Friday, June 26, 2009

Homage to an Era

Two of the world’s icons passed away Thursday. Both will be remembered by millions of fans everywhere for very different reasons.

Who didn’t know the smiling blonde-maned beauty in the red one piece swimsuit whose picture hung in places deemed special to teenage boys and men all over the world?

And the child star who became the “King of Pop” and moon walked into our lives with a glove on one hand?

Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

Farrah Fawcett portrayed Jill Munroe, a private eye on Charlie’s Angels. She became the most famous of the trio of angels even though she spent only one season on the show. Her career had some ups and downs after she left the show.
Then came her dramatic role in 1984’s The Burning Bed, which earned her an Emmy nomination and the rightful status of a great actress. There was also Extremities in 1986, which was a roll she first starred in on stage. She landed on the cover of Playboy (not for the first time) in December of 1995 at the age of 50 and the magazine sold over 4 million copies worldwide.

The 1976 Life Magazine picture of her in the iconic red swimsuit is what she'll always be best known for.

Michael Jackson, a great singer – a pop icon. In the words of some of his fans: I loved his music, the greatest performer ever, I grew up on his music and I can’t believe he’s gone. There are many, many more, all proclaiming love and sadness.

Thriller, released in 1982, is still the all time top selling album worldwide. In Michael’s own words “I’m bad”. Remember Billie Jean and the infamous moonwalk on Motown’s 25? When I went to You Tube to see I’m Bad and Billie Jean, my favorite videos, it didn’t shock me that most there had views in the millions.

His singing, his voice is silent.


My thoughts are with both families. Farrah and Michael will be missed.
If you want to share your favorite songs, movies – whatever – feel free to leave a comment. Or just read and remember. Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.-J. Hali Steele

15 comments:

Caridad Pineiro said...

I felt great sadness in the morning at hearing Farah had lost her battle. I lost my mom to cancer and know how difficult a fight it can be. Then came the shock about Michael Jackson. I know he's had his problems, but I always felt bad for him. He was forced to grow up too soon and never got to have a real life. I hope they are both at peace now.

Annie Nicholas said...

I wondered if you were going to post about them this morning and I'm glad you did. As a teenage girl, I had wall-to-wall pictures of Michael in my bedroom. I'm sad to see him go.
Farrah lived a full and rich life. I hope she's at peace now.

J Hali Steele said...

Caridad, I lost my mom in her early sixties - so young. I still miss her.

Annie, I'm glad you popped in. I grew up watching both of them and felt so sad at hearing the news.

Anonymous said...

I was quite the fan of Michael Jackson growing up. I could recite the words to his songs while I was in the shower because I wore out my cassette tape (yep, I'm older) listening to it for hours. I'm not sure of the person he became but as far as music goes, he was larget than life. Plain and simple.

Farrah Fawcett was just beautiful. I'll always remember her in Charlie's Angels.

The world lost two iconic souls.

Liena~

J Hali Steele said...

Liena, try 8 tracks for old! And I had some Jackson Five I'm sure. They'll both be missed.

Rebecca Royce said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rebecca Royce said...

I accidently deleted that one sorry J. Anyway, what I Said was, Very very nice post J.

Rebecca

J Hali Steele said...

Thanks, Rebecca.

Fran Lee said...

For some odd reason, about a year ago I bought a MJ collection of cd's. I just felt like I might not have the chance again. Sometimes premonitions just kick in.

And Farrah was one of my faves. That smile was everything!

J Hali Steele said...

Hi Fran, Farrah did have a beautiful smile. And Michael's music will be with us forever.

Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn) said...

Hey J

Very sad indeed, both of their passing. I loved Mj's songs, to this day, the Dangerous album is still one of my faves, unequalled imo.

Hugs

Z(Aasiyah/Nolwynn)

J Hali Steele said...

He was one hell of a singer and performer.

Kathye Quick said...

Each time one of his songs come on, you want to dance. Even the hib said that and he has 5 left feet.

Farrah was simply beautiful aand we all wanted her hait.

Chiron said...

Good tribute, J!

Farrah was an icon in her own right. So many girls I knew styled their hair with the Farrah Look. *smile*

Michael was such a talented kid, and I adored the Jackson Five's music so much. He was a realistic crush for young girls because he was closer to our age! His solo career was less of a draw for me but I'll always remember the cutie that sang, "I Want You Back."

--Chiron O'Keefe
The Write Soul: www.chironokeefe.blogspot.com

Rae Lori said...

Great post, JoAnn! Both of them will sorely be missed. :-(

It's so sad we're losing so many of our talents!