Dying was his only option. His only option for peace and some form of redemption. The only option to be a successful, lucrative, performer again. His only method for a comeback of sorts.
Death was Michael Jackson’s salvation.
Prior to his passing on June 25, 2010, Michael Jackson was a ruined man professionally, physically, financially and, some might say, morally too. Years of indulgent overspending, left the real life Peter Pan, mired in debt, and numerous plastic surgeries transformed the once spunky all-American, black phenom from Gary, Indiana into a frightening and unrecognizable version of his younger self. Then, there were all the molestation charges, which ultimately destroyed his career and public image. His legal troubles distracted from his recording and touring; devoured his bank account; and devastated the image of the King of Pop. Although never convicted, Jackson could never get past the stigma of being an accused pedophile, leaving him a broke recluse with no hopes of a complete and successful comeback.
A year after his death, Jackson is back. Most of his troubles have died with him and he has regained the status of icon. A renewed interest in his music has put him back on the charts and a movie that chronicles his last performance has made millions. New projects are in the works, as the Michael Jackson estate continues to negotiate lucrative deals that have been putting his finances back in the black and re-setting his public image back to the wholesome and shy twenty-something with his one glove, flood pants, sparkling socks, and black loafers that magnified that magnificent moon walk that forever changed the entertainment world.
With Michael Jackson now gone, his music can be celebrated and separated from his tragic image. It is time to lift your Michael Jackson music moratorium and put some "Beat It" back on family play list and let a little "Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)" blast from your car stereos.
