UNFORGETTABLE ICON - 8 YEARS ON.

Let's switch it up...

Okay, so from my last post, this month's post is going to be slightly different. I'll be focusing on one legend. The man who set the bar high and changed the game forever. Sunday 25th June 2017 marked the 8th year anniversary of Michael Jackson passing away. The day that sent shock-waves around the world as we lost the King of Pop. Although it may be 8 years, MJ's legacy of music and stardom continues to live on.

Let's be honest, you'd be lying if you haven't attempted to do the moonwalk at least once. I mean, he left us all dragging our feet on our bedroom floors which was then followed by moving to the kitchen floor in the hope that we could try to master this somewhat effortless glide into a clever illusion.

I'm sure we all would have remembered MJ if he was just a songwriter. However, there was more to MJ as an artist and this was recognised. No one moved like him -but everyone most certainly wanted to. Music may have put MJ in the limelight, but the sharp spins and pivoting alongside his incredible group dancers in music videos "Thriller" and "Smooth Criminal" clearly set the standards for other artists. If that wasn't enough, in 1983, for the first time, MJ showed the world the dance move that essentially launched him into a completely new light, the moonwalk. The moonwalk became the most famous dance move to be associated with MJ and it still is today. The world first witnessed his smooth glide on stage during a Motown Music special, which instantly caught the audience's attention as no one had ever seen anything like it! To this date, other artists often incorporate MJ's iconic style and dance moves into their own music videos, however, no one quite pulls it off like he did. As for the music aspect, MJ's music consisted of a variety of genres, from pop and rock to jazz music. Whilst not forgetting his famous high pitch squeals and "yee-hees" from time to time. MJ's mind-blowing music continues to inspire others to this very day.

Throughout his successful music career, MJ received numerous awards including 13 Grammys and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Although MJ had a music career, he had bigger aspirations, one of which was to make the world a better place. He believed this was by helping the less fortunate and looking after the nature around us. This message was clearly portrayed through his music videos as MJ believed it was us as humans who were destroying our planet. As a result, MJ began to work alongside charities and even broke the record in the Guinness Book of World Records for the "Most Charities Supported by a Pop Star." He supported 39 charitable organisations and as a result of his compassion towards helping the less fortunate, he touched many people and was recognised as a Humanitarian.

MJ's music impacted many people's lives and this was the effect he himself and his music had on people. Whether you were old or young his music and dance alongside his desire to make the world a better place, attracted a wide audience. Which is essentially what increased and strengthened MJ's fan base across the world and made him a global phenomenon.

Another lengthy post but this man deserves some recognition for his unforgettable talent. Although 25th June commemorated the 8th year that this icon was taken away, it's safe to say that his distinct voice through to his record-breaking hits and trendsetting style, left an incredible mark on the world. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it!

Neha x