Michael Jackson Lives On, and On

The Thought Of The Day Is:

Michael Jackson Lives On, and On

By

KJ Williams

In 1991, I watched Natalie Cole sing a duet with her late, great father, Nat King Cole. As the sweet words, and music of “Unforgettable” seemed to stop time, we caught a glimpse of what it would be like seeing Natalie sing with him, as an adult.

She did sing with her father when she was a child, but was only fifteen when he died.

Natalie was on a stage looking up at a video of her dad, and then we could see a split screen, which made us feel like Nat was alive, and actually singing with his talented daughter. I remember thinking, how amazing it was that with modern technology, someone could actually sing with a person that had passed.

But in 2012, technology took it one step further. The world watched as the then deceased, “Tupac Shakur” took the stage with his Death Row brothers, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

This was the first time a hologram was used in front of a live audience in a concert format. The virtual performance met with mixed feelings. Some people thought it was the greatest, and a fitting tribute. While others felt as if the dead had been desecrated some how. It is believed that it cost $400,000 to create the hologram of the murdered rapper.

And then in 2014, we watched as Michael Jackson took the stage at the Billboard Music Awards, after having left this world five years previous.

There have been times when music has been produced posthumously, as with MJ’s album, “This Is It”, followed by the 2013 release of “Xscape”. I was elated to have new music from one of my favorite artists, that I thought ended on June 25^th, 2009.

But, when I watched the, “Slave to the Rhythm” hologram number, I was more than disturbed.

The first thing that bothered me about it was, Ludacris announcing, “Live from the MGM Grand….Michael Jackson!” It was a very surreal moment.

As wonderful as it would be for us to see our favorite performers living, breathing, dancing, and singing again, I can only wonder what Michael’s children must be feeling. Although, it took six months to make, his face looked strange at times, almost animated, which made it feel more wrong.

I guess that the family members that gave permission can argue that they are trying to keep their loved one’s music alive. But, I feel that the monetary gain must have played a part. Other wise, why not let them rest in peace?

In life, Michael was constantly trying to find peace. It’s a shame that even in death he can’t find it.