Today is Michael Jackson’s birthday, and it has been three years since his death, but the day I remember most is May 16, 1983. That was the day that my love of all things Michael Jackson began. It was the day that the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever aired on NBC and although there were soul and R&B music legends that delivered memorable performances during that special, that night was all about Michael! I waited up all night (I’m sure it wasn’t late, but I was still young enough to have a bedtime) at the foot of my parents’ bed looking at their 13’ television screen waiting for Michael to perform. Then it happened… kick, snare, kick, snare, kick, snare, kick, snare followed by the infamous “Billie Jean” bass-line. In that moment like millions of people around the world I witnessed Michael Jackson transform into the “King of Pop!”

Michael’s life “after the moonwalk” was filled with the highest highs as he is recognized today by Guinness as being the most successful entertainer of all time. Who doesn’t remember watching the Michael Jackson, “Thriller” video for the first time?! You are a true MJ fan if you were ever (or still are) equipped with a leather jacket and white glitter glove (one of course), and white glitter socks! He also experienced the lowest lows as his life was the source of constant scrutiny and controversy due to among several things his ever changing physical appearance and allegations of sexual abuse against children.

None of that could overshadow the excitement felt by the crowd in London at the O2 Arena on March 5, 2009 when Michael announced that he would begin his final concert tour, “This Is It” scheduled for July of that year. That excitement was soon replaced by mourning with the death of Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009… But, all was not lost! Michael Jackson left a musical legacy that will live forever, and in addition to sharing some of his final performances he also provided us with a glimpse of himself as a visionary leader in the behind-the-scenes documentary, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It.”