It’s the twenty-fifth anniversary of Michael Jackson’s album, “Bad.” What does that mean exactly? It means it’s time for the Ohio State University marching band to do the moonwalk! During half-time, according to The Huffington Post, the college marching band did exactly that, forgetting about its rival, the University of Iowa, for a little while. They also spelled out Michael Jackson’s initials and the word, “bad,” with perfect synchronicity. The homage went on for well over six minutes as they played excerpts from some of his most popular songs. It was truly mesmerizing to watch and also inspiring. Watch it below:
Michael Jackson, known forever as the King of Pop, started his career as a child singer with his older brothers, known collectively as The Jackson 5 in 1964. It was clear even then that the child with a voice of an angel would go on to bigger and better things. His solo career began in 1971. He alone is credited as a pioneer in turning the once so simple music video into a true art form. Some of his most popular music videos for “Beat It,” Billie Jean,” and of course, “Thriller” can be viewed as short films. “Thriller” is even narrated by horror legend Vincent Price at one point during the video and is remembered for its very frightening and realistic dancing zombies. MTV wouldn’t exist without them or Michael. His 1982 album “Thriller” is also the most best-selling album of all time. A brief homage to the famous song is even choreographed in the film, 13 Going on 30, where Jennifer Garner does the whole dance routine along with Mark Ruffalo.
Jackson has won many awards, including thirteen Grammy’s. His videos for songs, “Black or White” and “Scream” also brought to light the very serious subjects of racism, which is something Michael Jackson continuously struggled with throughout his grand and epic career. He also danced like no other and is responsible for some of the best choreography ever seen. He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, not once, but twice! He has sold four hundred million records all over the world, securing his title forever as an international superstar.
He even dabbled in film, by appearing as the sweet and lovable Scarecrow in the urban-edged The Whiz (with Diana Ross as Dorothy) and in the 3D short film, Captain EO, for Disney, as none other than the outer space captain in the title. There is, to this day, no other film that matches the high quality of the 3D technology used in that film and that was back in the eighties. Jackson was also a very caring and giving person. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 and was best friends with legendary actress, Elizabeth Taylor.
Image Credit: The Huffington Post