Is that Mission: Impossible, or Mission: Accomplished … and then some? Has the next Michael Jackson now surpassed him in standing in the black community? “Leaving Neverland” and the stain its sexual abuse allegations tattooed on Jackson’s reputation have left his legacy vulnerable. The scene would seem to be set for a new supreme musical hero – or heroine – to take over.
Popular on Variety
In some ways, Jackson’s and Beyoncé’s origin stories are eerily similar. Both were raised in red states (Beyoncé in Texas, Jackson in Indiana) by fathers who played a heavy hand in their early careers. Both broke out from successful groups to become even bigger sensations on their own. Both boosted their reps with groundbreaking music videos. Both assumed the title of music royalty.
But where one is celebrating and making black history, the other is black history – five decades of it. Beyoncé has driven some of the pivotal pop culture moments of this millennium – from “Independent Women” to “Single Ladies” to “Lemonade” to her Coachella “Homecoming” performance – but nothing in black entertainment in the last half century can match the impact of Jackson and “Thriller,” the all-time best-selling album by a black musician. That both have been so difficult to mute post-“Leaving Neverland” is a testament to their artistry and enduring importance.
CONTINUE READING ON THE NEXT PAGE
How To Make Turkey Wings
Wholesome Weight Loss Breakfast
Celery Juice, Grandma’s Secret to a Healthy Liver
How to fix a broken or stuck zipper in seconds with these tricks
THE BEST BREAD PUDDING
From Stone to Steel: The Untold Story of Kitchen Tools Revolution
Eating Dates at the Right Time: A Guide to Maximizing Their Benefits
The Natural Way to Brighten Your Skin: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apply a little to all the plants in your house and you will see the results in real time.
