Trivia for MJ fanatics

Michael Jackson at the Oscars in 1973 (inset)

Has it really been nine years since my all-time idol Michael Jackson’s demise? MJ’s music remains alive, so it seems like he’s not exactly gone. Legends like him live on in the hearts of his fans.

When he passed away on June 25, 2009, I was inconsolable for months. The pain has not left me. My love for MJ didn’t die with him. Even in death, MJ diehards comme moi will never let him moonwalk alone.

I pay tribute to the King of Pop regularly by adding more MJ memorabilia to my collection, which is displayed in the hallway of my condo unit.
My son, IC, tells his friends in jest, “You can’t enter our place if you don’t bow in front of Ma’s MJ shrine first.” He also teases me, “Ma, the Jackson family has moved on after MJ’s death. When will you move on?”

What a delight to hear the news that a Broadway musical about MJ’s life is in the works. The score will include some of his hit songs. It is slated to hit the stage in 2020.

In commemoration of the Gloved One’s ninth death anniversary today, let me share some trivia about the pop icon I cannot love enough:

As a toddler, MJ would groove to the sound of the washing machine.

As a young boy, he sang “Ben” at the Oscars, where it was nominated for best movie theme song.

He described his voice in early Jackson 5 records as “like Minnie Mouse.”

He first performed live at the age of 5, singing “Climb Every Mountain.”

When young MJ was asked what he wanted to be as an adult, he replied, “I can’t decide if I want to be an astronaut or the President of America.”

MJ’s “Billie Jean” was the first video by a black artist to air on MTV.

MJ’s fave song is “Smile.” He dedicated his version of it to Charlie Chaplin.

He was such a gentle soul. He was kind, even to insects. In the middle of a concert, he reprimanded a crew member for stepping on a cockroach onstage.

He got a kick out of ordering in drive-through restos and wondered if the crew recognized his voice.

He drank Ricola dissolved in hot water before concerts.

He disliked the moniker Wacko Jacko.

He was a kid at heart who enjoyed “food fights” and loved playing with “Super Soaker” water guns.

Prior to his death, MJ was hoping to collaborate with Lady Gaga.

For those who misjudge MJ, his song “Childhood” will make you see him in a different light.