Michael Jackson was clearly a musical and artistic genius, but as you so aptly point out, all the fame, the worldly glory, the unimaginable amount of earthly wealth were the very factors that led to his death because of a lack of spiritual understanding and discernment. Karen Carpenter would be another victim of the "business" of music and entertainment. Only the Lord knows where these beautiful artists stood spiritually when they died, but it's a sad early demise to the lives and talent of artists who gave us so much joy in their artistic abilities.
I remember when I saw the debut of Thriller on the still-new phenomenon of MTV. My first thought was that its release was a month late, should have coincided with Halloween. Now I play Thriller at the front door on Halloween night - every year a parent is seen dancing or telling me they love the music as they bring their trick or treaters by. Sharing the greatness of God's creation can still happen at Halloween.
Thriller had all the earmarks of breakthrough. It was a true moment that helped define one of the most epic decades in our history. Already we had New Wave, the 2nd British invasion and punk screaming into the music atmosphere like meteors. MTV added a visual element, like the music was going 3D. Yes, the music industry had struggled with this medium - many videos from early 80s are amateurish that don't hold up to the fantastic songs. And then there was Thriller. Let's not overlook how it redefined Michael Jackson also, breaking out in his solo career from Jackson 5 - Off the Wall had been a great start. Thriller was a combined effort of epic talent - Quincy Jones, the designers, choreographers, investors, musicians... most who would be in the background, unsung heroes for a long time. Imagine how the weight of all that worldly "success" would have been a crushing burden on the shoulders of a human. The weight did start to show up. MJ crowned himself "King of Pop" and seemed to aspire to succeed Elvis (and emulate his life). Throughout ancient history as found in the Old and New Testament are many stories of human "kings". The ones who thought all their glory was due to their own power eventually toppled. The ones who were dedicated to God, knew that God was THE source of their success and acknowledged that in Thanks and Praise to God, knew ultimate victory. King David is a prime example. David was very human, like all of us. He had and sometimes succumbed to very human weaknesses - but he never forgot the source of his greatness, God. David acknowledged when he messed up and he never stopped his Praise and Thanks to God. God's grace and forgiveness never ends for any who know Him as their Father.
Encouraging others to read the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke plus John is a first step to help others to know the Truth. Living our lives as examples is our ongoing assignment.
I believe achieving your goals at such a young age doesn't leave much for the rest of your life. People need goals to achieve to help them give meaning to their lives.
Motown had everything to do with breaking the cultural (racial) barriers, paving the way for J5 and then MJ. But even further back, Chuck Berry, Mills Brothers, Little Richard, Platters and so many others broke out of the R&B category into Top 40 - music for all!
We bought our daughter that album for a Christmas gift that same year. I remember it being one of her best gifts! It's a crime he had to live such a shameful life. Such a genius in his field. I wonder what would have happened if he decided to give his life to God.
Michael Jackson was clearly a musical and artistic genius, but as you so aptly point out, all the fame, the worldly glory, the unimaginable amount of earthly wealth were the very factors that led to his death because of a lack of spiritual understanding and discernment. Karen Carpenter would be another victim of the "business" of music and entertainment. Only the Lord knows where these beautiful artists stood spiritually when they died, but it's a sad early demise to the lives and talent of artists who gave us so much joy in their artistic abilities.
I remember when I saw the debut of Thriller on the still-new phenomenon of MTV. My first thought was that its release was a month late, should have coincided with Halloween. Now I play Thriller at the front door on Halloween night - every year a parent is seen dancing or telling me they love the music as they bring their trick or treaters by. Sharing the greatness of God's creation can still happen at Halloween.
Thriller had all the earmarks of breakthrough. It was a true moment that helped define one of the most epic decades in our history. Already we had New Wave, the 2nd British invasion and punk screaming into the music atmosphere like meteors. MTV added a visual element, like the music was going 3D. Yes, the music industry had struggled with this medium - many videos from early 80s are amateurish that don't hold up to the fantastic songs. And then there was Thriller. Let's not overlook how it redefined Michael Jackson also, breaking out in his solo career from Jackson 5 - Off the Wall had been a great start. Thriller was a combined effort of epic talent - Quincy Jones, the designers, choreographers, investors, musicians... most who would be in the background, unsung heroes for a long time. Imagine how the weight of all that worldly "success" would have been a crushing burden on the shoulders of a human. The weight did start to show up. MJ crowned himself "King of Pop" and seemed to aspire to succeed Elvis (and emulate his life). Throughout ancient history as found in the Old and New Testament are many stories of human "kings". The ones who thought all their glory was due to their own power eventually toppled. The ones who were dedicated to God, knew that God was THE source of their success and acknowledged that in Thanks and Praise to God, knew ultimate victory. King David is a prime example. David was very human, like all of us. He had and sometimes succumbed to very human weaknesses - but he never forgot the source of his greatness, God. David acknowledged when he messed up and he never stopped his Praise and Thanks to God. God's grace and forgiveness never ends for any who know Him as their Father.
Encouraging others to read the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke plus John is a first step to help others to know the Truth. Living our lives as examples is our ongoing assignment.
All Glory be to God!
I believe achieving your goals at such a young age doesn't leave much for the rest of your life. People need goals to achieve to help them give meaning to their lives.
I had no idea that Jackson had broken some of the racial barriers in the music industry...
Motown had everything to do with breaking the cultural (racial) barriers, paving the way for J5 and then MJ. But even further back, Chuck Berry, Mills Brothers, Little Richard, Platters and so many others broke out of the R&B category into Top 40 - music for all!
We bought our daughter that album for a Christmas gift that same year. I remember it being one of her best gifts! It's a crime he had to live such a shameful life. Such a genius in his field. I wonder what would have happened if he decided to give his life to God.