Yesterday music fans around the world lost an icon, a legend. The "King of Pop" Michael Jackson passed away. I will always remember him as the soft-spoken, talented singer/songwriter/dancer extraordinaire that captured my heart when I was in grade school. I had posters plastered on my wall and owned every one of his albums(yes, on vinyl).

But how will he really be remembered? Will people think of him as the eccentric who stood trial for something so disgusting I won't even mention it here in as many words? Or will people think of him as I do now. All I know is that fame can have a negative impact on any one person; there are plenty of examples out there, choose one.

I guess I never really thought of it, until yesterday afternoon what impact Michael Jackson had on my own life. It was because of him that I learned to break dance and moonwalk, that I created my own single sequined glove (that talent would show up again when I handmade my Winter Carnival dress & sewed sequins on the sleeves by hand), and that I loved music so much I would listen to it 24 hours a day with 99.5 FM WLOL on even when I slept...of course waiting to hear a MJ song. He was also an inspiration in the fashion industry...I so badly wanted one of those Members Only jackets or a red leather jacket with a million zippers on it. I drove my mother crazy wanting to see him in concert and when MJ wouldn't come to the Twin Cities (because it was Prince's stomping ground) I was devastated, I cried for days (just ask my dad).

And still today, his music brings people together. One of my best friends in grade school Amy & I were so excited to see the music video for "Say, Say, Say" on Friday Night Videos because it featured my favorite MJ & her favorite Paul McCartney. I still remember that video today. I got a message from her on my Facebook page about that song just this morning...once again, his music continues to bring people together.

I pray that his soul is in a better place, where it's peaceful and no paparazzi can bother him. As for the things he was accused of doing in his later years, that's for God to judge him for. Remember him how you wish, but God blessed Michael Jackson with so many talents. It would be sad to forget the positive impact he had on generations of music fans.