Hail the King of Pop

Disbelief, shock, and sadness has befallen us all as news of tortured genius {only in my opinion, mind you} Michael Jackson's passing has come forward. An innovator and ICON, Michael Jackson's influence in music history is undeniable.

My colleague, JoCo, told me--it was around 4p. I didn't believe it; he's a joker. I had heard earlier in the afternoon that he was rushed to the hospital, but dead?! Not MJ--not Michael. I hit the web immediately--screw renewals--and was stunned at the news. The tears welled... it wasn't until the drive home that the emotions took over. As I turned Alfred towards home, the familiar refrain of Billie Jean greeted me... I couldn't help it.

I join fellow Jackson fans--those who stood tall while Jackson's personal life disintegrated around him--in mourning the loss of a genius that shaped music as we know it.

Emotions are running deep. Words don't come. The sorrow--it's surreal. As detached as I am, this seems personal. Thanks Snoova.

One thing is certain... that choir is sounding awesome right about now.

Postscript 06.26.09 This exchange took place at the Firm:

Me: Wondering… if you feel/felt the same way I do… “as if a thousand voices cried out all at once” But if joy could come out of this… the radio is suddenly awesome. There’s a beat in my step as MJ’s voice rolls through my head. I’m sad, but joyous. Weird.

OM: I feel sad, but more for the fact that my generation can’t appreciate the artist that was Michael Jackson. I am of a generation that was only exposed to his music during mediocre talent shows and covers (Smooth Criminal anyone?). I grew up with a Michael Jackson that was a “child molesting monster”, the man who wore a mask everywhere and dangled babies over balconies. One of my earliest memories is him marrying Lisa Marie Presley. How sad is that? I should have been born in a different time…

Paul Newman (1925-2008)

By now, Paul Newman has been memorialized countless ways on as many different mediums--as he should be. Allow me. Paul Newman was many things. A racer, a philanthropist, a civil rights activist, a businessman, and a movie star.

For me, Paul Newman is a cinematic ICON. Though his piercing blue eyes {that seems to be the main theme of many reports} and strong jaw were maybe the first things you noticed, it was his craft that made you come back for more. Also the down-on-his-luck, the anti-hero, Newman owned each, perfectly nuanced role.

Top five lists are always up for debate. Feel free to share your thoughts, but here are my Top Five Paul Newman films:

1. Cool Hand Luke (1967): You can find on review here. Newman leads a powerhouse cast, but his Luke just oozes this nonchalance that's riveting.
2. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1961): One of the best buddy films you'll ever see. Redford and Newman has a chemistry that's just cool.
3. The Hustler (1961): Have you seen it?! Alright then.
4. Road to Perdition (2002) Sure, Tom Hanks is the lead, but when you share the screen with Newman, you can become the footnote. His supporting turn as a mob boss is eloquent. This movie actually rekindled by exploration of Newman's filmography.
5. Hud (1963): Newman slow burns in this B&W. Self destruction never looked this good.

Paul Newman was 83.