In my tribute to one of the greatest entertainers ever, Michael Joseph Jackson, let me share the sentiments that Smokey Robinson sang while being interviewed over the past weekend, Never Can Say Goodbye is a fitting sentiment. Michael’s music, videos, films, and interviews will live on forever so we will never forget him. I learned of Mr. Jackson’s passing from my mother’s phone call right after it happened around 6 p.m.  Shock and disbelief were my first reactions.

As a youngster, I remember cutting out pictures from magazines of Michael and placing it on my bedroom wall. Everything Michael did I followed in the early days. I remember Right On Magazine carrying all the big artists of the day. The pictures were always the best in this magazine.

From Thursday, June 25, 2009 and everyday since, I have listened or watched the various media outlets be it radio, tv, internet, or print. It is interesting to see the wide range of views about Michael. The most important comment was made by Janet Jackson on the BET Awards on June 28. She said that” All of you see Michael as an icon/star. We see him as family”. As the Jackson Family grieves the loss of a son, father, brother, uncle, nephew, it is this statement that the public may wish to keep in mind. There have been several reporters on tv and columnists at newspapers that have not been respectful. While we live in a democratic society and one that champions freedom of expression, there is something to be said of the phrase, we do not speak ill of the dead. There is another phrase that mothers and grandmothers share with their children growing up, if you do not have anything nice to say about someone, then do not say anything.

In tribute to his work as an entertainer, we list his top ten songs according to aol.com listeners

10. ‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough’ 9. ‘Rock With You‘ 8. ‘Bad’ 7. ‘Man in the Mirror’ 6.  ‘Smooth Criminal’    5. ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’   4. ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin”  3. ‘Beat It’  2.  ‘Billie Jean’ 1. ‘Thriller’

Michael Jackson is shown here in London speaking about his tour dates before his death. We know that he had high hopes for a comeback. The previous audiences of his concerts will treasure the memories of Michael’s showmanship, quality, and range.

 At the time of this printing, the funeral for Michael Jackson was scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday at Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara, California. Here is one place that tributes to Michael Jackson have been placed: His star at Mann’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. (Please note that it was reported by NBC news on June 25, 2009 that a red carpet event had Michael Joseph Jackson’s star covered) The picture here is for another man named Michael Jackson)

We offer our condolences to the Jackson Family. We will miss Michael Joseph Jackson.