We are the world.

Michael Jackson isn’t really my cup of tea.  And the circus surrounding his death puts me off.  Yet Michael Jackson remains an important historical figure for my generation and I cannot simply dismiss him with a ‘good riddance’ and be done with it. 

Like it or not, Michael Jackson influenced the music of my time and made an indelible mark on an entire generation.   But it’s not Thriller or Pretty Young Thing that I most remember him for.  It’s his work on United Support of Artists for Africa.  Watching and listening to this recording session reminded me that there is more to most of us than meets the eye.  I am reminded we all can do more than we are to help those around us.  

Margaret Mead reminds us that the only thing that has ever changed the world are the efforts of a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens.  For all his quirks, flaws, foibles and tragedy, Michael Jackson banded together a group of artists for a common cause.  And that’s how I choose to remember him.   Good-bye, Michael.  Thank you for the music.