Yes, We’re Still Listening to Michael Jackson

The media are still talking about Michael Jackson’s death, and it’s not just on Inside Edition. Today, even our local newscasts were letting us know that the autopsy report has been delayed.  It gets old. But then, it’s all Michael all the time at our house anyway.

I was 10 years old on December 8, 1980, when former Beatle John Lennon was killed. Until then, I was only marginally aware of both Lennon and the Beatles.  Within a few days, I’d heard plenty about both, and I’d found that my parents didn’t even own any Beatles records!

If you’re a parent, you know that history repeats itself.  My nine-year old daughter was barely aware of Michael Jackson until he died.  Now she’s obsessed with him and his music, and we don’t even own any of it. We sold or gave away our Michael Jackson collection long ago, because we just weren’t listening to it. Napster came to our rescue, however; she can listen to all of his songs there (along with Weird Al’s parodies).

What is it that attracts us to the music of our parents? I always thought I liked oldies because I grew up listening to the music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. We’ve never played much Michael Jackson since having kids, though, so I’m not sure where my daughter’s obsession is coming from.

Perhaps it’s a longing for a better place and a better time.  The Beatles represented all the hope and love of the 1960’s for me.  The best of Michael Jackson’s music expresses hope as well:  hope for a better world, for a better people, and for more caring about each other.

Yes, Michael got a little too weird for us, and the allegations of child molestation were disturbing. I mourned the old Michael Jackson long before he died. But I still appreciate his music and his efforts to help others around the world, and I’m glad that my daughter is coming to appreciate this, too.