Michael Jackson,
I don't know if it was possible for you to ever understand just what you meant to us in this world - what you still do, and will forever mean -
To the 80s generation that grew up with you at the forefront of their childhood and teen years, defining it.
To fellow performers and artists who continue to aspire to your level of achievement,
To your race for breaking down barriers and being the ultimate picture of success and bringing them so much pride,
To impoverished and oppressed people for being the beacon of light and hope, offering them help and a little diversion,
To your home country, the US, for providing it with a precious piece of fabric in its culture and history and for representing the American Dream, taking it to a new level,
To children all over the world for your love and concern,
and To your fans for all these reasons and more.
You are one of the most influential and important people to ever grace this world. What you've given to us, meant to us, your sheer reach, is no less a contribution than that of Washington, MLK, or Mother Theresa, however different.
Give it twenty years or so. The whole world will agree with me. You're immortal now. No longer just a person - you are music, you're an era, a brand, a measure of success, a level of fame, and a permanent idol, a concrete legend. A new crown has been bestowed upon you. You are forever.
So, thank you, Michael Jackson.
Forever thank you.