I haven't read through all of the thread and I don't really care about Michael Jackson or the kids he allegedly molested. That said, I'm not sure I'm buying the argument that he wasn't all that influential or innovative.
Sure, people always say nice things about the deceased (unless they're trying to prove a point, as in this thread), but when you see Dick Clark of all people say:
"I knew Michael as a child and watched him grow over the years. Of all the thousands of entertainers I have worked with, Michael was THE most outstanding. Many have tried and will try to copy him, but his talent will never be matched." - Dick Clark, host of the old "American Bandstand
you have to stop and think about that. I know Dick is a pop pusher and all, but the guy knows the industry and its members better than pretty much anyone. It's hard to argue his opinion. Anyway, as you were...
(link:
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/0...jackson_quotes)