Thriller.

I remember growing up that MJ’s Thriller was always number 1 whenever MTV had their Top 100 Greatest Videos of all time.

A short while after the Neverland incident they had another broadcast of the Top 100, but – I am assuming because of the controversy- Thriller was no longer number 1.

I always felt like this was a political move on MTV’s part and for me, another mistep in their move away from music television pioneers to pop-culture-overlords. Regardless of the spectacle of his life and how bizarre he got towards the end – I will always remember Michael Jackson for the musical phenomenon that he was.

No one can watch those early videos and doubt his talent. He was a musical prodigy and truly was and is the King of Pop. Whether or not the later craziness shaded your perception of him, his influence is indelible on 1980s pop and American culture.

And if he does come back as a Zombie – I for one will lay aside my rifle and give him a pass. =)