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R.I.P. Michael Jackson, adland's king of pop
It seems fitting, ironic and ultimately tragic that Michael Jackson's best-known ad moment involved a freak accident. In 1984, at the height of his mega-fame in the wake of Thriller, Jacko's hair caught on fire while he was filming a Pepsi commercial for BBDO. Even in the pre-Internet age, and though he wasn't that badly hurt, the story was everywhere, all the time, for months. It became a media obsession. (It eventually inspired the title of Phil Dusenberry's book.) Such was MJ's blessing and curse. For a time, his celebrity rivaled that of Sinatra, Elvis or the Beatles. Far lesser celebrities have had their psyches crushed by the intensity and demand of the unclosing public eye. The biggest star of his generation, Michael Jackson cracked up in direct proportion to his fame. Cast as a god, the man embraced the role, seeking to remake himself in a pale, childlike image only he could understand. The endless cosmetic surgeries, the reclusive years at the Neverland Ranch and the bizarre pronouncements and behaviors are the stuff of legend. Of course, being reborn was something he could never achieve in life. The mighty, moon-walking King of Pop, largely a media construct himself, lost sight of the fact that we're simply not our own creations. Perhaps by now, an ever greater power has reminded him of that. Michael Jackson died on Thursday in Los Angeles at age 50. —Posted by David Gianatasio |
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June 25, 2009 in Gianatasio, Obituaries | Permalink |
Comments
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He died at a very young age. Condolences to the family of Michael Jackson and to his family. He was never lying his condition. Why would he do that? It was really true. He even tried to look happy and healthy despite his condition.
Posted by: long island gal | Jun 25, 2009 10:22:51 PM
No condolences from here.
It is sad about Farrah Fawcet more than MJ.
Posted by: Violin melbourne | Jun 26, 2009 1:07:45 AM
Every body likes Michael Jackson's music. We all miss him but his music won't get end.
Posted by: minor123 | Jun 26, 2009 1:14:19 AM
Michael Jackson,
Thank you for your music.
Rest in peace!
Chris Partland
http://www.michaeljacksonmemorials.com
Posted by: Chris Partland | Jun 26, 2009 2:33:51 AM
Beautifully said, Mr. Gianatasio.
Posted by: Sourie | Jun 26, 2009 6:33:03 AM
We have just lost an iconic artist. May he rest in peace. We will truly miss his great music.
Posted by: Custom Soccer Jerseys | Jun 26, 2009 9:50:27 AM
As sad as it is that we lost Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon all in one week, for some reason all I can think about is custom soccer jerseys
Posted by: Herbert | Jun 26, 2009 10:24:07 AM
Posted by: King of Soda Pop | Jun 26, 2009 5:42:33 PM
Itz da death of music as KING of POP xpires.....may his soul rest in peace :(
Posted by: canopy rentals | Jun 27, 2009 10:20:45 AM
rip mj
Posted by: billy | Jun 27, 2009 2:06:43 PM
"Cast as a god, the man embraced the role, seeking to remake himself in a pale, childlike image only he could understand."
He didn't choose to make himself look pale. Remember his skin condition, vitilgo?
Posted by: sc | Jun 28, 2009 4:57:12 PM
Some more ads in here
http://www.ceveni.com/2009/07/michael-jackson-old-pepsi-ads-video.html
Posted by: fed reirali | Jul 13, 2009 2:01:40 PM
