Was Michael Jackson the greatest pop star ever?
not sure what to say.
To all the haters out there. He is and always will be the king of pop. Nobody can reach his level of talent. All the muscicians and rappers and any other artists just remember he opened the door for a lot of you young black artists out there. He will be missed very much. May god bless him and his family. We love you Michael !!
Someone put the Eagles, the Eagles.....what......Eagles.......now thats funny....I would go Beatles........Sinatra was the man....Elvis......Michael surely talented but quite insane.....
The Beatles definitely. They wrote all their own lyrics and music, and played instruments.
its pretty hard to choose who really is the king of pop....
in the 60s it was the beatles who laid that claim.
in the 70-80s it was michael jackson
both the beatles and mj were talented beyond belief.
and mj started the trend of making music vidoes. ya, it was done before him, but he made music videos cool to watch. think of thriller....
I dunno about greatest, but the biggest is a debate between him, Elvis, Madonna, and maybe peak Dean Martin. No one else is even in the discussion.
I don't think the Beatles should count. McCartney/Lennon never went supernova like Michael did. 750 million records.
I will now that so much hoopla has been made over it to see what I missed.
Start with Off the Wall, maybe the best pop album ever.
...
A reminder: follow the Code of Honor in the ensuing discussion. Discussing Jackson's controversies isn't deathtrolling, but comment on the event without violating any rule but especially #1:
Tom Petty started music videos, check your history.
MJ cranked.
Say "yes he died,but he lived to influence millions and transform pop, and make music better!"
Today is the day that we keep Micheal Jackson in our minds(and hearts). Favorite every song he has on You Tube. Just Don't forget him......
A true talent that became an icon and then a mystery to us all. But I am 50 and grew up listening to Michael. Prayers to the Jackson Family.
Sorry he wrecked his image, he COULD have been the greatest. The Beatles, Elvis, Frank, all of them were better. Even with Vegas and sequinned jumpsuits, Elvis still ruled. John Lennon was wierd, but he only broke drug laws, hurting himself. Sinatra, nuff said. Poor MJ was just screwed up in the head, all that talent, and so ashamed to be black. My god, if I had 1/100th the talent he had, I would have been happy to be purple with pink spots. I just hope it wasn't suicide. It would make his young death even sadder. At 45 yrs old, him dying at 50 is very depressing to me. I was never a big fan, but I did own a couple of his records. RIP Michael.
Yes, MJ was one of the most talented pop stars and there's no doubt about that, but there were other stars ahead of him for the king of pop crown. It's unfortunate that his "crazy antics" will forever be remembered as much if not more than his music. Throughout the years we have seen many a music legend self-destruct & die young, and now MJ is one of them.
My thoughts and prayers go out to MJ's family, friends, fans, and anyone who is deeply impacted by MJ's tragic death. God Bless you all & bring you comfort.
American Idol 1971.....how about the King of American Pop? I love the Beatles, but MJ was uniquely American. Sad ending for an American legend.
Those that think MJ was the best obviously did not live during Sinatra, Elvis, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and many others. While he had good musical talent, he had nowhere near the proportionate impact as those I listed.
You had to be there.
Tom Petty started music videos, check your history.
I don't think so. I'd say http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/tv/bohemian_rhapsody.shtml">Queen started it, but Thriller redefined what the medium could be and became the template for pop music videos. Every pop video rips off Thriller. Synchronized dances begin and end there, really.
What makes you attribute video to Petty?
Those that think MJ was the best obviously did not live during Sinatra, Elvis, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and many others. While he had good musical talent, he had nowhere near the proportionate impact as those I listed.
I wasn't alive for those, but I refer you to the esteemed critic [NWS audio] George Carlin.
the beatles were the first to use the concept of the rock video. they taped versions of 'paperback writer' and 'rain' in the spring of 1966. the idea was to send the videos on tour so they didn't have to, same as the concept for sgt pepper.
and while whako jako may have sold more records, he was in no way more influential than the beatles.
don't seem to remember a flock of one-gloved, moon-walking singers sprouting up over night because of 'thriller'. after feb 64, every garage in the world had a bunch of kids with guitars playing rock and roll while growing their hair long enough to get in trouble at home and school.
some people just need a crash course in rock history it seems...
I never liked MJ personally. I also never bought the hype about Child Molestation. He made frivioulous law suits popular and that I don't like but on the plantiff's part. I am also sadly appauled by the moderator in green expressing views when a moderator is supposed to remain impartial they are supposed to prevent the flames. If no one knows their opinion its easier for them to enforce. MJs lawyers should have never settled they should have pushed it and proved his innocence. Settling is admiting guilt. Still Civil matters only in something that is not a crime. A criminal trial would prove or disprove guilt.
A bit of history would tell you about the popularity. Also adjusting for population would also align the idea of who is most popular. Population being like inflation. A percentage is more valuable here, than raw numbers.
no disrespect but he didn't do a thing for me. He was a very troubled man, that's proven by the life he lived.
Without a doubt...MJ was the "GREATEST POP STAR" ever!!! Rest in peace sweet prince!
He will be for ever remembered as one of the greatest performers in our musical history, r.i.p. Michael Jackson, your music and memories will live for ever.
Tyler- great carlin bit, don't even close to agree with it, but it is still awesome. and queen's bohemian rhapsody isn't even close to the first music video, I've seen a video for paranoid from black sabbath done in 72 or so, and what was 'yellow submarine' but an extended length music vid? nice to see you chiming in, not just crackin' the whip.
and I don't really think it's fair to compare album sales- jacko just happened to explode at a time where people were buying tons of records. if he'd been big 20 years earlier, or 20 years later, even with a comparable amount of fans and stardom, he wouldn't have sold nearly that amount. Important? duh. the KING? I can't get past his personal life, and neither can alot of other people. affairs? sure. drugs and booze? no problem. general strangeness? of course, that's almost required. molesting children, repeatedly? we can't get behind that. we cast out jerry lee lewis, and he was sleeping with a girl.
Michael Jackson was the king of wierd,He had a few good songs but for the most part he was just a gay man that liked little boys.
Based on the number of albums sold... lapping all others mentioned I would say HELL YEAH!!! He is the most famous person in the world... period. I can also CLEARLY remember making sure to be in the house in front of the tv when one of MJ's videos was set to premiere like, Remember the Time. Being on the phone with friends in total shock watching a video like it was a sitcom. He had a huge impact on the entertainment world and he will be greatly missed.
The Beattles had 33 #1 songs in 6 years!
Noone ever has nor ever will beat that!
Yes, he was the King Of POP... 4get the controversy but remember what he brought to the World... "We are the World". He brought everyone together in World's AID. He brought joy to everyones' day.... He had it all... I'm proud to be MJ's fan.... Michael, you'll always be remembered...
How can anyone dispute the man who had an attraction at Disneyland that lasted 10+ years dedicated and created just for him? No one can top that! He was the 'King of Pop' and Elvis was the 'King of Rock n Roll'. Any questions? Just ask Lisa Marie...
Michael was a good dancer, and a good singer. Outside of that I believe he was a sicko! Think about it, if anyone else was accused of being a pedophile as much as he was, and if after searching thier house found pictures of naked boys, they would be locked up. The disfiguration of his face, of course, is another issue.
I would never call someone like that great. The term "Great" I believe should be reserved for those of true character and not just because they had some artistic talent.
The world has lost one of the best artist to have ever lived in the pop world. He will be truly missed. This is a man who has had a great deal of problems and no privacy in his life, may he rest in peace.
#2 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:43 PM EDTThe best ever!!!!
#3 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:44 PM EDTI don't think we need to bring up his personal life. It's the King of Pop we're here for, not the perv.
It's the King of Pop we're here for, not the perv.
they were one and the same, can't cherry pick. he was what he was, like it or not.
to jocko
Re: He was one of the best child rapists ever!
Are you God? Because, no judge or jury has ever proven him as being a child molester. Only God would know that. But of course you aren't God, because God is not an idiot. He is fair. You are judging a person you know absolutely nothing about. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't. Picking a side without having any evidence is, well, let's see, a lot like something Hitler would do. Are you Hitler? Oh, I'm sorry, there I go again, judging you. Every artist has done things they shouldn't. Beat their spouses, molested children, drank till they died, overdosed on drugs; but, they all have talent. Michael Jackson was talented whether you liked his music or not. Your opinion of his music can be respected, but when you say horrible things about someone just 4 hours from their death, respect is abollished. You are a horrible person!
fair enough, mybusinessnoturs, but those 7 figure settlements speak volumes
...and you Jockoj:
Are the most hated person in this discussion ever!! Congrats!!
(That's how Michael's fans like me will remember you forever! and it's about "The King of Pop", we're here for, isn't?)
Michael Jackson was so talented and his songs will always be remembered. He may have had a dark side, we will never know for sure, but if we judged everyone in show business for their private life, no one could stand. When I hear his music, I don't think about his private life, only the talent that comes through the airwaves. I am sure his family and the world will miss him.
#4 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:45 PM EDTHe will be missed by many and will never be topped as the KING OF POP! I will miss you Michael!
#5 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:45 PM EDTKing and/or Prince of Pop
I don't care what anyone says, he had talent!
#6 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:46 PM EDTI've seen videos of cats that play ping-pong... that's talent. Anyone can get young boys drunk and have their way with them.
michael jackson was the best pop ever,he was famous& by that people in this world would try to do or say anything to disploit you.no matter what the situation was about child molestation,who are we to judge,for we were not there to see.i dont approve of preditors,or rapist but if the evidence is there then that person should be prosecuted..rest in peace michael your legacy will live forever......
I hope Micheal found his peace. Majority of the public will never know what goes on in the life of child stars. Some books never tell the whole truth. The King of Pop was a genius with all the signs of an abusive child-adolescent life. The world would be very shocked to know who the abusers were. It is a vicious business with lots of prey and predators. Let this "child, Mr. Micheal Jackson" rest in peace.
#7 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:46 PM EDTExactly MSP
My husband made a golf cart for Michael and McCaulay Culkin
and delivered it to Neverland, and michael offered to give him a tour, but my husband declined, saying he was tired and wanted to get home.
I loved you and your music Michael. You were a victim of your own greatness........
RIP
I agree he became victim of his great success. and the abuse suffered in his childhood and not to mention in his adult life of the constant scruitny, suspision and accusations. Rather any of it was true no one was magnified and commented on as much as he was. I have always been a fan since I was a child. I felt I grew up with him and Janet. I appreciate and love the talent of the whole family. I wish the children of his the most love I'm sure he was a loving and doting father. I will miss him greatly and my heart aches as I type this.
MJ was a victim of his EXCESS, not his success. I won't miss him.
Even if you don't/won't miss him you shouldn't say that at a time of sympathy!!=/
agree complety...it not only cost him 20 million to defend himself against NUMEROUS lies..it cost him his life....what a shame..he was indeed an ICON !! & will be missed more than Elvis I believe...so much talent..such a sad..sad life....you have to live it..before you judge it...
Doctor Larry...who cares what you think!!! He will be missed by ALL!!! RIP MJ - love you!
Doctor Larry,
Most people with success as great as Michael's can't cope. They never have a REAL life like you and me. Mostly, they become a slave to their fans. Devoted always. That is the main reason they don't stop. Cher said she was stopping. How long ago was that? Michael Jackson was just another human being. You don't have to miss him, but please don't dump on anyone dead. It isn't becoming for any of us. We should always try to find the good in people, no matter what. And don't say there was no good in him. There was. Missing MJ.
King of Pop? In my opinion...no. Dont get me wrong, the man was very gifted....but eh. Sad day.....but now people will forget about poor Farrah...may she rest in peace...may they both.
#9 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:47 PM EDTI agree - farrahs death after such a long battle with an extremely painful cancer should not be forgotten either - she was a strong woman and a great actress - not to mention an inspiration to women everywhere.
Definitely. A classy lassy, my 2nd teen crush( Lynda Carter,#1), and I wish her family the best. Loved ya, Farrah.
There is no way people will forget a strong, brave beautiful woman like Farrah. The fact she put out there for all to see how sad and hard her last years were, anyone who has had family die of cancer can tell you that Farrah is a hero for showing what cancer does to people. Farrah's beauty lay in her spirit as much if not more than her looks.
I will definitely miss Farrah. She was awesome on so many levels. Loved her.
he was the Elvis of our times!
i'm still in shock
#10 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:47 PM EDTWell, he didn't change the entire music landscape the way Elvis did. And Elvis didn't molest children. But other than that, yeah pretty much.
yes but lets not forget elvis liked to sniff little girls pantys,so lets not judge someone by the rumers.......I loved them both as well as the beatles.....all of there music was of a differant time,so they all win....my God bless your soul,rest in peace michael.....
I really hope...you wouldn't even think that molesting a child and a guy sniffing girls panties that were willingly given to him....are even remotely in the same ballpark....
Im one of those semi elvis experts and have read 100`s of books on Elvis and have never read of the panty sniffing fettish.But like everyone he had his share of hangups.
Once again, innocent until proven guilty. I could see if you knew him personally, maybe then you could have a somewhat educated opinion of whether he was a child molester or not. But, no evidence was shown to bring a guilty verdict. Michael had money and people wanted it. You really need to quit jumping the gun jockoj. Besides, he is dead, so try to be human, if that is possible, and have some respect.
You know you are getting old when your childhood idol dies. So sad. His music and talant will live forever!
#11 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:48 PM EDTso truth and so tragic. His music passed from generation to generation and will keep go on. Rest in Peace Michael. We'll miss you.
You're right. I saw their first appearance on the "Ed Sullivan Show".
wow. I say he was and despite the negative things said of him he did a ton of good, no one will come to reach his level God rest his soul.
#12 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:48 PM EDTThe only negatives I can remember said about Michael are the result of things he brought upon himself, and I can't for the life of me recall any "ton of good" that he did. Could you fill me in, please??
Yes, millions of dollars in donations to charities. Especially charities catering to children. He was a talented entertainer, no matter what you may think of him personally.
#1 He gave a lot of dying children an experience to remember.
#2 He gave money and participated in fund raising for starving people.
#3 If it weren't for him massive amount of people would not have worked.
Not one artist, celebrity or family/friend ever backed up the allegations against him. Dont believe the HYPE from greedy people he let into his world. Judge Yourselves 1st!
Definitely, he changed the way people dance forever. He is a true legend and possibly the greatest entertainer of all time, despite his mistakes off of the stage. Which one of us who grew up in the 80s have not tried the moonwalk? Be honest.
#13 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:48 PM EDTi remember the Jackson 5 cartoon and i wasnt even born.... The Jackson's Tour....pepsi commercial.... abuse from his father... growing up Jehoval Witness.... with all that said, who would be normal. People who live in glass house shouldnt...
I never cared much either way for Michael. I am sorry he is dead, as I am when anybody dies.
#14 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:49 PM EDTYes, He was the King of Pop. I am truly saddened. He and I are the same age and I grew up watching him. He was the most multi-talented person I have ever seen!!
#15 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:49 PM EDTThe Beatles are the greatest rock/pop stars in the history of mankind. If humanity survives another 1000 years, our progeny will still be listening to the music of the Fab Four in 3009. Jackson was a very popular artist who had a fantastic album with Thriller and he made several influential videos for Mtv but as a human being he was a very flawed and troubled individual. John Lennon worked for world peace while Jackson seemed to have an unnatural interest in children. 1000 years from now Jackson will be a faded memory while the Beatles revolution will still be impacting all those who hear their music, human and very probably, aliens as well.
Ah, I see another enlightened soul has it right. They truly were the greatest talents this world has yet seen. R.I.P. John & George.
Jackson? A very troubled individual who had talent but was a little too weird to ever make the best of what he had.
John Lennon was a drug-addicted whack job who thought he was a deity.
With Michael it was all about the music and the fans. The King of Pop was the consummate entertainer. Undoubtably the greatest ever.
"Michael Jackson was a drug-addicted whack job who thought he was a deity."
there. Fixed.
Oh, and he stabbed Paul McCartney in the back even though they were good friends.
Robert NOLA, Do you realize how asinine you sound? Do you really think the man behind the biggest selling album of all time, a music highlight of an entire decade, and the inspiration for dozens of other entertainers is just going to fade from memory and be forgotten? Did you think there's only room to remember one group or entertainer? Michael Jackson has set his place in history and will be remembered just as well as the Beatles or Elvis. You're a moron to think otherwise.
mj will be forgotten in a couple of weeks except for the die hard lunatics, how can you praise a child molester regardless of his talent. Once you taint your image as bad as him every conversation includes the fact that he had a problem with kids, turn on any news station now or radio station and every other comment pertains to his problems.
I can't believe the comments here. MJ has his (many) DAYS in court and no one ever could prove anything. To the contrary, he was NEVER found guilty of anything. Lawsuits can be filed by anyone for any reason at any time. Doesn't mean that the lawsuit has merit. All of the lawsuits filed against Michael to this day have not had merit and have not resulted in a guilty verdict or, civilly, not found to be at fault. So, haters, get a life, he was an icon and the media and one prosecutor who hated him actually destroyed his life. He was never able to shake the stigma of child abuser even though he was never found guilty of it. He was hounded by a prosecutor who wanted to destroy him and pursued it vigorously to no avail. His music and dance will live forever
all races listened to mike. all races did not listen to the beetles or elvis
THE BEATLES WERE THE BEST. PERIOD.
Yes, Micheal Jackson was an enormous talent and "Thriller" is the all - time single album sales leader. But the Fab 4 had 33 #1 hits in only a 6 - year span... they also had The Top 5 songs on the Billboard Charts in the same week and #1 in TOTAL record sales by a single artist - all IMO untouchable records thast no one will ever surpass...
Also, first TRUE "music videos" were "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Penny Lane" way back in 1967 - meaning not just lip-sycned performances of a song (which had been done earlier), but actual themed videos... and for all the kudos to MJ about "We are the World" and "Live Aid" (wonder how Lionel Richie feels about suddenly being forgotten as the actual writer of "We are the World")... the thing actually started with Bob Geldof, "Band-Aid", and "Do They Know it's Christmastime At All?" - not to mention that Geldof himself freely admits he got the whole idea from the first "Aid" concert - Beatle George Harrison's "Concert for Bangladesh" way back in 1971...
Yes, MJ was a tremendous talent who did some great things but the Beatles are forever untouchable as far as being "the Best Ever"...
it's a shame that the media focused so much on the negative, and forgot about all the good he did.
#17 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:50 PM EDTI will have to say death brings out all the negative in the world, when it is a time to reflect on the good in a person. The world has given the king of pop so much pain and suffering. Let Michael rest in peace with his keeper. Noone really knows what goes on with someone if you are not that person. Tabloids and media will always try to get a story no matter what the cost is. He will be greatly missed. May God bless and be with his family during this time.
Blondie, what good has he done? Make music? Make videos? Those don't quite fit the definition. Had he set up a philanthropy or was his fortune spent on himself??
Look back to the 80's and early 90's when he befriended Ryan White, the young boy with AIDS, and provided help and support to that family.
MJ inspired alot of artists into the business, including Justin Timberlake.
All that good he did. Building a curcus as his house to lure children to stay in his bed. Cameras to see if someone was coming toward his bedroom and locks on all the doors. Oh yeah and in addition to abusing children he sang some songs. Please people, don't confuse singing a song with something important like, oh curing polio.
wow, how uninformed some of us seem.
the good he did? charity.... millions upon millions
live aid concert... as I was born in 1985, I respect this great man who did that marvelous thing to save the lives of so many kids of my generation...
on top of all that, he just happened to be the king of pop.
Rest in the greatest Peace, you great man
Jockoj,
You are one of those gullible people that believes everything the media says. Don't you realize the media will say anything to get a story. They want any story, doesn't matter whether it is really true. And, if that story stirs the pot, even better. You really need to be educated on how worldly the world can be. How old are you? You must be pretty young, at least in mind.
I agree. He could'nt have been around when "We Are The World" was played around the planet at the exact same time. And for what? To raise millions of dollars for charity. And name another artist that could have gotten stars of that caliber to donate their talent? The proven truth here is that was no innapropriate contact and that the accusers family were in all actuality, grifters who saw an opportunity for a payday. Don't let an emotion rooted in dislike and disrespect cause you to try to tarnish a great legacy. You're starting to sound like Nancy Grace. RIP Michael.
I agree with all of you!! But you "mybusinessnoturs" say it all !!( Bravo!!) R.I.P. Michael
Wow, did anyone see this coming. Michael and Farrah the same day. We knew Farrah would leave us any day, but still very sad. I haven't been this overwhelmed since the week Princess Diana and Mother Theresa left us. And these were both same day.
#18 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:50 PM EDTtimaaaaah you are right who would have thought those two the same day and Ed Mcmahon. Regardless of what people say Michael has the awards and a large fan base to prove his talent. I too love the Beatles. Why are we trying to choose one over the other? They are all great musicians! They all had great success!
I got an instant headache hearing the news. Im very sad over his passing. R.I.P Michael and Farrah.
#19 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:51 PM EDTHe was certainly one of the most bizarre people in show business.
#20 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:51 PM EDTnever the greatest!! same dance moves for over 25 yrs so how could he be called the greatest ever? I seen better moves w/VANILLA ICE in 1990. H e was cool in 84 then he tanked,only the weird ones still hung on to him. I can see these weidos jumping off bridges all over the world now.
#21 - Thu Jun 25, 2009 6:54 PM EDTIt's true. He rested on his laurels from the Thriller album and NEVER updated himself. For the past 25 years he's worn the same bizarre military jackets with the old lady embroidering and sequins on them. He was stuck in a time loop. To me, to be considered the best, you have to keep up with the times. I can't even name a song or album after...hmmm...okay, I remember the Way you Make Me Feel and Black or White. But those were 20 years ago already.
To say that that only wierdos still hang on to Micheal's music is incredibly ignorant. Micheal's influence can be seen in many of today's popular artists from Justin to Usher, and Chris Brown. His music is timeless and even now as my local radio station is playing his music, I am reminded of how truly gifted he was. Now you are entitled to your opinion, and if thats what you want to say, then so be it but I'll have to tell you that as co-captain of a very popular dance team ( and I have performed to several of Micheal's songs) I am the exact opposite of a wierdo. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Jackson family and I pray that he has finally found peace. The entertainment world has lost a icon!!!!
Maybe so, but his music was outstanding. A definite freak if I ever saw one, but I always loved his music, from one decade to another. Very few entertainers can span that long - he lasted longer than the beetles.
That is probably one of the most insulting comments ever made. Vanilla Ice is a better dancer?! You truly possess a lack of culture and knowledge.
In no way should the terms Michael Jackson, Vanilla Ice, culture, and knowledge ever appear in the same paragraph, much less the same sentence. (except for the sentence I just wrote)
The man had the magic touch (probably the first person) to have the whole world moonwalking todate. Me myself and I "Please stop hating, we do love the same dance moves he's done for 25years because todate no one else has come up with their own moves to match. Believe!" We will love those moves everyday till we drop so will our grandchildren. Tah Tah. UK Zambian
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Yes and the king of tragedy.