Al B: You Are Not Alone...

Al MJ.jpg

A week ago today the world lost an Icon.

And while the complete circumstances are still being sorted out, those of us touched by Michael Jackson are left to deal with the loss. Some of us have watched wall-to-wall coverage on news networks and video channels, others retreated to a quiet place, listened to some of his music - maybe even toasted to his life with a friend or two.

My experience was a bit surreal. I was actually on the air when news started to leak out and had the unfortunate responsibility of relaying the news to folks who had not yet heard. That duty and the gravity of the story, delayed my ability to really take in the news. Once I got home, I grabbed a bottle and was able to relax a bit and it all started to sink in a little more as I watched the news and read updates on Facebook. It also hit home a little more when I was asked to write a quote for a local newspaper. As I waited for friends to join me, I began to sip on my Moscoto and wrote the following statement:

For all the controversies, scandals and occasional absurd eccentrics ... I will remember Michael Jackson for his talent, innovation, his magnetic presence, his genius... His SOUL. MJ's impact on artistry, performance and music will last through the ages. His art touched people from all walks, faiths, creeds and colors. There isn't a corner of the world that escapes a feeling of loss today. We only get one Michael Jackson, and I had had the privilege to experience him for 36 years. Thanks Mike! (and by the way, you delivered one hell of a bridge!)

We all deal with death differently. When my father passed, telling stories and laughing with family helped me. Last week, writing those words helped start the coping process for me. Some may not understand how you react, grasp and cope with loss. But that's ok. Your grief is yours - their grief is theirs. There is no right or wrong way to mourn or to absorb loss. There is simply your way.

Now that we are a week removed I would like to know; How has the loss of Michael Jackson affected you? How did you deal with the news? What did MJ mean to you? Reading your words, sure would help me.

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guys...the 25th of june 2009 is a day that will be remembered by many. the king of pop and legend MICHAEL JACKSON past on. his legacy and music will always be remembered. Michael was a genius coreographer, producer aswell as in composing music. the day he past away was the day we were celebrating my fathers 41st birthday. the morning my mother woke me up to tell me, mine and my sisters first reactions was adrienne, JAMIE (and what she said was jodi, JAMIE). If your wondering jamie was his biggest fan. sad news guys michael is in hell. sad but true he is not in a better place. but his legacy will forever live. much luv 2 u michael.

Posted by Jodi Fredericks 07/05/09 7:18 AM

To the person named J. Day, your words were very sweet at first. Then you started sounding like you're really not a fan of Michael, but a true hater. We all know about Michael's business with the child molestation charges. We are not here to read about your words on that. Especially when you haven't the clue to the facts, being that you wasn't there. We are here to spread love. I think maybe you are on the wrong board. Thank you!

Posted by Joyce Buckley 07/04/09 7:41 PM

I love Michael Jackson and the news of his passing was so troubling to me. He was a musical genius. His ability to dance, sing and create thought provoking songs and melodies, were truly a GIFT from GOD. I just wished he were not so tormented while he was here on this earth and most of all my the person he would call Daddy. Absolutely heartbreaking to see him gone. He will forever be a musical genius and Icon that no one would ever be able to Duplicate. GOD only Created ONE MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON to bring joy to this earth if only for 50 years. I will miss him! But he can finally rest in peace with the One Father that Will Always Love Him - GOD!

Posted by Anonymous 07/04/09 7:33 PM

Michael Jackson was unique, very creative, and a genius.I will never forget him. I felllike I grew up wit Micheal wen I found out his birthday was.9 days aftr mine I've been his biggest fan. When he was sad I used to wish I could comfort him.we should judge MJ we r not God but bcuz he was soo big the media is digging. I pray for his family to get through this with the lords help. For 50 yrs I've watched him progress though he chng'd in the way he looked it didn't matter he still presented his magic. I had something different to look fwd to wenever he'd come out into the limelight.I truly miss michael no more myspc messages gone too soon.

Posted by pat crawford 07/04/09 11:35 AM

I enjoyed reading this blog, the responses and remembering. I am going to keep it short because when it comes to anything Michael my heart simply breaks. He will be missed but I know he is finally FREE!! Fly on Michael...Fly on. @ Trenna - please know for every one of you, there are 100 like me who feel nothing but love ;o)

Posted by Andreana 07/04/09 12:00 AM

I know I'm going to make a bunch of people mad with this one, but life is life. When I was a little girl, I swore that I was Michael Jackson! I had the glove, the socks, the jacket, the moves, and even had the curl! I loved Michael Jackson so very much, and as an artist and entertainer I still do love him. But, in all honesty, Michael Jackson was a seriously mentally ill person, keyword: PERSON. He had extensive plastic surgery done which should (and would have if it wasn't MJ) have been considered self-mutilation. I don't care what anyone says, he did "something" he didn't have any business doing with those little boys, and probably more than what came forward. Imagine how those kids, and their parents feel about how bad the life of their abuser is being mourned. I keep thinking about how people acted towards Ike Turner when he died. Everyone had the worst things to say about him for his abuse against Tina Turner as long ago as that was, the abuse that she stuck around for no matter how you cut it. But this is a man, who has physically abused children for God knows how long, and all the public can think about is how good he danced. Sad day in America. I'm sure someone is going to jump up and say "Michael Jackson ain't do nuthin' to none of them kids, they was just tryin' to get some money!", so I will say this ahead of time. There are plenty of guilty men walking the streets this very moment as I type. R-I-P Man Behind The Mask.

Posted by J Day 07/03/09 11:22 PM

Even though I am of a younger generation, Michaels music was always around me. I think I speak for everyone when I say his music has touched us in one way or another. His music brought people from all different walks of life together, & while I am deeply saddened by his passing, I can bring myself a small sense of joy by remembering that he is now in a better place. R.I.P King, you will always be remembered.

Posted by Stephanie 07/03/09 10:58 PM

we both feel a deep sadness for the loss of MJ but we know our pain doesnt match that of the ones that knew him best.We have been playing alot of his music and the pain seem fade a little.we are now more mad than sad because the press cant just let everyone grieve.Why does it matter to them what was in his home? just respect what he wanted done.They tortured him while he was alive so let him rest in peace now. If we had to live in hiding most of lifes we probaly wouldnt sleep very good either, for anyone who has that problem and are honest about it they will tell you that would do anything to sleep. the only people who know is his family and then if they decide to tell his fans its thier choice.while we could say more but we will stop before we make the whole world mad....even if they should be anyway. He is the one man if we were to meet a star he would be it, because he had a pure heart and he will be truly missed. God bless you Michael until we meet we love you!

Posted by Ray and Dawn 07/03/09 3:18 PM

I am sad by MJ's passing, but I am even more saddened by the way people are acting and reacting. People seem to have so much venom in them, and at the same time, there is the opposite effect: the outpouring of love and support that people should have expressed when he WAS STILL ALIVE. Paying tribute to someone's memory is a nice gesture, but remember that you are doing so in order to make YOURSELF feel better; where were you when he needed you in his life?

Posted by Jane 07/03/09 10:59 AM

The passing of Michael Jackson has been been very emotional and spiritual for me. Like everyone else, I grew up listening to the Jacksons, and Michael's music in particular has been therapeutic throughout my life. His passing has forced me to face my own inevitable mortality...this may sound like a cliche', but we all should live each moment as if it were our last, and not take life for granted. Regardless of whether people liked him or not, what has saddened me the most is the character assassinations that have taken place in the media. It is easy to tear down a person's character when they aren't able to defend themselves. I just want Michael to be buried so that he can, at last, RIP.

Posted by Angela 07/03/09 5:15 AM

Thank you Al. B and Tyra's crews for asking a comment on MJ death. As I sometimes think, the Tyra show is like a restaurant where poeple can serve themselve the menu the really like, those are my fields, this is the kind of topic I like!- The King of Pop was and will remain a talented icon thought his inspirational music. For some of us who experienced the impact and influence of that abroad in a very young age, MJ will remain a hero. Who doesn't imitate the moonwalk dance(break dance)or sing, wear a jacket like him?! As the nature and essence of all human beings must arrive one day to the end, instead of focusing on his mistakes, its now time to promote his value, his respect for the total universe; starting from your'alter ego' (someone like you) illustrated in the use of his talent to bring world's attention to the suffering of Ethiopia (we are the world), and also a franc respect for the mother nature,your environment. Now is time to pass on the new generation his message of peace and love. MJ wasn't a perfect man on earth but he perfect his way of living among each individual with dignity and care: musicians, polititians, artist, fashion icons, militaries...citizen of planet earth. Let his soul be in an everlasting peace.

Posted by Bafeto 07/02/09 6:34 PM

well i just have to say the loss of michael jackson was so hard to take i grew up listen to him i will always rember his music and listen to it all the time he will always be an icon and never be forgotten thats for sure . he is now at peace with the lord no more people tryin to blame him for somthing he didnt do rest in peace u will alwys be in my heart.

Posted by sara 07/02/09 3:07 PM

Diana Ross said it best in her song oooooh i'm missing you tell me why the road turned. Im still missing you Mike but I know your in a better place now now more crying, no more pain. R.I.P And my the Lord be with you

Posted by Bianca Jones 07/02/09 2:00 PM

Thanks for this blogpost, Al. You always seem to know EXACTLY what people are thinking and feeling. For me, MJ's passing brought about a range of thoughts and emotions that was almost too much to bear. Initially shock, sadness at the loss of such a huge talent, confusion over his legacy, shame over how "we the public" have treated him over the years, and disgust at the vultures out there exploiting his death took hold of me. But, as I turned away from the media circus, I also found myself wondering about my own mortality, the legacy I'll leave behind and that of the ones I love. As much as Michael "lived" his life, he did little to "protect" his life...and there's a lesson to be learned from that. Fame and money are fleeting...without loved ones we can trust, and our health, we are nothing. Now, I've come to terms but Im still amazed by how much loss I feel. This man's life and music paralleled mine, and I took him for granted. Now I'll listen to his music with more appreciation than ever--I'm SO lucky that he belongs to MY generation--and I look forward to finding NEW meaning and messages in every song. What was old is new again, and Michael Jackson is forever.

Posted by Alex M. 07/02/09 12:47 PM

R.I.P MICHAEL JACKSON: KING OF POP, A TRUE LEGEND. WE WON'T EVER HAVE ANOTHER MJ.

Posted by Lena 07/02/09 12:10 PM