Yesterday, one of the major icons of the popular music world departed from us.

Although Michael Jackson somewhat lost the plot in more recent years, songs like “Billie Jean”, “Thriller” and “Man in the Mirror” will remain in the hearts an minds of humanity for many decades to come. Some of his lyrics were very meaningful and challenged us all to make a difference to others:

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race
There are people dying
But if you care enough for the living
Make it a better place for you and for me

Another such song said:

I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and make a change

However, my two lasting memories of Jacko have to be (i) His moonwalk, something I’m still known to attempt at parties now and again and (ii) His pop video of “Black or White”, which shows Michael ‘getting to grips with ethnic art forms from around the world’ (a particular passion of mine, as you know!) Also, the face morphing towards the end is much more ingenious than it is ever so slightly scary. It therefore remains my favourite pop video of all time. So have a watch and remember the ‘good times’ when Jacko produced some of the best music, dance, lyrics and vids of our generation: