The Farr Side: Pop icons celebrate the big 5-0 birthday
By David T Farr
The days of “Thriller” are long gone for the King of Pop, but is the thrill totally gone now he’s 50?
I never gave it much thought as a kid what Michael Jackson, Prince and Madonna would be like at age 50. All I cared about was the music and how Michael Jackson danced like that.
As a kid infatuated with his MTV, I did know they each had something different and would be around for a long time. They were artists who were not afraid to think outside the box, which is what it takes to sustain longevity in the music business.
I classify them as pop music royalty simply because that’s what they are. Michael is indeed the King of Pop, while Madonna remains the Queen and Prince, well, he became his namesake.
It’s kind of cool actually to know they all turned the big 5-0 this year.
Turning 50 doesn’t mean you have to pack it up, either. If anyone thinks so, take a big fat look at Madonna. The woman is a powerhouse and every bit as popular today as she was back in the wedding dress, rolling around the floor of the MTV VMA’s stage singing “Like A Virgin.”.
She’s a prime reason why I don’t like to classify people by their age. It’s truly just a number and leave it to the Material Girl to show how 50 will become the new 30.
Prince has always been Prince to me, whether he was known as the Artist Formally Known As Prince or that silly symbol. His music, on the other hand, never took a backseat to music trends or fads. In some ways, he led them.
Prince was and still is the consummate musician, with something to say. “Purple Rain” was his “Thriller” for the music world.
Michael was the different one and somewhat ageless in my mind. It could be because he was always talked about as little Michael Jackson with the big voice from his Jackson 5 days, but it was more than that. I put him above. Like Elvis and the Beatles were in their time, Michael Jackson was my idol.
From the moment the pavement lit up beneath his feet in “Billie Jean” to the first unveiling of the moonwalk on the Motown 25th Anniversary special, I was a fan. He could do no wrong in my book, musically speaking.
They’ve all endured heavy tabloid press through the years with Michael being hit the hardest, some for his own doings, but they’ve all managed to bounce back.
Of the three icons, though, Michael has more to prove at 50 then Madonna and Prince. They’ve managed to keep up a steady regiment of touring and recording, while he sort of went into seclusion after his high profile acquittal of molestation charges.
Michael’s currently in the studio recording his first new album since 2001’s “Invincible.” I’m eager to hear the new music and hope he chooses to take it on the road. It’s been awhile, but I believe a huge tour in support of the new music would start the thrill all over again.
David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent.
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