I know there are probably a dozen or more blogs on the subject, and that the internet has exploded in the last couple of hours with this news, but I felt like writing about it.  Michael Jackson was, after Elvis and The Beatles, a tremendous influence in my life, musically speaking.  I am paying my respects to a man who was an icon and a living legend and, if that is so bad that I get moderated or blasted to piece for it, then so be it.

I don't feel like talking about Michael Jackson's problems with the law.  I also do not feel like talking about the ongoing changes in his appearance, or the way he treated his sons and his daughter, or his marital problems.

What I feel like talking about is how this tremendous performer and inspired genius influence music culture.  Back in 1982, when I was just 11 years old, an album called Thriller came out and revolutionized the music industry, while shelling out number one singles at a staggering pace.  Michael Jackson became a household name, as his music was coming out of every radio and stereo for miles around.  I clearly remember watching him perform Billie Jean at the Motown 20 show and going nuts.  The Moonwalk was born.

You know how the story goes, so I won't bore you with the rest.  The King of Pop has left us, and today, the music industry has suffered a tremendous loss.  He had sold out 50 shows in London, which were about to start in July, and was on the "comeback trail".  Sadly, that trail has hit a tragic dead end, no pun intended, obviously.