This is Part II of what will be a seven part series on Michael Jackson. Out of respect for this great icon, I will post at least one article per day for seven days to honor his memory.

Part I was yesterday. It was there that I discussed the shock of his passing and what he meant to me.

In Part II, I’d like to return to the beginning, his childhood.

The Seventh Child

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist and entertainer. The seventh child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5 and began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. Referred to as the “King of Pop in subsequent years, his 1982 Thriller is the world’s best-selling record of all time and four other solo studio albums are also among the world’s best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and History (1995). source

First of all, I did not know that Michael was the seventh child. My mother is the seventh in her family and she is a special person. There is something about the number seven. It’s a holy number. It is for that reason that I indicated that for seven days I’d highlight Michael and then move on, accepting that he is really gone.

Seven is a number of completion and we are on day 2. My best and most positive memories of Michael are of him young, handsome and smiling. This is a man who put Indiana on the map.  GO HERE to hear him singing, “Going Back to Indiana”.  And GO HERE to hear his very first single, Big Boy. It was posted by blogger, UnderCoverBlack Man.

I have no idea what happened in that man’s life to cause his break down and his self hatred. Was it a rape as a child? Did someone verbally assault him, telling him that he was ugly?

He never shared and so we will never know. I believe he took it to his grave.

Whatever demons ailed him, it did not stand in the way of his talent.

Check him out singing acappella – There is a point at which the sound will stop. Be patient because it will restart: