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Motown Mourns the Death of Michael Jackson
Published by Pamela Gentry on Friday, June 26, 2009 at 12:50 pm.
By Pamela Gentry, BET News
June 26, 2009 – The sudden death of Michael Jackson sadden me more than I expected. As a native of Detroit, the pop star always reminded me of the early days in the music business and the tradition of great music from my hometown, the place where Motown began.
Like everyone who ever saw Jackson perform live, the first experience is often the most memorable. For me, it was in the late 1970s when he was still touring with his brothers. Through the concert MJ broke away from the pack for several solo numbers and it was evident he was becoming a solo act right before our eyes.
Jackson’s last performance in Detroit was in October of 1988, white glove and all, in The Palace of Auburn Hills, an arena just north of Detroit. During the three-night stand on the singer’s “Bad” World Tour, the sold out crowds were treated with a great concert and given a night to remember.
As a native of the city that created the Motown sound, I know Jackson was always a favorite there. He had friends from the early Motown days like Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy who were his mentors. The Jackson Five recorded at Hitsville USA on Detroit’s west side.
With word of Jackson’s death on Thursday, mourners gathered outside of the Motown Museum to pay their respects at the passing of the pop legend.
I know the City of Detroit is mourning deeply because Jackson’s music was such a big part of the Motor City’s spirit and heart. Founder of Motown, Gordy released the following statement:
“I am shocked beyond words. It’s like a dream – a bad dream. This cannot be! How can Michael Jackson not be here? As a kid, Michael was always beyond his years. He had a knowingness about him that was incredible.
When I first heard him sing Smokey’s song, “Who’s Lovin’ You” at 10 years old, it felt like he had lived the song for 50 years. Somehow, even at that first meeting with him, he had a hunger to learn, a hunger to be the best and was willing to work as hard and as long as it took.
I had no concern about his ability to go to the top. He was like my son. He had warmth, sensitivity and two personalities.
When he was not on stage, he was loving, respectful and shy. When he WAS on stage, he was so in charge you would not believe he was the same person.
Michael was and will remain one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived.
He was exceptional, artistic and original. He gave the world his heart and soul through his music.
I extend my sympathies to Joe, Katherine and the entire Jackson family. My prayers are with them.
Berry Gordy “
I am also from Detroit with many great memories of Michael Jackson and attending the Jackson Five concerts when I was young, screaming and passing out at the sound of their voices.
I am curently deployed to Afghanistan and the news of Michael Jackson passing away made my heart skip a beat. He is truly a icon for our generation. My first album was “Off the Wall” and I thought that was the best thing ever. Let us not dwell on his negative as none of us are perfect. Remember him his as the best that ever lived. His talent will never be matched.
Never met Michael. I grew up listening to his music in the late 80’s early 90’s when I just a preschooler. I remember being so afraid of the “Thriller” video when I was younger. Overall, all of his songs are so meaningful to me. Its love in South Carolina today. The radio airways in my area are tributing to him ALL day. My prayers go out to his family and die-hard fans alike. He will be truly missed!
hi i was thinking the wiz would be an awesome tribute to
micheal jackson an also a great way to remind us to support the broadway play the wiz…..
thanks for reading
i’m mad as hell at CNN news for the way they are disrespecting MJ i think something should be said for what they are doing. show rude picture n just talking trash about him it wrong he is dead why don’t they just leaved him alone.
RIP MJ WE LOVE YOU WITH ALL OUR HEARTS
Michael was a true musical genius. His music made you feel great and his dance moves along with his videos were legendary. It is so hard to believe that he is gone, but his music will last for ever. I pray that God brings strength and comfort to his family.
i’m mad as hell at CNN news for the way they are disrespecting MJ i think something should be said for what they are doing. show rude picture n just talking trash about him it wrong he is dead why don’t they just leaved him alone.
RIP MJ WE LOVE YOU WITH ALL OUR HEARTS
NO ONE KNOWS WHEN AND HOW THE LORD WILL CALL YOU FROM THE FACE OF THIS EARTH!! BE READY AND GO WITH A SMILE IF YOU WERE AT PEACE WITH GOD. I PRAY THAT MR JACKSON WAS AT PEACE WITH GOD AND HE HAS AN EVEN GREATER ROLE IN HEAVEN THAN HE HAD ON EARTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i missed michael so much , we all do, he is my hero proud to black, he look out for the poor kids,iknoww he is missed all over the world ,gone too soon.
we love you bro,
Your debts are paid in full you owe no one,,RIP Michael you will be missed.
I’m soo sad and can’t believe Michael Jackson has passed! But i know he is now in a better place, away from all the negativity. His spirit, soul, and heart will live on forever, he will be missed and remembered greatly!! I have my father and daughter who have passed too soo i know they’ll take good care of him and soo will many others who we all loved and that have passed!!My prayers go out to his 3 kids and entire family, I send all my love and pray that everyone will get through this hard time!!LOVE YOU MICHAEL JACKSON FOREVER!!THE KING OF POP!!
I grew up listening to Michael Jackson and his brothers’ music. One Christmas as a child, around the age of 10 or 11 years old, I received my first record player with two or three of the Jackson 5’s first hit albums. Michael Jackson was a good person with a warm heart and spirit, he will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Jackson family.
Omg ! I can’t believ t nichea i gone. He was my inspiration. I lovehis hit thriller i love u
WATS UP TERRANCE N ROCSI IM SORRY 2 HEAR ABOUT MJ BUT DAT IS A ROAD WE ALL GOT 2 TAKE SO MY LVOE GOES OUT 2 HIS FAMILY??? THANK U??
MICHEAL JACKSON YOU WILL BE MISSED GREATLY,AND I WIL NEVER FORGET YOU FROM THE FIRST I SAW YOU PERFORM ON SOUL TRAIN R.I.P.
SORRY 2 HEAR BOUT MJ RIP KING OF POP????? RIP?
May the master of pop music and dance rest in peace,he will never be forgotten because he has left us the best of him which is his music,dance steps and great memories. R.I.P. MICHAEL JACKSON!!!