Who was more important? Michael Jackson as person...or his music?

For me, his music of course. I know him and love him because his music. I don't care about his personality. If he want to change his Black to white what is the matter ? it is human right. But sometimes I think journalists so rude and cruel. Not only for Jacko but Lady Diana too.

Hello icesmile , I have to agree with the first responder. He was his music, and his music was him. People either loved him or hated him. Geniuses seem to give up all of themselves for their art and there is nothing left over for personal relationships. It is sad but true.

Hello again, my friend! Michael Jackson's talent rose above him as a person. He changed the music world. He was the first black man accepted on traditionally all-white television when he appeared on MTV. He combined rock and soul in such a way that almost every song was an absolute gem. His work as a dancer brought about the new ideals of individuality and expression instead of everyone learning the same steps and nothing else. "Thriller" opened the door for music videos to become brief films instead of just videos of performances. His stage presence was magical. Through all this, he was a troubled soul who behaved in many bizarre ways. How tortured life must have been for him! What we saw in performances was clearly only a small, but powerful, part of his personality. The rest seems to have been dark and frightening, to say the least. Professionally, he was amazing. Personally, I hope people forget before long.

For me this question is like "Egg first or the hen?". Not exactly. Emmmm.., I don't know. He more important then his music? Well its his songs that i like. Knowing that he had been arrested a lot for abuses doesn't make me think he was more important as a person but then it was him, as a person, who created all those glories. So i can't say his music was more important for it was him who made it? Get it? So i guess the most important thing is him for his music u know? It almost means both he and his music is important if he is to be taken only for his music contribution. I think if i start to be more clear i will be squashed by his fans.[EM]glare[/EM]

Michael was his music. No one can never be what he was, no matter how good someone can be. His personality and his music was something that we'll never see again. But his music would be nothing without him, and vice versa.

Its funny that you would mention the Beatles in your discussion, because of Michael Jackson anyone and everyone CAN sing and record Beatles songs, because he bought the rights to them,then pimped them out, ruining their legacy and letting bad movies like across the universe be made. Music is a phenomenon. I am sure his personality made it what it was, but the songs themselves can and do stand on their own.

This is a great discussion Icemile.Absolutely .You are very correct in pointing out that there is Micheal Jackson the personality throbbing in in every song he did.That is why his song videos are lapped up by the millions sitting there awestruck with the histrionics of this greatest show man of our times. Michael's music is Micheal all the way.You just cannot sepaerate him from his songs.His style ,dance, smile and the showmanship is overwintered with his songs to make them complete.He sure is a phenomenon.As I am typing this response my heart is getting heavy with the thought that he is no more.I fell how much I miss him.

In my view, the music of Michael Jackson alongwith his presentation on the dias both are inseparable to be appreciated. His fans are in many millions. All must agree with this fact that as a person he was a genius and as a presenter of pop programs, he was totally uncomparable! Thanks for this nice memorable discussion and have a good day!!

I am not a Michael Jackson fan so I won't comment about him. But I disagree with your comment about the Beatles. Others have tried redoing their songs but IMHO they always fall flat.

Michael Jackson is important for his music only. His fans doesn't looks on the person they only saw his outstanding music.

His music were as if alive with him in it,its like a car with a driver it is alive and moving but without it, it will not be moving at all.One of the greatest singer ever lived indeed with his moves and singing,the concert is always alive no matter what.

I like his music best. Although I disgust whatever he did for his life, the man definitely has a personality problem and that's something that made him write those sad songs. He has never experienced a childhood he wished so much and had several traumatic family and own life tragedies. His life may not be an ideal life but he exchanged it all for his music. To me his music lives on rather than his personality.

I always liked his music and videos. Know one can make the same music or sound like he did. He made his music and it was good. He will be missed by lots of people. But know one will know for a while what really happened to him until the last autopsy is done. And it will take a while. I think you should always be remembered as the real person you are inside.