Michael Jackson : Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

Whether you agree or disagree with Michael Jackson's actions and choices in recent years, if you are a true music lover, there is no way you can deny this icon has talent. Looking solely at his musical career, Jackson has set numerous records and won many awards for his music. According to the website allmichaeljackson.com he has actually won more awards than any other artist ever. That being said, it amazes me that former fans, the entertainment industry, and the media, try to take away from what he so obviously gave the world.

Michael Jackson began his adult solo music career in about 1979 with the album "Off The Wall" which was a large success both in and out of the United States. Jackson soon followed up with the world's largest selling album of all time,"Thriller". Along with the title song, this album contained legendary songs such as "Beat It", "Billie Jean", and "The Girl is Mine". This album lead to Michael winning several Grammy awards, commercial contracts, and almost instantaneous fame as a leading solo artist. Michael continued with his solo career in creating albums such as "Bad", "Dangerous", and several others. None of them were ever as big as "Thriller", yet they certainly became well known throughout the world.

Jackson was not only concerned with how much money he could make with these albums. Many times he was trying to send a message to his listeners. For example, his song "Man in the Mirror" relays a message of making a difference and helping to make things right in the world. This is one of several examples of his heartfelt messages. I know as a teenager listening to Jackson's work that if his song said to make a difference, I was all for it. He had a profound influence on my thoughts as a young teen in America and at that time, it wasn't at all negative. Certainly, this had to be true for others that enjoyed Jackson's music and are now adults.