Thoughts on music, artistry and Michael Jackson's legacy.
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I wanted to wait a few days after most of the media, fans and social site frenzy had died down before posting a commentary. This also gave me time to reflect on an honest reaction as to what I was truly thinking about his passing. Often times the general public reacts in a shocking manner at the loss of most celebrities because they are public figures and are a part of pop culture's daily routines of speculation and awe. Similarly to how people react when a public commercial enterprise gets removed, it almost feels as if a cultural fragment is being removed as well. My reflections stem beyond just Michael Jackson as the famous man and more so what he represented in music, entertainment and artistry.
Like many others I genuinely feel that music today is less of an artistic and talent expression and more of a product of commercial enterprise. Though I will not specify specific artists because I do think each musician, singer or performer speaks to their demographic differently, I genuinely believe that for most of the newer artists today, if they were to pass, quit music, or slowly fade away, there are many others that could take their place. Where as with legends such as Michael Jackson can never be replaced. He expressed an artistic integrity which consistently broke ground and paved the innovative ways for future artists to grow upon. He created and exemplified what musicianship was about.
In getting older what saddens me is that in losing legendary artists, I see fewer and fewer great talents grow, that are more than just a by product of record label manufacturing. I wonder if there will ever be icons like Nina Simone, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra and a list of many other stars who's musical talent still stretches to touch generations of today. Jazz is my soul and Rock is my true love and I fear that Rock will never again have the magic, power, and mind blowing integrity that it has with bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Metallica and etc. once they are gone.

These thoughts are not to question the talent or value of any artist as that is up to the fans and public to do, my thoughts are simply an expression of fear and anguish as to what will happen in the future of music, and appreciating the legends we still have and the ones that have passed.