Michael Jackson's significance does not, however, rest solely in the impact of his music or the bizarreness of his behaviour. He is the prime example of the power of visual media, which he dominated when music videos were just becoming ingrained in television programming, to imprint a public figure's image on our minds.
So the sense of loss at Mr Jackson's death will seem personal to many, not just his loyal fans. Indeed, in a world where urbanisation and security concerns are cramming often transient occupants into warrens of apartments, it is not far-fetched to surmise that for some persons, he was a more familiar presence than their rarely seen neighbours.
Jamaicans, too, have had our own childhood star who eventually died early in somewhat opaque circumstances after seeing his lustre fade significantly, Dennis Brown, having passed away at 42 years old in 1999. But while it had a huge impact, by the time of Brown's death, in terms of visibility in the media and crowd pull at local concerts, his preferred reggae genre had been overtaken by brash dancehall.
sobering reminders
However, while the sound may shift subtly, pop music is pop music and Jackson its king for life - and, with no heir-apparent on the horizon.
It would seem to us, however, that in a world where all-reaching technology brings us incessant images of what is deemed important, it behoves individuals to determine their personal markers for their lives. Mr Jackson's life and death provide sobering reminders of the high price and downside of fame. His tremendous talent and onstage charisma made him a magnet and target, from an early age, for many would-be handlers, some trying to bask in reflected glory while taking something away for themselves. Yet, life lived in the celebrity fishbowl of constant media and public gaze is hardly ever a happy one. And Mr Jackson's life was as much the triumph of a family of talented entertainers being propelled from relative obscurity in a small United States city to the world stage, as it was a tragedy that unfolded before a worldwide audience.
Ironically, Jackson's life came to an end, as it often does to ordinary folk, in lonely seclusion, away from the brilliant stage lights and the millions of adoring fans.
talent and influence
Yet, it should be noted that his was not totally a self-absorbed life. He did use his talent and influence with other celebrities to do some good - playing a leading role in raising millions of dollars for charities to help starving children around the world.
Mr Jackson's impact and legacy will no doubt be assessed and discussed for years to come, and with it, what was good or bizarre in his life.
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