I would have enjoyed the performance more had I not heard of the death of Michael Jackson on my way to the Kimmel Center. The Overture to Don Giovanni should have put me in the mood but the rhythms and melodies of MJs' music kept playing in my head. Michael, a few years younger than me, had long been part of the soundtrack to my life.
I remember seeing him and his brothers on television when I was a child. His charm and talent were infectious and while I did not seek out his music it seemed to follow me. At parties and family get-togethers someone would invariably put on the Jackson 5 and away the party went. I never really learned how to dance well but when MJs' music was in the air I knew I could dance with the best of them.
Nothing could contain the genius that was Michael Jackson. It seems almost every decade of my life he was discovering new ways to make one realize how infectious and fun music could be.
Michael grew up and began to exhibit the eccentricities that can sometimes accompany true genius. His music sometimes was darker but always innovative.
Every time I hear an MJ song I'm transported to times of innocence, family, friends, much fun and good music. I submit to you that anyone who hears a Michael Jackson song and does not want to get up and dance is not really listening.
Thank you Michael and R.I.P.
