Michael Jackson's Death Anniversary: A Look Back at the King of Pop's Music and Fashion
June 25 marked the five-year anniversary of Michael Jackson's death. It seems like the King of Pop died only a short time ago. His legacy will be immortalized through his music and his influences on pop music, music videos and especially fashion.
Latin Post reflects on Jackson's musical and fashion influences, from sequined jackets and his family to his hologram.
After Jackson died in June 2009, sales of his music on iTunes and in stores surged. Jackson's "Essential Collection" catapulted to the top of the album charts, and the "Man In The Mirror" single returned to the UK top 10 singles list, the Guardian reported. Four months later, young and old saw the documentary "This Is It," which captivated audiences once more.
More recently, at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards, a holographic Jackson performed a single from his posthumous "Xscape" album. Reactions were mixed: People thought it was creepy, a head scratcher, magnificent or that Jackson needed a proper introduction that night.
Perhaps Jackson knew how he had changed the world. In 2007, he told Ebony magazine music was his outlet, a "gift" he could give "to all of the lovers in this world." Katherine E. Krohn wrote in 2010's "Michael Jackson: Ultimate Music Legend" that Jackson knew he would live forever through his music.
The King of Pop's family knew of his scope. La Toya Jackson recently released a statement saying, "Five years ago today, we all lost the most INCREDIBLE father, brother, son and the most talented performer this world has ever known!" ABC News reported.
"Michael was all about love and peace, and in honor of my brother, I ask you to please do something kind for someone today, and BLAST and DANCE to all the beautiful music he left us all." Latoya added that she would do the same, ABC News reported.
In 2010, Entertainment Weekly released its list of Jackson's 10 best music videos. At No. 10 was "The Man In The Mirror"; "Scream," with Michael and his sister Janet, was at No. 8; "Remember the Time," featuring Iman, Eddie Murphy, and Magic Johnson was at No. 7; "Beat It" was No. 2; and No. 1 was "Thriller."
The fashion in those videos is tame compared to what he wore in real life. Jackson rocked bright red-moto jackets, the sparkly glove and the gold suit.
Jackson reportedly loved wearing one shirt combined with a red zipper jacket. The calypso shirt's neckline is sleeveless, and on its chest is a figure of baby cherubs, inscribed in French, "n'y a plus que l'amour. Sauf amour." In English, it means, "nothing is greater than love. Only love."
Even Lady Gaga was enamored of Jackson's sense of style. Early this year, Gaga said she would open a museum dedicated to displaying Jackson's fashion. In 2012, she purchased 55 of Jackson's possessions at auction, including his jacket from the 1983 hit "Thriller" and his famous Swarovski crystal-encrusted glove.
Gaga said Jackson's legacy should be preserved and remembered. She treasures her own tour clothes, so she has spent millions to make sure hers and Jackson's are secured. She added that she needed financial backing to develop the museum for the King of Pop.
Michael Jackson died of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication after having a heart attack at age 50 on June 25, 2009; he would be 55.
Catch his holographic, posthumous performance at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards in this video:
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