Michael Jackson: Tribute to the King of Pop

By: Alex Harris and Michael Vigilante

Michael Jackson once said, “Through it, my music, I know I will live forever.”  Although he passed away on June 25th, 2009, he will certainly continue to live on through his music.

We all know the King of Pop dealt with his fair share of controversy throughout his 45-year career, but that’s not what this article will be concerned with.  Here at theBESTmag, we like to view his career through a positive, enlightened perspective and truly examine the genius that was Michael Jackson.

What began as an extremely talented 5 year old singing with his older brothers in Jackson 5, eventually blossomed into the greatest pop artist of all time.  His high-pitched voice and captivating dance moves are still the subject of much imitation and admiration.  Compiling 13 Number 1 hits, as well as 13 Grammy Awards, it’s no secret that Michael Jackson deserves only praise for his outstanding music career.

Not only has he sold approximately 750 million albums world-wide, his influence has led to the unbridled success of other pop and R&B singers, such as Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Usher, R. Kelly, and Britney Spears.  Beyond Elvis Presley, and perhaps Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson is the only other entertainer to truly capture a wide range of demographics, and experience stardom on a world stage.

To add some comical, yet appropriate, relief to this piece, Michael Jackson made the boy-band craze of the late 90’s seem just as important as learning cursive in third grade. (Got anymore brain busters?)

Back to the late, great King of Pop; we’re going to provide you with theBESTmag’s Top Ten Michael Jackson songs of all time.  Enjoy.

1.) Beat It - Thriller

2.) Billie Jean - Thriller

3.) Thriller - Thriller

4.) Pretty Young Thing (P.Y.T.) - Thriller

5.) Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough - Off the Wall

6.) The Way You Make Me Feel - Bad

7.) Man in the Mirror - Bad

8.) Wanna Be Starting Something - Thriller

9.) Off the Wall - Off the Wall

10.) Bad - Bad / Black or White - Dangerous

Maybe you agree, maybe you don’t.  All I know is that, in the words of my good friend Mike Murello, “Michael Jackson is moonwalking his way to heaven, as we speak.”