By Grace Dulce

On the cold, breezy night of Oct. 27, hundreds of Michael Jackson fans waited in line to see what everyone had been talking about: This is It. Thick, swirled ropes stretched all the way to the parking lot as the devoted and newly devoted waited hours to see Michael Jackson’s last and perhaps best movie.

As soon as the doors swung open, fans rushed in and grabbed the best seat they could find. The scene mimicked that of mall doors nationwide during black Friday. It was complete pandemonium.
“We made sure that we over prepared for the event,” said Carla Magsanay, 35, a shift manager at AMC Mercado Santa Clara. “Anticipation is key, and being that he’s Michael Jackson, we as management planned that this was going to happen … fans were going to show their support even after death.”

Despite all the controversies and personal troubles that the artist went through, the King of Pop continues to generate fans. Far beyond his graceful moves and out of this world gift of music, both lyrically and vocally, Michael Jackson was loved by all generations worldwide.

Freelance music journalist Serge Fleury is among the mourners who came and saw the movie on its opening night. “What can I say…? I just love the guy,” he said with excitement. “I like his music because it sounded like nothing else back then, and it’s been able to stand the test of time throughout the years.”

Certainly, Fleury was right on the money. The music industry is just like the fashion industry; every year there’s going to be a new trend. But with Michael Jackson’s music he remains to attract fans, regardless of their age. People are just drawn to his music and his whole persona as an artist, regardless if he was 30 years older than them.

“He was the trendsetter, and the staple that everyone he inspired. This is why every artist in the music industry practically strive to be like him,” said Fleury. “Right now you have children who knows his songs word for word, and it’s absolutely crazy because some of them weren’t even born when some of those songs were popular, and that’s a statement of his body of work right there.”

Like every success, being a musical icon came with a heavy price for the King of Pop. Born Michael Joseph Jackson, he lived a short troubled life in front of the cameras. He started performing at the young age of 5 with his brothers. Their group- The Jackson 5 made their album debut in 1964.

“As for the controversy part of it, I never let that stuff affect how I felt about his music. I just think he was one of those individuals that were severely misunderstood,” said Melissa Rico, a junior and Communications major at SF State. “In the process, he let the wrong people get close to him and in return, they did nothing but take full advantage of him; which is sad. But I’m a loyal fan.”

Jackson began a successful solo career in 1971. Thriller his 1982 album remains as the best selling album of all time. Known for his distinctive sound, vocal range, and out of this world choreography (moon walk) Michael Jackson has without a doubt inspired many artists of all genres of music.

In his lifetime, Michael was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, he holds the Guinness World Record for “the most successful entertainer of all time.” Included in his accomplishments are 13 Grammys, 22 American Music Awards, and 17 number one singles of all time.

“I know, that he’s a lot older than me, but I just love how he is as an artist,” said Rico. “It’s not the usual sex appeal that appears to me with another singer, I think it’s because Michael Jackson holds raw talent, and that is rare for an artist now a days.”

“I’ve been a fan of his since I was a child and this film just goes to show why I love this man’s music,” said Robert Cartagena, a junior and Journalism major at SF State. “The fans should go see This Is It because aside from getting their money’s worth, it’ll remind them of why Michael is such a musical icon. From the time the film begins with the moon man introduction that leads into Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ to its conclusion and dedication to Michael, they’ll experience the electricity MJ produced one final time.”

Perhaps this is because of what he represented in the music industry.

“No one’s been able to do what his done,” said Swift, a senior and BECA major. “Everyone always tries to idolize someone, but with Michael his style and edge was so ahead of his time, that even now his music continues to remain as hits.”

Although Jackson’s up and down life was cut short, he leaves many fans Heartbroken. His legacy and artistry will undeniably continue to live, along with his fans who will continue to share and spread his love for music.

“My friend and I used to love him, we would try to copy his music videos each chance that we got,” said Worthington, 19 of San Francisco. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not jumping on the bandwagon again now that he’s dead. All I’m saying is I’m going to miss him, but I’m pretty sure that his records will be available for years to come, and maybe my future kids will get to know a troubled talented man … and who knows maybe they’ll idolize him the way I did because he is amazing.”

Grace Dulce is a journalism student at SF State. She wrote this class in Jour 221 Newswriting in fall 2009.