The loss of Michael Jackson was like a 9.5 earthquake hitting Los Angeles. Jackson had been rehearsing his performance for his 50-night concert tour in England at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Apparently, the rigorous rehearsing has taken a toll on Jackson; it didn’t, however, have anything to do with his death. For a number of years Jackson has undergone surgery, which has caused him to take medication, and those medications can be very dangerous.

Jackson was found in his home in Holmby Hills not breathing. At that time, he was dead according to TMZ, the Los Angeles based celebrity TV program. Nevertheless, he was rushed to the UCLA Medical Center where the doctors had tried to resuscitate him, once again, after his cardiologist, who was at the scene of the incident, had also tried in vain.

The Los Angeles Times was originally quoted as saying he was in a deep coma. The truth of the matter is that he had a cardiac arrest and was dead when the paramedics had arrived at his home.

I’ve known the Jackson family for quite a few years now, especially Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, who resides in Las Vegas. Needless to say, Joe was in a state of shock.

Recently, when I was talking to Joe about Las Vegas and the possibility that Michael would do concert, his father would always tell me there’s nobody like Michael who could fill a showroom every night of the week.

In regards to health, Joe himself has had his share of medical problems. At 79, he has taken a more serious attitude at keeping his body healthy. In fact, when I visited Joe recently, he gave me some vitamins for my health.

Approximately two years ago, I had a birthday party and Joe attended. Around that time, I had to go to UCLA for prostate surgery. (After the successful operation, I have been able to use my experience to speak out and influence men to get regular check ups to reduce prostate disorders and cancer risks.) In a sense, Joe and I both had our share of medical issues and understand how precious life can be.

Michael Jackson was one of the first entertainers who went to Moscow after the collapse of communism. He performed all over the region from Berlin to Warsaw to Moscow, performing to sold-out stadiums. He helped to change people’s attitudes from hate to love and inspired people worldwide. This is one of the things that Michael Jackson will be remembered for accomplishing.

According to California-based Alex Ayzin, a producer formerly from Moscow, Jackson was one of his inspirations for producing “The Winds of Freedom,” a symphonic tribute to the best in the human spirit.

It seems that it was just yesterday that I had attended the party at the Neverland Ranch, which was thrown by the Las Vegas Hollywood Magazine’s Publisher, Simon Sahari. Even at that time, Michael was dressed in disguise; he was very shy for starters, and it never seemed that Michael enjoyed his childhood. But, let’s face it, it wasn’t a normal childhood and it was always work, so Michael grew up fast, real fast.

But there’s one thing he will always be remembered for: he is the King of Pop.

Michael had a magic about him when on stage, and his music covered a wide genre of topics. Probably his biggest album was “Thriller,” which is still selling worldwide. And, so we should remember the good things that Michael Jackson has left us with which is his music and his philosophy and songs.

There are a number of celebrities that offered their condolences to the Jackson family. Among them were Steven Spielberg, Miley Cyrus, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Wyclef Jean, Smokey Robinson, Brittney Spears, and many others. Governor Schwarzenegger stated, “Michael was a top phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity. Although there were serious questions about his personal life, Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer and his popularity spanned over generations and the globe.”

One of the celebrities, who waited at the emergency exit of the hospital, was Porscha Coleman, former star of the TV series “The Parker’s.” She and her mother, Betty, stated that they just could not believe that this was happening as she could see the green helicopter taking Michael’s body from the medical center to the LA County coroner’s office.

I think that Jermaine Jackson stated it best: “My bother, the legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson, passed away on Thursday, June 25 at 2:26 p.m. It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home, however the cause of death is unknown until results of an autopsy are known. His personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, who was with him at the time, attempted to resuscitate my brother as did the paramedic. While transporting him to UCLA medical Center, upon arriving at the hospital a approximately 1:14 p.m., a team of doctors including emergency physicians and cardiologists, attempted to resuscitate him for a period of more than one hour and were unsuccessful. My family requests that the media please respect our privacy during this tough time.”

Jermaine added his blessings that God be with his brother.

“I love Michael Jackson. God bless him,” Wyclef Jean expressed.

“It’s always hard to loose a friend,” said Smokey Robinson.

Although Michael is no longer with us, his spirit will live on, and his music will be part of our lives.  

 

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My book of poetry entitled "Messages" was inspired by my dear friends C.J. Cansler along with Victoria Boone and Beryl Warren.   The group of poems along with some beautiful photographs are to inspire the reader.