Posted by chicagomedia.org on June 26, 2009 at 09:50:52:
Jackson's Legacy Celebrated On Chicago Radio
Vince Gerasole - CBS2 Reporting
Jun 25, 2009 9:31 pm US/Central
Once the world's top performer, Michael Jackson and his moves put music videos on the map.
But his first fans were on the radio. Thursday, stations the world over were playing his tunes.
It really captured the hearts of many working in the music industry, because Jackson was such an influence. Think what you will of the man, his music spoke to generations.
Moments after his death, the incredible sound of Michael Jackson filled the airwaves at B96 FM.
"As a DJ, now I can still play a Michael Jackson record in a club and people still go crazy," DJ Flipside said.
DJ Flipside says there remains something in Jackson's talents that managed to transcend his sound -- "doing something that's always different, being ahead of the game, teaching people how music is universal, not just black or white."
As a DJ at WVON, Herb Kent knew the Jackson 5 before they hit it big and could see even then Michael was not just a singer but a musician.
"His timing was impeccable," Kent said.
In his 20s, B96's J. Roman is a diehard Jackson fan, from his moves onstage to the breakthrough dance performances of the music video "Thriller." Jackson's magic, he says, was the ability to bring people and genres together.
"Michael Jackson, with 'Beat It,' took rock music and turned it into pop music," Roman said.
Today's music starts "all idolized Michael Jackson as a kid," he said.