In Sleep a King — Farewell to Michael Jackson

For those who are too young to remember him at the very height of his career, I’m sorry. There’s no questioning Michael Jackson’s influence on our current pop music and dance culture. His life was somewhat of a tragedy but his talent was a gift. So, in honor of this icon, I’m taking a moment to celebrate that gift.

A few videos.

First a collection of footage that clearly demonstrates the icon’s signature movement style and its relationship to today’s popular dance.

Second, one of my favorite Jackson tunes. It is impossible not to move when you hear a Michael Jackson song. That is the legacy within his body of work and the part of his life and career that will outlive everything else.

This song’s original music video is on YouTube and worth a watch. It is not embeddable. However, you can find it here.

UPDATE!

“Jackson was constantly nodding to the people before him while breaking ground ahead of him. I think this is the reason why all dancers have a special love for him. He was a dancer to be loved and a lover of dance himself.”

DanceNOWChicago has compiled an excellent series of YouTube videos that illustrate Jackson’s ties to the past. Visit the article NOW! You won’t regret it.

“Thy self thou gavest, thy own worth then not knowing,

Or me, to whom thou gavest it, else mistaking;

So thy great gift, upon misprision growing,

Comes home again, on better judgment making.

Thus have I had thee, as a dream doth flatter,

In sleep a king, but waking no such matter.” – William Shakespeare; Sonnet 87

Farewell, Michael!