It finally hit me today - music was the meaning.When Michael Jackson died I was struck by how sudden it seemed, by the tone in my mother's voice and by the sheer volume and quality of his work.
And earlier today as I debriefed with one of my sisters on what MJ meant to us - our family, our people I tried to wrap my head around the tsunami of grief that must be the Jackson Family's. Your siblings are the only ones who can truly relate to how you grew up, share ancient jokes and misdeeds. And the Jackson 5's (and the rest of the fam) are writ large for all of us to share as if they were our own family hijinx.
And now as I watch the memorial service for this legendary artist, I realize that we love him because he was ours - he gave us music, love and memories. Is there another figure for whom millions can sing and dance to the same songs and feel the same joy? We loved him because he reminded us that music is the melody of life. Does the man have a bad song or a truly wack video?!
We love him because his excellence dared us to fly higher, even if it was just in our dreams.
As I watch this wonderful celebration of a tragic and beautiful life I am reminded of how his songs became the soundtrack of my life, our lives in so many ways...
I think back to how the Jackson 5 must have helped my mom learn how to be an American, when she was just another new Brooklyn transplant
To my Trini auntie who would yell at my cousins to hush up if Michael was performing on tv (sorry for stealing that MJ doll!)
The holiday season doesn't really get poppin in my house until my sisters and I are singing along to Jackson 5 caroles on a Motown Christmas
To the thrill of a 15 year old girl's lifetime, performing with my choir at Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary concert. Yes our costumes were busted, but we got to meet MJ!
Music was the measure of this man, and what an amazing legacy that is.
Don't stop till you get enough!
