We’ve been hearing stories of Michael Jackson’s eccentric and shady lifestyle for so long that we had almost forgotten what made him famous in the first place.

But in his untimely and mysterious death, he seems to have been restored to his former glory. If the outpouring of grief and ad hoc modes of commemoration such as his songs being played loud in taxis are any indication, Michael Jackson continued to be loved despite what he had done or was alleged to have done.

Part of the reason was his immense talent as a musician and as a performer. He had a record-breaking number of hits and was a master of the spectacle. His 1996 show in Mumbai – which drew fans from all over the country—was breathtaking in its sheer scale and slickness. But the other reason for the tremendous response to his unexpected death this week is most likely the fact that he embodied and affected the times in a manner that forged a connection with people beyond music.

Much has been written about his signature style (the padded shoulders, the rhinestone studded glove), his moves, his troubled childhood and the scandals and controversies surrounding his personal life.

He was the first major performer to have the electronic media and the format of the music video at his disposal (Elvis and The Beatles had to make movies). Technically advanced (recall the transmogrification of faces in Black or White) and elaborately mounted his music videos were as eagerly awaited as the songs they launched.

... contd.