You are definitely underestimating his influence. Whole generations of musicians got clearly influenced by his music. He started musical genres and evolved with them, with which he was able to make many successful albums for years and years. He was a true musical genius and a very good (aggressive) businessman. He might have been crazy, but that's what fame and success tends to do to people.

Compare that to all those one-day flies of today in the pop music world and you'll see how he has been immensely important.

When it comes to music, there are a big bunch of artists that I like to listen to far more and far more often, but his music has always been of remarkable quality. You might not like pop music altogether, but sorry for saying this, but claiming his influence wasn't huge is really just quite ignorant.



He was responsible for a renewed boost in the booming of the music industry. So I would disagree with you there. If Michael Jackson wouldn't have been successful, someone else would have instead. But we're not living in a parallel dimension without Michael Jackson, lol. :p

John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson... something tells me he easily belongs among the best and most influential artists ever.

This depends on the music style. Some artists are influenced some others are not. I cannot imagine Depeche Mode hopping around like Jackson did. And they will never produce music like he did.

I agree that Jackson was unique, great and famous. But I don't see lots of Jackson clones in the music landscape as well as there are no Freddie Mercury copies around.
But I know dozens of bands performing and singing like Depeche Mode did. I went to a lot of gigs and parties and made similar music myself as a student.

There was a time when a majority of young people dressed and moved like Dave from Depeche Mode (at least here in Germany), they even cut their hair like him.
I did not see a single Jackson copy in the Disco here. Some tried to imitate his moon-walk though.

Maybe his success was more of an American story and among black people at this time.

Even World of Warcraft has some Jackson dance built in, so you think it did not influence the music business that much?

There are not many direct copies or rip-offs. That's right - and that's good.

Yes. I agree and there was an influence for sure. He was a pop giant at his time. There must be foot steps behind him.

I just wanted to point out that he was not the only one and that some people are not touched and affected at all.

So I understand both sides. Some don't understand the hype and some others admire him. It is just a matter of taste.

I didn't liked him, so no real RIP :P

I have a feeling a lot more people like coca-cola than like micheal jackson.... I mean he was known as the "king of pop" and yes he did influence pop culture, but that doesnt mean he influenced them in a positive way, or even in a way that he deserved, and doesnt mean that influence stretches out to anybody who dislikes poppy music.

honestly he annoyed the crap out of me, and even though i didnt wish him dead, i do think overrated people like him waste space in the public eye for something that could be a bit more constructive.

man thats just amazing!(in a bad way of coarse) hes one of those people who u just dont think about dieing.. and especially how yung he looks... Oh and he is said to have a heartattach.. but thats just what i herd

That has to do with your taste and (limited, no offense!!) knowledge of bands or music, as there are many people that tried to be like Freddie Mercury. Most of them just failed.
As for Michael Jackson, take a look at the Timberlakes in pop music. Modern day music is full of Jackson style stuff.



I made that analogy to show how famous he was, not how popular. But there are still millions of fans around the world.



Blame it on the bad publicity for his life-style and private issues... musically he hasn't dominated the news in years.

Michael, the torture of being a multi-millionaire pop singer is over.
RIP

dracula

It's sad indeed. I somehow think he got misunderstood many times, but we don't know the truth so whatever.
RIP King of Pop. Gonna listen to some songs of him now.