Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009: The Life and Legacy of the King of Pop

Michael Jackson’s immensely popular music, dance moves, and videos were known and loved across the world but in the last decade of his life, it was his multiple plastic surgeries and allegations of child molestation that dominated media attention.

Jackson died at the age of 50 at his home in Los Angeles last Thursday, shortly before kicking off what was billed as a comeback tour, a string of concerts in London.

Today, the Apollo Theater in Harlem will celebrate his life and music but fans have been gathering at the historic theater where Jackson first performed in 1967 ever since news of his death last Thursday.

For a critical discussion of the life, influences, and legacy of the pop icon, we’re joined now by two guests.

Margo Jefferson is a Pulitzer Prize winning cultural critic. She is the author of “On Michael Jackson.” She joins us now here in the firehouse studio.

We’re also joined on the line from Savannah, Georgia by author and professor Mark Anthony Neal who teaches Black popular culture at the department of African and African-American Studies at Duke University. His latest book is called “New Black Man: Rethinking Black Masculinity.” He blogs at newblackman.blogspot.com.

Margo Jefferson, Pulitzer Prize winning cultural critic. She is the author of “On Michael Jackson.”

Mark Anthony Neal, Professor of Black Popular Culture in the Department of African and African American Studies at Duke University. His most recent book is called “New Black Man: Rethinking Black Masculinity.” He blogs at newblackman.blogspot.com.

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