entries already.
Good Luck.
Gary
PS: If this message makes no sense to you then you are not one of my subscribers. To become a subscriber just download any of the FREE e-books on this blog and then you can join in the fun too.
1 – Jacqui Gates who selected Power of Choice
2 – “Awinwindeal” who selected Twitter Muscle
3 – Colin Southgate who also selected Power of Choice.
These names were selected by random from all the many entries. A new competition will be held soon. If you are a subscriber then you will have an equal chance of winning the selection of your choice.
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:30 am
Gary,
As always you are right on top of it. I truly agree with the comments I have found here. I can remember back to the day I heard my first cut from Thriller. I am an old man so I was old enough to be in the dance clubs when the Thriller album came out.
The first thing I remember about the album was just how great the entire album is.
Actually… I’m old enough to remember the Jackson 5 when they were the Jackson 5. I remeber watching the Jackson 5 cartoon on Saturday mornings as a kid.
Michael was an incredible artist, people around the world knew him and love his art. In one of his last interviews he actually talked about imortality and how artist’s become imortal because there art will always outlive them. He talked about Michael Angelo and how his art has made him imortal.
Michael was a very smart individual, a smart business man and an incredible artist. He was also a very flawed individual. He like most of us had his demons. I believe his demons ran very deep. I read many comments that spoke of the song “Man in the Mirror”, I wonder what Michael saw when he looked in the mirror. Did he see the large nose that his father made fun of all the time, or did he see the person who never wanted to grow up and who wanted to be excepted for who he was.
We can really never know what living in Michael’s shoes was like.
I choose to look at the Art that Michael created. I spent a good part of my life teaching children and adults about sexual abuse and have seen first hand the impact these types of behaviors. We really will never know what did or did not happen. I believe very little of what I hear from the tabloids although it is hard to not have questions.
In closing I believe in the adage “He who is without sin cast the first stone”. It is not my place to judge others, there is one much higher than I who can do that. We will all be judged for how we live our lives at some point. The press and the tabloids are unbelievable when it comes to printing anything they feel will sell papers and make people watch.
Thanks again for everything Gary,
Thom
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Hi Thom – great to see you. Pity we didn’t meet up in Las Vegas. Maybe next time.
Yeah, I prefer to remember his legacy by his gifts of song and dance.
Last night they had yet another Michael Jackson EXPOSE on TV over here – about the 5th one since his passing. It was deplorable – all about pedophilia. You would think that he was public enemy #1. All they did was highlight his association with kids. They did things like interview his Year 7 “so-called” best friend who hadn’t seen him in 38 years for a “SCOOP.” DUH!
They may as well have interviewed his ex-manager’s, second cousin’s next door neighbor’s, father-in-law’s brother. That’s about how credible it all was – an ATTACK on a dead person unable to defend himself. Gutter stuff. I only had it on in the background while I was editing something I wrote.
Send me that email Thom.
Regards
Gary
July 4th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
It is such a HUGE loss and quite unexpected as you say.
I was lucky enough to catch MJ on his “BAD” tour. I will never forget when he performed Billie Jean live on T.V. His moon walk left the world awe struck.
When he passed, I felt that a piece of my childhood went with him.
R.I.P. Michael Jackson
July 5th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Hi Curtis – nice words. Thank you for adding to the discussion here.
Gary
July 14th, 2009 at 10:40 am
I like your 2 last questions, so intriguing..
What legacy will YOU leave behind to show us all that you walked on this earth? When are you going to leave your mark?
For me, what MJ contributes to our world is his passion of creating a world of peace, “Where are the World”as he sings…
July 22nd, 2009 at 5:47 pm
The “King of Pop”, was an American recording artist who became one of the most commercially successful entertainers of all time.
July 28th, 2009 at 2:18 am
Garry,
Thank you for your continued inspiration and encouragement.
Great post reminding us who has left with such treasured moments that we can reflect on for the rest of our lives.
Another who I really respected but did not get a chance to see was the King of Las Vegas entertainment… Mr. Danny Gans. (died May 1, 2009)
Cheers,
Rob