SotD - Michael Jackson

Can you believe it's been 10 years since the death of the King of Pop? The Estate of Michael Jackson released a statement yesterday to mark the anniversary...



Here is that statement:



Ten years ago, the world lost
a gifted artist and extraordinary
humanitarian. The entire global
community joined in grieving during
a powerful and emotional memorial
service witnessed by more people than
had ever viewed a live event before.
Messages of condolences from Nelson
Mandela and others were read as was
a poem written for the occasion by the
esteemed Maya Angelou. Berry Gordy
Jr., founder of Motown, eulogized his
protégé by saying, “…the King of Pop
is not big enough for him. I think he is
simply the greatest entertainer that
ever lived.” United in grief, the world
wept not only at the loss of an artistic
genius but at the void left by the loss
of a father, son and brother.



A decade later, Michael Jackson is
still with us, his influence embedded
in dance, fashion, art and music of the
moment. He is more important than
ever. But the true measure of Michael
was his giving to others which came
in many forms. He comforted the
unfortunate at hospitals, in long term
care facilities and at halfway houses.
He equipped Neverland Ranch with
medical facilities to accommodate
patients seeking refuge from their
lonely hospital rooms, and thousands
came. He visited troops on bases
around the world serving their country.



Guinness World Records acknowledged
his efforts with an award for Most
Charities Supported by a Pop Star.
In a world where numbers are the
measure of a man, Michael Jackson is
a resounding success, whether by his 16
#1 singles and 8 #1 albums in the US or
the fact that his album Thriller is owned
by more people on the planet than any
album ever made and Thriller the short
film is the only music video to have
been inducted into the National Film
Registry. And when mastery of a craft is
the measure, Michael Jackson’s divine
abilities remain the yardstick by which
others are measured and against which
today’s masters still measure themselves.



But we best remember Michael
by paying tribute to his legacy of
philanthropic work and ask music
fans everywhere to make a difference
in their community - whether it’s
planting a tree, volunteering at a
shelter, cleaning up a public space
or helping someone who is lost find
their way. “I believe each person
can make a difference in the life of
someone in need,” he said. This is
how we honor Michael.



And we honour his music and showmanship by sharing the full 13 minute video of, probably, his most famous song.







Image & info Michael Jackson Estate.