One of my favorite stories that mom tells is of her day spent with Michael in Hawai’i.

It was 1972 and the Jackson 5 were doing a concert. The whole clan was there having a picnic at the Hickam Military base and his uncle (who worked with my mom’s friend’s mom) had asked friends to bring some local kids around the Jackson’s ages to hang out. Everyone was playing volleyball, and my mom, a frighteningly thin, unathletic gal, was not so much into sports, so she got some food and sat by Michael who too was not taking part in the game. I guess he said he was already bummed on all the fame and kinda tired of the nonsense at that point. I guess my mom was pretty dope, so they walked around and kicked it for the day. She was three years older but I’m sure dude was already quite wise at age 14.

I always think of this story when I listen to his music and imagine him as just that quiet, mega talented little dude who went on to continue skillfully making jams that are undeniably brilliant. Whatever problems he had, that’s the dude I imagine, the one that had a long talk with my mom on the rocks by the water at Hickam. Rest in power Michael.