Michael Jackson: A Video Tribute

By Niki D'Andrea Wed., Jun. 1 2011 at 9:00 AM

Wikimedia Commons

Michael Jackson at the White House in 1984.

This month marks the two-year anniversary of Michael Jackson's death. Though the King of Pop passed away June 25, 2009 at the age of 50, he left behind an incomparable body of work, one that stands among the greatest contributions to entertainment of the past century.

It's okay if you're one of the people who made fun of "Jacko" when he was alive and didn't truly appreciate the guy until the world lost him. But even if you believe he molested children (I personally think that was a false, money-grabbing ploy by some kids' parents), made jokes about his chameleon skin tone and plastic surgeries, or just generally rolled your eyes at his antics (whether it was palling around with a monkey or making his children wear masks in public), you can't deny that Michael Jackson was, is, and will always be one of the greatest entertainers on Earth. Even Motown founder Barry Gordy, who's seen his share of enormous talent, called Jackson "the greatest entertainer that ever lived" during Jackson's memorial service.

Michael Jackson did things that no one else has done. He released the best-selling album of all-time (Thriller), is the only pop or rock star to be inducted into the Dance Hall of Fame, has won more American Music Awards than any other artist (26), and had more #1 singles in the U.S. than any other male artist (13). And no other artist has (or could) sell out ten shows in London in less than two hours (which Jackson did before his death).

So whatever you think of Michael Jackson, you can't deny the man was a superstar, and will be an enduring pop icon forever. His influence echoes through the songs and dances of every single pop star from Justin Timberlake to Britney Spears to Lady Gaga, and that's never going to end.

Neither will the tributes. In fact, there's one coming up at the Marquee Theatre on Wednesday, June 15, dubbed "Who's Bad: A Tribute to Michael Jackson."

As our own tribute to the late King of Pop, we bring you four videos that show rarely-seen sides of Michael Jackson, from his tap dancing skills to his Pepsi commercials.

This Jackson 5 performance of "I Want You Back" from American Bandstand isn't obscure, but it's still an awesome reminder of where the MJ phenomenon started.

We all know Michael Jackson could dance, but if you've never seen him tap dancing and doing Fred Astaire-like ball room dance moves, check out his suave steps with sister Latoya from this old television program.

Jackson rewrote the lyrics for "Billie Jean" for this Pepsi commercial, which features an adorable crew of little Michael Jackson impersonators dancing in the streets.

This clip showcases some of Jackson's most stunning dance moves.

Need more MJ? Check out the Who's Bad tribute at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe on Wednesday, June 15. Click here for more information.

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Tags:

king of pop, michael jackson, video tribute, who's bad

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Tamara

http://madametruth1.blogspot.c...

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Phyllistine

Anyone who could slide his jacket down to his elbows, rise up onto his toes, and not faceplant, as I did when I tried that move from "Bad" in a Seattle gay bar, had to be doing something right.

hhlk9

tinyurl.com/2a7usxg

Carolinemichael73

I will never believe he gone I hope to see him here on earth soon I cry every day its hurt that such a wonderful human being are being treated by the evil people Mj is christ like he comes after Jesus his behaviour his kind of heart is just like Jesus no body can compit with him his music can not be compared with this days music that has no meaning nothing from gaga biancey all of them there music makes me sick I hope to see mj soon I love jenet jackson so much her music is so loving I wish her all the best in life i pray for there entie family especialy

Carolinemichael73

please remove my email adress

Fluffnfly

I love Michael... He IS the best this world will ever see. He gave the world solitude in a confused state. He undeniably IS a person of which we will never see again, unless he comes back.

Rebecca

He was amazing, I love the artist he was and the human more. I do not believe that I will ever tire of his music, it has been over 30 years and I haven't yet!

corlista

There wasn't then, there isn't now, and there NEVER will be anyone that comes close to the breadth and depth of his genius. He was a singer, dancer, songwriter, choreographer, film producer, actor, author, poet, artist and, most importantly, an unrelenting humanitarian. What a tragic loss....

TJackson

Michael jackosn was/is a musical genious and a good guy. Dont believe the rumors, believe the facts.

Dfactorpop

Phew! I just don't get MJ. Guess I was rocking out to Husker Du's Metal Circus and the Replacements' Hootenanny in early 1983 when it seemed the rest of the world was dancing to Thriller after its Nov. '82 release. And in some circles, those two LPs are far more influential that Thriller ever was. But that's why they called that market 'alternative', right? :-)