To honor Michael Jackson’s passing, I’ve decided to post about The Moonwalk, capitalized on purpose.
The Moonwalk is one dance move I will never be able to do. I remember trying and failing repeated as young lad but I was able to kick my leg up around my waist, say “he-he” in a high pitched voice, grab my crotch and then point diagonally skyward. Who grew up in the 80’s and didn’t do that?
Michael Jackson was a lot of things – artist, performer, dancer, choreographer, side show and freak show – but his smooth, ever-so-cool, gravity-defying move has proven to be one of the most iconic dance moves in history. Hell, the dance move even inspired a movie, called “Moonwalker,” which gave us a giant robot version of MJ slaying bad guys with some seriously killer moves.
Below is, according the MSN Music, the first instance captured on video of Michael Jackson’s “Moonwalk.” It can be seen around 3:41, which is when everyone goes ballistic:

Some assorted random Michael Jackson memories of mine are:

• Thinking he was saying “fuckee” instead of “funky” in the song “Beat It” and being uncomfortable listening to it around my grandparents.
• Being totally scared to the point where I had nightmares by the “Thriller” video. There was one part in the haunted house that I used to close my eyes for and my friend Justin, who had cable therefore MTV therefore the video, would always be nice enough to tell me when I could open them again.
• Wondering how the hell he got that bad motherfucker Slash to wail away on his “Black or White” track

If you are feeling nostalgic for some of Jackson’s great music, moves and mini-movies (aka his videos), check out the Michael Jackson YouTube Channel which has 36 (double chai?) videos.
I actually just watched “Black and White” and was blown away with the first minute of Macaulay Culkin and George Wendt and then the rest of the video – the dancing through the various sets to the face merge at the end. Man I forgot how he was so damn talented. Sick.
This video actually made me sad for the first time. Its really unfortunate that the recent trials, bankruptcies and general weirdness distracted me from his musical brilliance because as I’m hopscotching around his career and catalog, I’m just amazed at how good he really was.
We in America destroy our icons in life and venerate them in death and that is definitely playing out true to form. Jackson from 1975 – 1995 I will miss dearly. Jackson from 1996 – 2009 I won’t miss at all. Unfortunately thus far there is way too much coverage on the 1996 – 2009 years and I’m hoping that changes.
Through the years I’ve posted when a number of different people have passed away. Now Michael Jackson is the latest but definitely not the last. So, here’s to you Michael: your music and artistry has made my life richer and for that I am thankful.