Yesterday, Charlie lost an angel and pop lost it’s King.  It really was a sad day for Gen-X. It’s kind of sad that the sad end to Farrah Fawcett’s battle with cancer was overshadowed by the unexpected passing of Michael Jackson, but the ultimate circus sideshow that was MJ’s life was sure to be a sideshow about his death no matter when it happened.  While Fawcett will be forever immortalized in every girly group snapshot that pays homage to Charlie’s Angels, Jacko will forever be a part of the pop-cultural fabric in the same strand as Elvis Presley, Madonna (still living but all the same) and Marilyn Monroe – an icon that will forever be a part of our visual, auditory and cultural history.

Even with his bizarre behavior, allegations of sexual abuse and financial trouble he was undoubtedly one of the greatest performers of all time.  Perhaps his bizarre behavior and severely ill adjusted adulthood were the by products of being part of the early paparazzi feeding frenzy that never stopped and his unshakeable status as the King of Pop; speculation forever surround his life as sure as Elvis and Marilyn-style conspiracy theories are soon to emerge. Another certainty is that if you grew up in the 70’s, 80’s or early 90’s you have a Michael Jackson memory. Here are some from a few of the Girls Guide crew

In Memory of Michael Joseph Jackson
(August 28, 1958 – June 26, 2009)

Courtney Chesley – Assistant Managing and Arts & Crafts Editor remembers:

OK, funny story. My cousins used to lock me in their basement, turn all the lights out and play “Thriller” on the boombox. It would scare THE SHIT out of me.

Annie – Sports & Fitness Editor remembers her favorite song:

“I’ll Be There” is probably one of my favorite love/loyalty songs ever.  Even Mariah didn’t mess it up for me! 

Holly Schroeder – Arts & Crafts Reporter remembers: 

Before Jacko went wacko, I loved the Thriller album. My friends and I would make up dances and practice our routines on the front lawn with the boom box blaring. Dancing was much more wholesome back then – lots of leg kicking and hair flipping. 

Archie McKinlay – The Dude said:

Perhaps I’m just too young to have really lived in a world where Michael Jackson was the king of pop. It wasn’t that anyone overthrew him or stole his crown, I just suppose the king never really returned to his throne.  I was too young to appreciate “Thriller” and “Off the Wall,” really the only two hits he had that I can remember, I remember for two entirely different reasons.  The first reason is a whale named Willie, the second is Macaulay Culkin dressed like Kris Kross, lip synching to a rap in “Black or White”; neither, of course, really point to the “King of Pop.” 

What I will remember most about Michael Jackson are his pre-solo days. The days in which a nine year old boy stole the show, his genius ridiculously apparent (he was referred to by Rolling Stone as a ”prodigy” at the time). I still can’t listen to “ABC” or “Rockn’ Robin” without thinking that this kid is going to be a star some day. Everything about the early days, from Michael’s showmanship to the fantastic Motown bass grooves and horn riffs,  will forever haunt me as testament to his unique and indelible mark upon pop music. May he moonwalk onto greener pastures and not stop until he’s had enough. 

Lauren Berger – Sex & Relationships Editor remembers:

I have a few great Michael stories. One of my first memories is sitting in the car, belting the lyrics to “P.Y.T.” I think I was around four. That’s still one of my favorite Michael Jackson songs. Another great MJ memory? Dancing at my 5th grade Halloween party to “ABC” by the Jackson Five. Say what you will about the man’s personal life – he put out some amazing music! Rest in peace, Michael.

I remember so much; I grew up right in that spot where my Mom was a Jackson 5 fan and Thriller was the first record I owned (and it still sits in my memories trunk next to my first soccer shin guards and ballet slippers). I remember when my Best Friend from grade school was getting ready to go see Michael Jackson at the Arena here in St. Louis (remember the arena?). I didn’t get to go, but our parents let us kept us out of their hair for the evening by sitting us down to make our own Michael Jackson shirts with puffy paint. I picked out Michael Jackson’s signature red color and scrawled “Bad” and “Off the Wall” and “Rock with You” in the 80’s signature neon colors. While I didn’t get to see him perform at the Arena, my Mom came home with a copy of his movie Moonwalker instead and I watched that movie on loop for months. Looking back I may have taken that consolation prize a little too easily, but to my elementary school self it was just as good if not better because I could watch it over and over again (or at least my Mom convinced me that is what made it better, ha!).

It wasn’t when I saw the mourners gathering outside of the hospital, or the announcement that Michael Jackson had passed away that got me.  It was walking into the living room and hearing “We Are the World” and “Don’t Stop ’til you Get Enough” for the first time in years that brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. May he rest in peace – finally.