Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009: Never Can Say Goodbye

Stunned is an apt representation of the events that unfolded on June 25, 2009. Farrah Fawcett,erstwhile icon of the 70's and 80's icon, passed away after a brave and valiant fight against anal cancer. Only days before Ed McMahon, denizen of so many of my early TV memories, from Johnny Carson's sidekick, to host of "Star Search" and even a stint as a Publisher's Clearinghouse pitch man, had passed away. The iconography of my growing up was in upheaval. Rejoinders of "what is going on?" came from all sides. But there was more in the offing. Just was the news of Farrah Fawcett was sinking in, there came the disheartening news that Michael Jackson had been rushed to the hospital. Death had been working overtime, had he decided to take another for his trouble? As it turned out, he had. Though, on the one hand, Michael Jackson's stunning and dramatic death seemed almost fated, it still took everyone by surprise. Reactions varied from moderate concern to shocked sadness to overwhelming grief. A nation united in mourning an icon. Such was the power of Michael Jackson's talent that he'd done what world leaders for millenia have been unable to do. Bring people together, united in a singular pursuit. Working out how to say goodbye when you really, never can say goodbye.

The writers over at Associated Content have written some wonderful tributes.

Michael Jackson, Frank Robinson and Me by Beverly Smith

Remembering Michael Jackson by Frank Deutschen

Remember the Time: The Life and Times of Michael Jackson by Memphis Vaughn

Michael Jackson "King of Pop" Gone at 50 by Angel Vee

Memories of Michael Jackson by Tamara L. Waters

Michael Jackson Passes Away - Leaves Great Legacy Behind by Kayla Wardlow

Michael Jackson King of Pop Dead at 50 by Kathryn E. Darden