Millions around the world remained glued to their television and computer screens Tuesday afternoon, as the Michael Jackson memorial service was broadcast from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The self-proclaimed King of Pop, who died June 25 at the age of 50, led an incredible, often tragic life, and his fans from Maine remembered both the legend and the man.
“I think what made him and his music so iconic was the inability of the music industry to categorize him into just one genre and one culture,” said Marwin Spiller, a professor of sociology at the University of Maine in Orono. “He was a global figure because he transcended boundaries. Everyone loved him.”
At the Staples Center, 17,500 Jackson fans watched stars such as Mariah Carey, Lionel Ritchie and Stevie Wonder recall in words and music the life of the pop star.
Jacqueline O’Donnell, a 35-year-old Orrington resident, was unable to watch the memorial from her workplace, but she fondly remembered listening to Jackson while growing up and felt bad for his troubled family life.
“I didn’t realize how sad I’d be about him dying until it happened. I think it’s because it was a part of my childhood,” said O’Donnell, speaking from her workplace in Bangor.“I feel like, child molester or not, he had a difficult life and people used him. And his family is still doing this by having this spectacle.”
Allison Melton, 25-year-old Bangor resident, was just 1 year old when Jackson’s “Thriller,” still the No. 1 top-selling album of all time, was released. Nevertheless, it’s one of her favorite albums.
“I think that Michael Jackson was the first real, universal pop star,” said Melton, who watched the memorial in her home on CNN.com. “He came at a time where media was becoming totally mainstream and global, and that accessibility created the biggest celebrity phenomenon as we know it.”
Nathaniel Bernier, owner of Wild Rufus Records, a music store that just this week relocated from Camden to Main Street in downtown Belfast, counts himself as a huge Michael Jackson fan. During the reopening party he has planned for this Friday night, he’ll be playing Jackson records all evening.
“When I was 9 years old, one of my birthday money purchases was ‘Thriller.’ I even went as far as wearing one glove to school. At the time, I lived in Cleveland, Ohio, so the ethnic mix was great,” said the 36-year-old Bernier. “I put the needle to the vinyl every day. I listened to ‘Thriller’ nonstop.”
Spiller recalled being blown away by Jackson’s MTV debut — which tore down the color barrier in place at the time on the then music-centric cable channel.
“[His MTV debut] is absolutely one of my most memorable moments in music,” said Spiller. “I think what I most admired about him was his perfection. He was always perfect in his art. I think he was always trying to make another ‘Thriller,’ but he never made it. It’s hard to top an album like that.”
Bernier found the news of Jackson’s death both tragic and troubling. While Jackson was indisputably a genius, he also led a troubled life — from his financial issues, to his much-publicized child molestation allegations and subsequent trial.
“On one side, I think because of his alleged inappropriate interaction with children that karma reared her head and took care of her business,” said Bernier. “On the other side, he is absolutely legendary. His music, his performances, his dancing, his wackiness. He will be greatly missed, if only for that.”
In the end, Maine fans said what will be most remembered about Jackson will be, of course, his music and personality. But his death also carries with it a stark reminder of what a strange, sad life he lived, and how closely his personal well-being was connected to his public image.
“He was a victim of the media and of this global culture of celebrity and product,” said Spiller. “That same media that built him up also tore him down. He was constantly trying to stay young and relevant, with his plastic surgery and his music. I think, in many ways, that’s what killed him.”
