Fame and Notoriety

A few weeks back, Hubby and I were listening to the news as usual before we left for work. Two of the biggest figures of pop in the early 80's are once again hogging the music headlines. As a teenager in that decade, I was an avid listener to both Michael Jackson and Prince's music. Both were the most notable acts in their niche in pop. Michael Jackson kept a wholesome image despite his fame and gargantuan pop idol status, while Prince had a huge following and was notorious for his edgy and risqué music. Today, Prince, who is making quite a comeback and is the biggest moneymaker of the year, has shown a more mellow side, while Michael Jackson, the wholesome boy, has become this unrecognizable, seemingly androgynous creature that resembles a wax figure and is in the headlines because he has been slapped yet again with another child molestation suit.

Eventhough I loved his music, Prince used to scare me a bit. He seemed like this lascivious (based on the double entendres in his songs) deviant that was headed for the deep end. I guess it was some sort of a phase or maybe his media packaging because now, he is as normal as a pop artist can be in the volatile world that is showbusiness. Who would have thought that twenty years later it was going to be Michael Jackson who would turn freaky?