How do you even begin an article that sums up the greatness that is Michael Jackson? There is truly only word to some up the late King of Pop: Icon.
He was the first black performing artist to have their videos played on MTV, his second masterpiece “Thriller” has sold more copies than any other album in history and remained on the Top 10 Billboard 200 for 80 weeks (spending 37 of those at #1), and he was named #31 on Anna Wintour, of Vogue’s, “Most Influential People in Fashion” list.
He set the dynamic and standards at unachievable highs for his impeccable skills in dancing, singing and style leaving one thing for certain: he will never be forgotten.
After performing alongside Motown back in 1968, Rolling Stone labeled Michael (then with the Jackson 5) a “prodigy” with “overwhelming musical gifts”.
Michael began entertaining the world when he was just 5-years-old. It was not until 1978 that he parted from his accomplished siblings and began his journey to solo fame. He co-produced his first record “Off the Wall” alongside producing master Quincy Jones.
Unfortunately, his luck came to a screeching halt a year later when he suffered a broken nose during one of his dance routines. Soon after he underwent an unsuccessful rhinoplasty that was just the beginning of Michael’s multiple plastic surgeries.
In 1984 President Ronald Reagan invited Michael to the White House to receive an award for all of his hard work and support of charities involved with those struggling from both drug and alcohol addictions. After arriving at the White House, attendees quickly forgot about his good deeds as they were awestruck by his authentically theatrical attire. Dressed head to toe in a blue sequined Eisenhower-esque cropped jacket that was embroidered with gold sequined epaulettes, his signature glove and matching socks, black loafers paired with spats and of course those extremely dark aviators, Michael was quickly labeled a fashion sensation. He wore a similar outfit that year to the Grammy’s where he took home eight awards.
His fans quickly realized and accepted that MJ was going to wear whatever he wants and failed to be influenced by any type of current trends, rather he stuck to timeless classics.
Michael experienced a long list of career lows in the mid-90s including alleged child abuse. He appeared in court wearing a blazer and…. pajama bottoms. Underneath his black surgical mask was a man who barely resembled Michael Jackson. Fans soon began to take notice of him more for his peculiar lifestyle and odd choices rather than the musical genius that he was.
The truth is, he was just being himself. Michael never felt the pressures to conform to societal norms. The only things he felt loyal to were his white socks, penny loafers, straight leg flat front pants, and fedoras that went everywhere with him, but never out of style. He made it a priority to set himself aside from the very beginning when he appeared on television performing with Jackson 5 in bell-bottoms to compliment his funky afro.
Even for those who refuse to show an ounce of love for the king of pop, it is absolutely impossible to deny that Michael Jackson has not solely brought style and fashion to a whole new level. Who else would rock fringed shirts, platform heels, paisely shirts, suede vests and custom tuxedos on any day other than Halloween?
In his “Thriller” video alone Jackson took enormous fashion risks and faced the possibility of full-force media scrutiny when he displayed a red leather jacket accompanied with zipper-details, tight parachute pants, a single white sequined glove, his hair in collar-length Jerry curls, and those staple extremely dark aviators.
One hundred years from now, even two hundred years from now, Michael Jackson will continue to be seen for what is underneath all of the makeup, theatrical costumes, and allegations, and that is a superstar.
