A big part of me died today.

It didnt really hit me until tonight, the impact that Michael Jackson had on me, and my generation... Today, I got the saddest news I've heard all week. Michael Jackson, at the age of 50, died... Im not one to really show my emotions when it comes to celebrity deaths, but what separates this from the others is the fact, that he had such a profound impact on my life. It goes all the way back to my very first Christmas in 1983 (which I still have to this day)... of course I dont remember it, but, that is the year that Michael Jacksons' Thriller came out, and it moved my heart. :) From that day, I was HOOKED on Michael Jackson... The most noticable impact is that he made on me, is what I wear. :) Its not noticable, and was hardly noticable, but with everything that I work, I would usually wear white socks and black shoes. It wasnt dancing loafers, but it was enough to where, I always wanted to try to moonwalk.

But, it wasnt until tonight until I realized the significance he had upon me. At this show at the Star Bar, here in Atlanta, GA, this one band called "A Fight To The Death," when before they finished there set and song, They busted out with a small instrumentalization of Billy Jean... And at that moment, I realized that EVERY SINGLE SOUL in the bar has been under the same impact as I. As we all cheered and danced, to the smooth bassline that makes that song so distinct, it made me realize that we, the kids of Generation X, are able to love the music that we were enjoying that night, because of the one and only Michael Jackson. He changed music for us... he was, is, and still will be music for us. No matter who you are, or what you do, you cant deny the impact that he made on the world. If it wasnt for him, you wouldnt care about Africa... and you wouldnt look at the "Man in the Mirror," to "make that change," or try to do the lean in the "Smooth Criminal" video. And how many of you honestly is still trying to do the Moonwalk? :) This is the impact he made on me... on US!!!

Frank Ski, on V-103, said it best... "He was enjoyable for the whole family." No matter what your parents listened to, no matter what you liked at the time, we call all remember a Saturday morning, when mom played the Thriller, Off the Wall, or Bad album on vinyl, and yall danced, and cleaned the house right up. :) For me, these are the memories that makes me smile when I think of those simpler times in Columbia, South Carolina. But now, I sit here, and I feel incomplete knowing that The King of Pop, died... But you know, when God calls you home, you cant ignore that call. :) So, I would like to end this by saying to his family. Thank you for sharing his talents with the world... without it, I dont know where I would be. :) And to yall, Just take a day and find some good ole MJ, The Jacksons, or Jackson 5 albums, and go and have yourself, one of those Special Cleaning Day Saturdays. Rest In Peace Michael. Thank you for your touch on us. :)