Published: July 07, 2009 08:04 pm      

Region remembers King of Pop

PRINCETON — Children danced and played to the beat of a drum while their families took in a summer day at the Princeton Public Library. Meanwhile, a television in a neighboring room was playing out a more sobering event – the memorial service for pop legend Michael Jackson.

Life was going on Tuesday for the library’s patrons as Jackson’s legacy was being celebrated in Los Angeles, but several people took time to recall his music and how it shaped generations.

“He was in my age range and I grew up with his music,” 48-year-old Una Hill of Princeton said over the drums and children’s laughter. “He was a great performer, a great artist. I don’t think there will ever be anybody to measure up to him.”

Hill’s granddaughter, 10-year-old Kariann Hill of Bluefield, had also done some growing up with Jackson’s music.

“I thought he had very inspired music,” she said. “It seemed very nice. My mom liked to listen to it. It was just good.”

For many, Jackson’s music and videos were part of the background as they grew up. Some could even remember the “Jackson Five” cartoon show broadcast decades ago.

“It meant a lot,” Vivian Palmer, 40, of Princeton said of Jackson’s work. “Basically, I grew up listening to it. I watched the television show. I think that his music gave hope to the world, and it brought a lot of change.”

Albums such as “Thriller” helped to shape whole generations.

“I was a child of the Eighties, and he was a music icon even when I was growing up,” 34-year-old Jennifer Cooke said as she watched the children play. “Anything to the ‘Thriller’ video to the later work with Paul McCartney, he touched a lot of people with his music.”

Jackson would also be remembered for the behavior that marked the latter portion of his career.

“He just kind of went downhill,” said Jerry Hajenga, 73, of Princeton. “For some reason, he felt that he had to change himself, and it didn’t seem to be for the better. He was a talented individual and still was, but he got sidetracked. I think all the hoopla now is for the money.”

But on the day of Jackson’s memorial, people were ready to embrace the musical legacy.

“He was a hero amongst performers, and I’ve been a performer all my life,” said Lori McKinney, 30, of Princeton, who was playing for the library’s Summer Reading Program with her husband, Robert Blankenship. “Some of my heroes were influenced by his style. My favorite choreographer, Bob Fosse, was one of Michael Jackson’s influences, so it holds a special place in my heart.”

“One thing I remember about his music was the rhythm of it. Everything was so sharp. It’s precise and calculated,” said Robert Blankenship.

As Jackson’s memorial proceeded, there were those who hoped his legacy would be honored.

“I think he was a fantastic musical influence,” said Jean Hanna Davis, 43, of Princeton. “But I just wish people would let the man rest in peace.”