Michael Joseph Jackson

 


McKenzie Hazzard 

Christina Francis 

English 101 

May 8th 2023 

MICHAEL JACKSON'S CLASSIC FANBASE 




Michael Jackson, popularly known as the King of Pop, has a massive fanbase worldwide. The fans are multifaceted, comprising diverse groups and people of all backgrounds, ages, and races. Michael's music, iconic style, and dance moves have hugely influenced many generations of fans and artists. Hits like Beat It, Billie Jean, and Thriller have lasted for decades while retaining their popularity and awe despite the massive technological advances in the music industry (Essence). Also, Jackson's electrifying performances and dance moves would stand out even today. He pioneered many dance moves that remain popular to date, such as the robot and the moonwalk. Fans could not hide their admiration watching him perform, and many tried to copy his moves, a trend seen even among the young generation today (Benyamin). Although Michael Jackson passed on more than a decade ago, his fans continue showing admiration for him. 

Smooth Criminal poster 

1Michael Jackson Poster (Merchandise). Source: https://www.musictimes.com/articles/81961/20200709/michael-jackson-merch-amazon.htm. 

One way Michael Jackson's fans exhibit their awe is by wearing his merchandise. His impact on fashion, music, and pop culture, which extends to date, is arguably undeniable. Fans proudly don Jackson's hoodies, hats, t-shirts, and other merchandise to show their support and admiration for the artist (Alvin). Also, it is not unusual to see fans wearing his logos and images to showcase their love for the King of Pop. Michael Jackson had a unique and iconic fashion sense that his fans eagerly imitated. In his performances, Jackson was famous for his military-style jackets, fedora hats, and sequined gloves, and his fans have taken after him making these apparel a staple of their wardrobes. Jackson's signature black shoes and white socks have continued to become a popular fashion trend among his fans. Generally, wearing Michael Jackson's merchandise or donning apparel with his logos or pictures, or imitating his iconic style is a moving way for his fans to express support for the artist besides serving as a tribute to the artist. 

Michael Jackson's fanbase further showcases their admiration and support for the artist via creating fan art such as digital art, paintings, sculptures, and sketches inspired by Jackson's performances and music. He arguably had one of the most dedicated and large fan bases in the music industry, as evidenced by the extent of Michael Jackson-inspired fan art. Fan art offers a creative means for fans to express their love and awe for their favorite artist. Jackson's iconic dance moves, incredible music videos, and unique fashion sense have inspired many artists to create intricate and outstanding art pieces. These arts depict the artist in various career stages, from his early years with The Jackson 5 to his trailblazing solo career (MJVibe). Also, the fan art community has taken inspiration from Jackson's unique music videos, evidenced by many artists recreating and reliving his iconic dance moves and poses. Fans share such art across various social media platforms, keeping the artist's memory alive while making an extensive collection of fan art.  

 

2Michael Jackson Fan Art. Source: https://www.behance.net/gallery/40156405/Michael-Jackson-fan-art/modules/243061187 

Lastly, visiting memorials represents a poignant way to show Jackson's fandom. After his untimely death in 2009, fans worldwide assembled in various locations to show their respects to the King of Pop. Also, they created makeshift memorials outside different public places (Atlas Obscura). Today, fans regularly flock to the various monuments dedicated to the iconic artist, including his grave at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, and the Michael Jackson mural in Los Angels. These memorials resemble sacred sites, with fans leaving flowers, letters, and candles alongside other personal items to express their love for the icon (Michael Jackson's Legacy). The memorials have also become gathering places for fans to flock and celebrate the artist's legacy and life. Jackson's connection with his fans was so close that he is still remembered more than ten years later. His impact on the music industry was arguably unmatched, and the memorials are a constant reminder of this fact, besides serving as places that offer comfort and solace to fans.  

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Michae...

 

3Michael Jackson Memorial. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson_memorial_service. 

Overall, Michael Jackson remains an iconic figure to date, with his legacy kept on by his extensive fanbase. The fandom remains strong as fans continue to listen to his music, create fan art, visit memorials, and watch his performances. There has been tribute shows that the fans attend in live numbers dressed in the artist's iconic style or donning his merchandise and copying his dance moves to show honor and express their awe. Jackson's music continues to influence new generations, and his popularity has yet to wane, thus ensuring his fanbase will endure for many years. Michael Jackson is a legend; his impact on the music industry is arguably unmatched, and his legacy will continue thriving for years to come. What a remarkable artist he was! 

  

Works Cited 

Alvin, Mark. "Beat It with These 4 Michael Jackson Merch on Amazon." Music Times, 9 July 2020, www.musictimes.com/articles/81961/20200709/michael-jackson-merch-amazon.htm. 

Atlas Obscura. "Munich's Michael Jackson Memorial." 3 Nov. 2021, www.atlasobscura.com/places/michael-jackson-denkmal-munich-michael-jackson-memorial. 

Benyamin, Chaya. "How Should We View Michael Jackson's Legacy?" Theperspective.com/, 28 June 2019, www.theperspective.com/debates/entertainment/perspective-michael-jacksons-legacy. 

Essence. "The King Of Pop: The Life And Legacy Of Michael Jackson." 12 Aug. 2022, www.essence.com/celebrity/king-pop-life-times-michael-jackson/. 

Michael Jackson's Legacy. "About Michael." 11 Feb. 2021, www.michaeljacksonslegacy.org/michael/about-michael/. 

MJVibe. "Where is Michael Jackson Memorial Stone in Gary?" 6 Aug. 2022, www.mjvibe.com/where-is-michael-jackson-memorial-stone-in-gary/. 

 



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