Welcome back, readers! This week marks the last post in my month-long Under Cover tribute to the late, great Michael Jackson. The last few posts have focused on interesting covers of classic songs as “Human Nature”, “Beat It“, and “Man In The Mirror“, but I feel it’s only right to finish up the series with a post completely dedicated to his gravity-defying dance moves. Whether it was his moonwalking ability, robotic movements, or that awe-inspiring “Smooth Criminal” lean, Michael always knew how to bust a groove. Not only did he achieve immortality for his unique choreography, he inspired legions of young performers to polish their love of song and dance in the vein of his genius. In case you haven’t been paying attention, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, andNe-yo are just a few prime examples of this generation’s best examples of incredible artists who owe their success to their gloved, musical hero.
Since they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, take a look at some videos that prove that Michael’s legacy was alive and well long before his tragic passing. Michael Jackson forever!
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Michael Jackson for Pepsi (early 1980′s)
Even MJ can’t get enough of himself and young fans who want to dance like their hero in this classic Pepsi commercial.
Another example of MJ’s impressive reach– it can make you forget your Tom Jones obsession. You don’t even have to be a singer-songwriter-dancer to want to dance like the King of Pop. Carlton upstages Will on an episode of “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” when the entire family attended Soul Train and brought the house down. Carlton Banks, Soul Brother #1!
I’m embarrassed to even feature this, but seeing MJ jumping on-stage during a standard *NSYNC performances is pretty awesome. While Justin Timberlake may make the ladies scream, MJ knows how to get male AND female fans hop out of their seats in excitement.
Chris Brown – live dance tribute (2008) Watch here!
One of my favorite singer/dancers of this generation, Chris Brown is one of the most obvious examples of how flawlessly emulating a legendary performer is a sure-fire way to leave some stardust behind on your trail to music superstardom.
Britain’s Got Talent (2008)
MJ fever is just as hot on the other side of the pond. Leave it to BGT to find artists known for MJ dance tributes that are surprisingly tight and on-point.
Ne-Yo at MJ Tribute show (2009)
Leave it to Ne-Yo to completely nail a tribute performance during what appears to have been an amazing concert worthy of MJ’s memory.
Gotta love YouTube. It’s the only way to randomly stumble across dance tributes from the many, many MJ-obsessed fans in the world. Hmm, this guy isn’t half bad.
Another reason to love YouTube — never before seen footage of President Obama paying homage to Michael during his lunch hour in-between peace talks with troubled nations. Aren’t you glad you voted Obama?!?
Justin Timberlake & Michael Jackson MAD TV Spoof
And finally, I leave you with a great parody of J-Timberlake sponging off of MJ for all his moves, vocal talents, and general success. This witty video alone proves that to be parodied (either MJ or Timberlake) is to have truly made it.
Welcome back, readers! In keeping with the Michael Jackson theme of the month, we’ve already paid homage to classics as “Human Nature” and “Beat It“. This week I chose one of my favorites of the many favorite MJ songs- “Man In The Mirror”. Perhaps one of the most compassionate hits off of Bad, it was also #1 on iTunes just a little while ago, much to the surprise (and not surprise) of industry giants. Of all his best #1 singles, why this one? More like, why the hell not? In light of his tragic passing, this one’s probably the most appropriate song to represent his legacy. It’s such a beautiful piece of music that touches listeners, uplifts them, cleanses their soul, and leaves them feeling purified. For a man who wished for the world to reunite in peace in his lifetime, it seems evident that through his music the world is doing just that in honor of the King of Pop. I hope he’s looking down at us, smiling!
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Michael Jackson – “Man In The Mirror” (original 1988)
An anthem of self-improvement, this track features some of Michael’s most ambitious vocal talent, soulful background vocals and an actual gospel choir for good measure. This song makes me want to cry, but in a good way.
Kris Allen of American Idol (cover 2009)
I’ve never actually followed a season of “American Idol”, but I gather fans went nuts over contestant Kris Allen‘s version. I give him an “E” for effort, but this one couldn’t possibly ever hold a candle to the original as it isn’t even in the same stratosphere of soulfulness. Don’t worry Kris, it’s not your fault you’re white. Haha.
James Morrison (2009)
I absolutely love this rendition from British soul-singer James Morrison. Acoustic guitar, pretty guitar licks, a sped-up rhythm, this one definitely tops my list of best covers thus far.
No Strings Attached (2003)
If jazzy, collegiate, a cappella groups from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are your cup of tea then you’re in for a treat with this surprisingly good interpretation. Supposedly, this one was nominated for the a cappella Grammy’s (or its equivalent) while some of our readers were too busy rushing fraternities. Man, I wonder what these guys sound like drunk!
Rhymefest cover (2008)
Who ever said hip hop musicians didn’t have a sensitive side? Rhymefest took time off from collaborating with Kanye West to put out a mixtape dedicated to Michael Jackson’s music. Gotta love a true blue fan.
U2 live (2009)
Leave it to Bono of U2 to dedicate a portion of their performance to the gloved one’s memory at their show in Milan last week. They begin with “Angel of Harlem” (one of my all-time favorite tracks of U2) and lace in a little “Man In The Mirror” for a roaring crowd.
In 2004, at only 11 years old, Mishon (MY-shawn) performed a tribute for “the greatest entertainer that ever lived”, Michael Jackson.
Watch Mishon get down to “Rock With You” and “Billie Jean” in homage to the King of Pop:
Mishon continues to express Michael Jackson’s influence in his music and style. Check out the “Just a Kiss” video for proof! It shows off the 16 year old Los Angeles native’s soaring vocal dexterity and considerable teen charm.
The multi-talented teen is already a TV star thanks to his role as spunky kid brother Tay on the ABC Family Channel drama “Lincoln Heights”, which began shooting its fourth season this spring.
It wasn’t until he handpicked the song “Lean On Me” to perform—unexpectedly—at the funeral of his great grandfather at age 9 that folks around him really took notice of the emotion he was able to wring from the song. “They asked if anybody had anything to say, and I stepped up to the microphone and started singing,” Mishon explains. “And that’s really what broke me out of my shell because I used to be a very shy child.”
Welcome back, readers! As I’m sure you’ve already heard, the King of Pop and musical visionary that is/was known as Michael Jacksonpassed away last week sending the world into a state of complete and utter shock. Google, Wikipedia, and Twitter temporarily shut down due to the surge of MJ-related activity and searches, Billy Mays, Ed McMahon, and Farrah Fawcett‘s deaths were overshadowed with his media coverage, stores are selling out of his records, and his name is all over the top of music charts again. Perhaps, then it was only natural that the Pop/Punk feature I promised last week had to be shelved for now in honor of an artist on the verge of a killer comeback. Even though his tragic death preempted his sold-out string of This Is It concert series, the deluge of love from fans and music colleagues around the world only prove that the comeback has already been accomplished… because he never really went away!
Since words can’t really do his art justice, I’ve included several stellar cover performances of one of my favorite all-time Michael Jackson songs, “Human Nature”. I dedicate this post to Michael and will leave you with one of his best performances of the song during the height of his fame. MJ forever!
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Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” (original) “If this town is just an apple, then let me take a bite.”
Alicia Keys cover (live) Miss Keys belts out this song as sweetly and soulfully as her own material. It’s flawless.
Boyz II Men cover Gotta love this Latin-inspired cover version from a band who is in desperate need of a comeback… now, please!
The Color Fred cover (acoustic) Even the co-vocalist/songwriter from Taking Back Sunday can’t help but pick up his guitar and ask “why?” about human nature. I love the “hee” that was thrown in at the end!
Craig David cover (live)
Acoustic, rhythm and blues-inspired Michael Jackson covers have never sounded so melodious.
Tarrus Riley cover Reggae-tinged, this creative interpretation makes me want to blast this as I lay in my hammock with a cold beverage, contemplating “why, why.”
Chaka Khan & Miles Davis (live) Miles Davis and Chaka Khan wowed crowds back in ’89 with this superstar collaboration. I can’t decide what stole the show: his smooth trumpet, or her larger than life vocals (start at 2:20)? Either way, I think the audience won.
Michael Jackson live
Performed during his Bad Tour in 1987, Michael Jackson proves to be a treat for the eyes and ears as he manages to excite crowds with rhythmic dance moves even during one of his slower jams. Thank goodness for YouTube, Michael’s dynamic stage performances are always a click away.
As we all know very well by now, this past week the greatest entertainer of our generation passed away in a tragic death at an age in which he was too young to go. Michael Jackson would’ve always been too young to go for me. I could easily get into a sentimental mood about this man and everything that he meant to me, but I will pass on doing so as I’ve already been extremely saddened by his death.
I was actually surprised to realize how much the death of someone I had never met effected me. I think it had to be because when he died I felt that a large part of my childhood went with him, that the largest seam of our pop culture had unraveled, and that the man lived a tragic life in which he deserved better; he was robbed of his childhood and now he has been robbed of his old age. He gave us so much with his entire life, and by entire I mean exactly that, from the age of 5 when he joined the Jackson 5 till the age of 50, when he left us. And in the end we hung him for accusations that probably destroyed him.
When I think of Michael Jackson, I always think of being around 7 or 8, when my father bought my sister and me “Bad”, and then a few weeks later surprised us with “Thriller”. The first albums in the house that were actually “ours”. It is all we listened to and after dinner we would dance around to those two CDs in the living room like crazy people. I was so obsessed that I even had a Michael Jackson birthday party. For that I was decked out in a fake white glove, jean jacket, a Michael Jackson t-shirt, in my best effort to emulate the King of Pop. And now the King is dead. But long live the King, as he will do so in our hearts, memories, and the music that will be played on long after we are gone. Because it is ironic in that his death he found what he was seeking, a comeback. Everywhere you go in New York you hear Michael; in bars, in restaurants, on the streets and in the cabs. His music has been sold out in almost all stores, he holds the top spots on iTunes, Amazon, the internet almost crashed with traffic related to him, thousands of articles have been written about him. It the end we all knew where he really stood in our hearts.
For this feature I am going to skip the usual portion of where I discuss the original, because lets be honest, you don’t really need me to do so. The original will be there for you to listen to you, however. Also, I want to note that no Michael Jackson song ever needs to be remixed, because nothing anyone does would be able to compare to what he has done himself. But it’s always enjoyable to listen to others’ interpretations.
.“Smooth Criminal” – Telemitry Remix
Smooth Criminal was one of the earliest MJ songs I can remember. Off of “Bad” it was by far one of his greatest music videos too. Taken from a scene of his movie “Moonwalker” and set in a 1920s-like speakeasy, it was infamous for his famous leaning dance move. Telemitry does an amazing remix to this track with some serious build up. He speeds it up super fast; it’s amped up on energy drinks, coffee, speed, whatever you can think of. The beginning starts off great with a thick drum punch, MJ’s lyrics cut up and repeated “As he came into the…Are you ok, ok?” then backed with the echo of “I don’t know” followed by distorted synthesizers, cymbal splashes and eventually with subtle robotic bleeps. The real gem of the mix is how Telemitry handles the vocals.
.“I Want You Back” – DJ Z-Trip Remix
My all time favorite Jackson 5 song. Z-trips remix is beautiful. The beginning focuses on the famous guitar riff of the song, but it is re-done in a blues-y soul style. It is then followed by the equally famous bass line of the song, until, what I believe, is Berry Gordy’s voice that cuts in saying “Alright, stand by, I’m going back up to the top”, which brings a nice intimate, in-the-studio feel to the track. You can almost see the young brothers recording the song. Then most of the guitar is removed, the bass riff is thick and heavy, the drums splash and pound, setting the tone for the mix, and then a young Michael Jackson’s voice with soul sings the well know line, “When I had you to myself, I didn’t want you around”.
.“P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” – Marquis Remix
This is a harsh and loud mix of the song. This is one you’d thrown on the turntables late in the evening, when the place is crowed, the drinks have been heavy and everyone is just about completely mental. The mix kicks off with the guitar riff of the song, chopped up, covered by Michael’s heavy breathing, an over dubbed percussion layer, then more guitars, louder and firmer, than the original. The background vocals kick in “Na, na na, na na na”, followed by MJ’s vocals coming in. The “Uh” of the song is splattered throughout with some bongs for a nice respite of music, and than the original, vocorized and sequenced portion of the track plays in. This is a maniacally fun mix.
.“Thriller” – Louis La Roche Remix
This one makes me smile. It starts off with a rework of the disco beat to the song, which is futuristic, metallic, robotic? I’m looking for a word. And then the infamous tune comes in, but it’s splashed around with electro grunge, heavier bass beats, thicker percussion, and it’s all slightly chopped. It’s loopy and fun. And to add to that fun the maniacal laugh of Vincent Price from the original silences everything and then, boom, all the music jumps back in. No vocals here, just a clever and fun electro rework of the music from the original.
.“Beat It” – Kid Nexus Remix
This mix opens with amplifier noise followed by the signature guitar lick of Eddie Van Halen from the original, though more distorted and grungy. The vocals to the track are subdued and heard a little lower. The mix is fairly slow and repetitive, its main attempt being to focus on the powerful guitar riff of the song. Some electronic bleeps are added for diversity in the end that follow nicely on more chopped up guitars.
.“Billie Jean” – Mihalis Safras
A quiet and soft remix. The Billie Jean tune is subdued and muffled to almost a silence. It plays in the background. Chopped up vocals hop around, which aren’t even words. And then there are many creative layers added on. Sequencers used to create various beats, many that sound tribal inspired with a touch of Ibiza house. They bleep and bounce over the tune. The mix stays at this tempo and it works incredibly well. Kind of makes your head bop.
.“Thriller” – DiscoTech Remix
This is a pretty good take on the horror song. It starts off brilliantly, better than the rest of the mix. It re-works the bubbly, disco music of the original, speeds it up, adds in some electro and house beats, features softly the lyrics from MJ’s “Rock With You”, and then the music and vocals of the original kick in. The song from there is fairly similar to the original, only sped up with add ins of kazoo like instruments.
.“Rock With You” – Frankie Knuckles Remix
This is hardly a remix, more of a ballad. It’s the opposite of what a remix does. Instead of speeding up the song or adding to it, Frankie Knuckles strips it bare. The original is a disco, funk filled jam, with smooth beats, disco jives, and funk bass guitars. This mix is all of that gone, just a slow, delicate piano to the vocals. A few minutes in the song picks up with a house beat; but it’s subtle and soft, and the melody of the song is played via piano.
.“I Want You Back” – Rogerseventytwo Remix
Rogerseventytwo’s take on this is completely skewed in the other direction of the original, which is the right way to go when taking on such a beloved song. He keeps Michael’s vocals completely in check (though slightly echoed) but transforms and layers the track with funk filled bass lines and house beats. It brings out a stadium, anthem feel to the song.
.“Thriller” – Villains Remix
I know I have done quite a few Thriller remixes in this post, but they are the most prominent and the best. So I won’t say much here. This is mostly an instrumental mix, which stretches the vocals to work like an instrument, and the typical electronic fare is placed all over the mix. I love this one.
There is no name more recognized the world over than Michael Jackson. Just over two months before his 51st birthday, the King of Pop was rushed to the hospital for cardiac arrest and pronounced dead yesterday, June 25, 2009. His career began four decades ago with The Jackson 5 and blossomed into a rich and successful solo careers spanning decades. Five of his solo studio albums are among the world’s best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982) with over 100 million copies sold, Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).
It should come as no surprise that many are calling Michael Jackson the Elvis Presley of our generation. Personal trials and tribulations aside, Michael Jackson was a great entertainer and earned the title King of Pop. He will undoubtedly live on in our hearts and minds. Read what some have to say about the late, great Michael Jackson:
“Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend.” — Steven Spielberg
“He was deep.” – reader Gladys
“R.I.P. to Michael Jackson my music god. R.I.P. MJ: he lives forever in my heart. I will never forget the day he came to see me in the studio and I played him music.” – Wyclef
“It’s taken me a moment to grasp this … I understand life and death are part of the same magnificent cycle. But I literally stopped and broke down When I received ‘that’ text . Mike’s music lives in my DNA. It’s bigger than tabloids. That music shaped me. The frequency is real. My heart and artistry are truly influenced and forever impacted. Thank you Micheal for your hard work , dedication, philanthropy, and the sacrifice of your young spirit. Your vision and imagination live through us.” – Erykah Badu
“This has blindsided me. I feel strange. And sad. Reminders of how short life is. I’m going to profess my love to someone. you should too.” – Ingrid Michaelson
“I can’t stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.” — Madonna
“I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I’m devastated he’s gone!” — Britney Spears
“I would rather watch “Thriller” over and over than any other music video ever made.” – Shawn Fogel, Golden Bloom
“Heal the world make it a better place for you and for me and the entire human race.” – Ashlee Simpson Wentz
“Stop the gossip, stop the speculation. Take a moment for Micheal and remember his gift to us all. He was truly great. May he Rest in Peace.” – Joel Madden, Good Charlotte
“Not many people have long successful careers in the music industry, yet alone over a 30 year career. Michael Jackson did and earned his title ‘King of Pop”. I’ll never forget the first time I saw “Thriller”. His voice, songs, dance moves and ground breaking music videos will live on forever leaving a legacy where we answer ‘yes’ to ‘do you remember the time?’” – Stacy Clark
“America lost a little bit of its history today. So sad when a true genius dies! R.I.P. to the gloved one.” – Mona Shiekh, Popwreckoning
“Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer and his popularity spanned generations and the globe. Maria and I join all Californians in expressing our shock and sadness over his death and our hearts go out the Jackson family, Michael’s children and to his fans worldwide.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
“No one better than brotha Mike.” – Q-Tip
“Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!” – Sean P. Diddy Combs
“I know we make light of me never getting sleep and overworking. But I’ll say that he didn’t go in vein. I will do my best to slow down as to not overwork myself to the point in which I can’t even enjoy life anymore. I’m devastated over this but we all have memories. I just hope that he will get due justice in all the press memorials and whatnot. I know he was mired in controversy the last decade of his life but i think its time we let him rest in peace and learn to separate the ART and the ARTIST. –that is the MJ I will forever remember.” – ?uestlove
“Off the wall was my second record I ever bought.” – Margaret Cho
“His music is just as relevant now as it was the day they pressed record, I’m sure it will remain so for generations to come. R.I.P. Mr. Jackson” – Samantha Ronson
“There was no one like him.” – Greg Laswell
“We should never stop talking about Michael Jackson. I hope Michael will get the respect he deserved.” – Rev. Al Sharpton
“Raising a glass for Michael! Wow – I was obsessed with Thriller when it came out.” – Ariel Hyatt, CyberPR
“Michael Jackson was my inspiration. love and blessings.” - Miley Cyrus
“Being asked to give a quote about all of this. so in shock I can’t find any words…” – Kid Sister
“Michael Jackson died? Seriously, as Wolf Blitzer said it, my stomach got knots.” – James Shotwell, Under the Gun blog
“I keep getting chills. This is crazy. Too much.” – Estelle
“Today is a very, very sad day for music. Whether you are familiar with his work or not, the impact Michael Jackson had on pop culture made him one of the most iconic artists of all time. As a fellow artist, you can see what his music did—it transcended generations; It created a movement. It’s something people only dream of doing. He was a musical genius, and by far, one of the greatest performers of all time. There will never be anyone like him—ever. Thank you for inspiring us the way you did. R.I.P.” – Tamar Kaprelian
“Thank you Michael Jackson for being my FIRST of many! My mother took me to my FIRST concert, I was only two years old. I fell in love. My fifth birthday party was M.J. themed, I insisted. My mother found a lookalike to come sing happy birthday and I KNEW he wasn’t MY Michael.” – Solange Knowles
“A strange story comes to an end. i do hope that history will remember jackson the artist/genius/pioneer.” – David Ford
“Rip MJ! Dream as if u’ll live 4ever, Live as if u’ll die 2day. U only live once, but if u do it right dats all u need! U did it Big MJ!!” – Reverend Run
“Both parents on the phone asking me if I remember MJ inviting me to take a pix w/ him when I was a kid. I do. It was creepy. I refused.” – Annie Heckenberger
“Noooooooo! Michael Jackson was my childhood! I loved him. So so so so sad. So nearly saw him live. Just a couple of weeks. Crying.” – Imogen Heap
“Oh god…Michael Jackson just died. one of my childhood heros. moment of silence, sorrow and reflection on a massive talent & tragic life. let’s share a shrine/moment of silence @ 7:45 pm outside @thetroubadour tonight. if you’re coming, bring candles and flowers for the king.” – Amanda Palmer, Dresden Dolls
“We just cued up “Wanna Be Starting Something” in the office. What a great song. R.I.P.” – Diablo Cody
“R.I.P. Michael Jackson. Greatest performer ever.” – Talib Kweli
“Sad, sad day for the music world & for family/fans of Michael Jackson. he was my 1st favorite artist & 1 of the very best ever. RIP Michael.” – Earfarm blog
“Thriller” was the first tape I ever bought in a record store after I saw him go supernova on the Motown 25th anniversary special.” – Cary Brothers
“R.I.P. Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. what a tremendous loss in one day…. thoughts and prayers with their families and loved ones…” – Mandy Moore
“R.I.P. MICHAEL JACKSON: We’re in a state of utter shock. You’ll be sorely missed.” – The Music Slut blog
;_; – Diplo
“I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the ’80s. To this day, the music we created together on Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all…talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.” — Quincy Jones
“We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations, and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.” — Justin Timberlake
“In shock.” – Matt, The Music Slut blog
“Sad. Michael Jackson. Dead. Bum out.” – Eisley
“When we worked together on ‘Bad,’ I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other. Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion.” — Martin Scorcese
“Listening to ‘Human Nature’ by Michael Jackson and I am crying.” – Trent Vanegas, Pink is the New Blog
“Feels hypocritical not caring about Ed McMahon or Farah Fawcett, and then being upset about Michael Jackson’s death. I didn’t know any of them.” – Paco Fish
The Gay Blades
“Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ.” — John Mayer
“‘Let the madness in the music get to you, life ain’t so bad at all, if you live it off the wall’ – Thanks for the music, the moonwalk and my childhood.” – Ali Hussain, Popwreckoning
“Michael was a great and wonderful artist and performer. We were privileged and honored to record him and his brothers here at Philadelphia International Records.” – Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff
“I remember my brother and cousin in 1987 bringing the boom box out into the living room at my grandma’s house and performing a dance to “Billy Jean” they had made up. They had to be about 7 years old and doing the classic spin move and grabbing their crotches! My mom, aunt, ME and granny WENT CRAZY! Michael Jackson made the crotch grabbing move not raunchy BUT hot!” – Kaytea McIntosh, XO Publicity
“Sony Music Entertainment expresses deep sadness and sorrow at the unexpected passing of Michael Jackson and extends wishes of sympathy and condolences to all of Michael’s family, friends and fans around the world.” – Sony
We at Popwreckoning would like to extend our deepest condolences to Michael Jackson’s survivors. His musical legacy shall live on. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us.
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Concert Calendar
Nov 23, 2011
HaHa Tonka @ Recordbar, Kansas City MO
Nov 25, 2011
Thee Oh Sees @ The Granada, Lawrence KS
Welcome back, readers! This week marks the last post in my month-long Under Cover tribute to the late, great Michael Jackson. The last few posts have focused on interesting covers of classic songs as “Human Nature”, “Beat It“, and “Man In The Mirror“, but I feel it’s only right to finish up the series with a post completely dedicated to his gravity-defying dance moves. Whether it was his moonwalking ability, robotic movements, or that awe-inspiring “Smooth Criminal” lean, Michael always knew how to bust a groove. Not only did he achieve immortality for his unique choreography, he inspired legions of young performers to polish their love of song and dance in the vein of his genius. In case you haven’t been paying attention, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, and Ne-yo are just a few prime examples of this generation’s best examples of incredible artists who owe their success to their gloved, musical hero.
