The day the music died
This line is from the Don McLean song “American Pie” and refers to the death of Buddy Holly in the 50s.
In 1980, the same line came to mind when I first heard that John Lennon had been shot dead.
This morning, it came to mind again when I read that Michael Jackson had died. This time, the line is more personal as Michael and I are the same age and I first started listening to him at the start of his career with the Jackson 5. So for me, and the other music lovers around my age, 25 June 2009 is the day the music died for us.
I went through my vinyl record collection and found a Jackson 5 EP, probably their very first as it’s titled “Diana Ross presents The Jackson 5″, the same title as their first album released in 1969.
This EP features four songs – “I Want You Back” and “Can You Remember” on Side 1 and “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” and “ABC” on Side 2.
Earlier today, I went out and managed to get a copy of the 25th Anniversary edition of the Thriller CD. It was the second last copy at Movie Magic, a shop at the 1 Utama shopping complex; an elderly couple bought the last copy. I overhead the old lady saying something about all his songs so I suggested they get the Essential Michael Jackson but actually, they wanted his music videos, so the Thriller CD was the right choice as it includes a special DVD featuring “Thriller”, “Beat It” and “Billie Jean”, as well as his performance of “Billie Jean” for the Motown 25th anniversary celebration.
I also bought a Jackson 5 compilation and at the last moment, decided to get the Essential Michael Jackson, too. I played the latter on the drive home, and was unprepared for the tears that came when I heard “Got to be There”, his first solo single, although not his first #1 hit (that honour went to “Ben”). I’d completely forgotten about this song, and when I heard it after more than 30 years, I was struck by what an angelic voice he had. I cried for the boy that Michael Jackson was.
All through today, the CNN website’s front page has been showing a revolving Michael Jackon memorial banner with different pictures. This is the one I like best. This is the Michael Jackson I remember best.
25 June 2009 – the day the music died for many in my generation. Farewell, Michael Jackson.
