The Death of an Icon; The Birth of a Legend

A musical genius passed away suddenly at an age too young to be associated with his passing. Cardiac arrythmia will be the proven culprit, brought upon by malfeasance on the part of a doctor. The departed surrounded by hanger's on who have milked the performer for every dime he's ever had by continuing to provide whatever pleasures and habits he developed over the past 30 or so years. This entourage of greed had no concern for the well-being of the artist, but only fattening their own wallets. If they were ever to confront the artist to tell them the drugs, the late nights and the impulsive spending was bad for him, they would risk being cut off from the money. Instead, they sought out a doctor who traded his Hippocratic Oath for his hypocritcal oath and continuously furnished the artist with any drug he felt he needed, despite the obvious consequences taken on his physical toll as well as the very real threat of addiction. Friends, fans and peers around the world react to the news with profound saddness, questions and speculations. Rumors surface almost immediately, while informal shrines are established at his many homes, the sites of his famous concerts, and places with no direct association to the artist just the same. Statements are issued from every celebrity who was known to the artist, ex-wives and girlfriends, directors, actors, singers and even politicians. Television and radio immediately kick in with lifetime retrospections detailing and discussing the worlwide impact this life had on the planet. Greatest ever? Once in a lifetime? Most influential? This obituary of sorts is not unique, despite what you may believe. In fact, what I described above was the exact type of worldwide reaction we had 32 years ago with the passing of Elvis Presley. I would bet, with some changes based on the era, it was the same obit and tribute written on behalf of Ludwig Van Bethoven at his death, Cole Porter at his passing and Billie Holiday at her passing.Like all of you, I was shocked at MJ's death. I've been a fan of his music since the day's of "ABC" and "Ben". I grew up witth Michael and his family. I wathced him on The Mike Douglas Show and Ed Sullivan. I watched the cartoons. I bought "Off The Wall" album, considered by many as one of the greatest disco albums of all time. "She's Out Of My Life" still gets to me. I watched the "USA For Africa- We Are The World" music video a thousand times, never getting tired of it (back when VH1 and MTV WERE music video stations). I played his boxed set cd "Greatest Hits" numerous times, never being embarassed by playing it. I recognized his genius and I was proud to relish in it.I thought he was strange as many of you did as well. I allowed him that eccentricity, however. Many of the most talented among us are freaks too. I was also one of the very few who felt MJ was innocent of those horrible accusations against him. I happened to be at the court records department doing a search when the first case was filed. I convinced the clerk to burn me a copy of the filing, as she copied one for herself. It was quite sordid and unbelievably graphic, but I still didn't believe him capable of it. I always thought he was just a guy so innocent that he didn't care how certain things made him look to others- others with hate and harm in their heart. I also thought it was obvious that the family suing was only in it for the money, not legal remedy.I knew the trial(s) would take it's toll on him physically, and I actually predicted that he wouldn't survive the trial, but I was wrong. I think we'll find that the work of someone he most trusted will be the major reason for his death. A doctor with whom he trusted his very life, and a doctor who sold him out for cash. "With friends like these"...