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I know in recent years he was considered freakish, possibly a pedophile, an addict, many things. Before all of those possibilities were plastered all over news outlets, newspapers & tabloids Michael Jackson was considered musical genius. Anyone that grew up in the 80's directly links him to their childhood. He provided years worth of the soundtrack. Michael gave us tacky red jackets with a hundred ill placed zippers, one sparklie glove, sequin covered fedora's, videos that actually told stories & made you want to mimic the background dancers.

I remember coming into 7th grade the morning after the American Music Awards had aired. 1983. We sat in math class and spent the first 15 minutes marveling at his live persormance. Even Mrs. Sheridan was going on & on about him. It was the part of the show everyone wanted to see & it was the rare occassion where it actually lived up to the hype. I can't find that exact performance on You Tube but here is one of Billie Jean that is pretty close & also came in 1983.

What do I think of when I hear Michael Jackson?

Moonwalk.