Michael Jackson: The King of Reinvention
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Johnny Langford
Mr. Fuller ENG-102
American Icon Essay
October 20, 2003
Michael Jackson: The King of Reinvention
If you look in your copy of Websters English Dictionary under the Is, you will find the definition for the word “icon.” An icon is simply an “image or representation of one who is the object of great attention or devotion; an idol” (Websters 90). Skipping a few words down, you can find that an idol is “an image used as an object of worship” It takes much to be worshiped. Throughout time, Americas pop-culture has been filled with icons of each generation, such as Babe Ruth or Elvis Presley. These icons represent a dream hidden within each of us – the dream, though not easily achieved, is to become extraordinarily successful, no matter the circumstances of your origin. Oddly, as if icon status is not enough, Americans seem to have given each of the few individuals who are exceptionally successful nick-names, proclaiming their superiority over the rest of us, such as Ruths “Sultan of Swat,” or Presleys “King of Rock.” As far as pop music goes, there is another individual who has been worshiped in America for many years. With supreme talent and success, like all of the others icons, this person has been given a name of superiority above the rest. This person is Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson has become the icon we know him as today by achieving two accomplishments. He fulfilled the American Dream-to become successful in spite of his humble beginning-by way of his extraordinary talent. Secondly, he has stayed fresh for so many years, increasing his pop-icon status, by constantly reinventing himself. Only through these two achievements could he have become “The King of Pop.”
Michael Jackson first came on the scene years ago. He was the seventh of eight children, born in Gary, Indiana. Just like the rest of us, he came began humbly. Though an honest, humble beginning, here is where it changes. At the fresh age of five, Michael began a career in music as lead singer in the Motown band, Jackson 5. From the very beginning, Michael took on stardom. He was the icon that America was looking at. He was the voice they listened to. Before reaching the age of ten, Michael had begun to develop a name for himself in the eyes of Americas youth.
As a child, Michael Jackson was a performing musical prodigy. As front-“kid,” Michael could “sing any song, with the passion of well trained performers” (Carrigan 1). At this time, in the late 60s, this talent was unparalleled. He sang, danced, and gave everything his pre-adolescent body would allow him, while America ate his performance alive. We could not get enough. For his age, Michael was the best talent ever heard of. He was the king. He had not introduced the world to his version of pop music just yet, but he had already become king.
Toward the end of the 70s, The Jackson 5, who were later known as The Jacksons, were beginning to die out. Although the groups popularity started to falter, Michaels did not. It seemed almost immediate, that when The Jacksons career ended, Michaels solo career began. In 1977, Michael began his film debut in The Wiz, staring as “Scarecrow” along side Diana Ross as Dorothy. It must be nice to begin whatever you choose on top. It certainly worked for Michael in the beginning, and in film, as well as in his solo career.
The first big signs of success of Michaels solo career came almost immediately. This had to have been the only option suspected. Given that Michael had already gained quite a following through his earlier performances in music and film, it was almost inevitable that his fans would fall in love with his new work. With the birth of the 1980s, Michael brought a new sound in music to a new audience to draw from, with the technology for stardom to spread at the speed of light. Michael used each of these toward his advantage, recreating himself into the pop-icon we know him as today. “In 1982, Michael Jacksons new album broke molds set in music by performers such as Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross” (Martinec 314). Michael brought something new in his music which combined a funky Motown accompaniment with the electric sound of the eighties. Here is where Michael first stated to reinvent himself. This combination could have well been the conception of what we know today as hip-hop, or pop music. Michaels new sound was the type of phenomenon that left “the entire house bumping and dancing” (Langford 1).
This new style of music that Michael brought was going to be popular. So popular in fact, his album released in 1982, Thriller, still holds the record for largest sales of all time (“Biography on M.J.”). In 1984, Michael attended the Grammies, only to walk home with eight of them. By the end of the eighties, Michael was named “Artist of the Decade.” All of his success in the eighties is the evidence of how Michael has used reinvention within his music to gain icon status.
Another way Michael has used reinvention to gain more from his audience was in the way he produced his videos. Michaels videos such as Thriller and Dangerous brought a wonderful performance of theatrics and pyrotechnics. Michael worked with the best directors and producers, using the latest