Why Did We All Have a Michael Jackson Phase as Kids?

Michael Jackson was more than just a famous name. He was and still is the standard for what an artist can be. His music is unforgettable, and it still reminds us who he was.

Alongside his songs and famous dance moves, Michael Jackson has, for some reason, always had a special way of connecting with the child in all of us. Those close to Michael often described him as childlike and caring for all living things. It’s safe to say his presence helped many young fans see him as more than just a superstar; they saw him as a genuine person. Even I can say that his character is that of a good, kind individual.

Kids are usually good judges of character.

For many children, Michael Jackson wasn't just a singer; he was a real-life superhero. I think it’s safe to say he was the imagination and creative energy that encouraged all of us, when we were young, to keep dreaming and to care for others. So, why did we all have a Michael Jackson phase when we were small children?

My Personal“MJ Phase”

I feel fortunate to have known about Michael while he was still alive, even if only for a short time. I still remember the day we heard he had passed away. After that, I spent a whole year in my own MJ phase, just like so many other kids.

For me, it started with the Jackson 5 albums, then watching heavily pixelated clips from their variety show on a rapidly growing platform now known as YouTube.

I even remember playing Michael Jackson: The Experience on the Wii whenever I could.

But my first real introduction to Michael Jackson came through my dad. We would ride in his Ford pickup truck and listen to all kinds of music from his generation, the 70s and 80s. My dad introduced me to great artists like Sade, Luther Vandross, and Phil Collins, among others.

Standing out as the “King of Pop”

In the musical landscape back then, there was no TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube to make someone famous overnight. Michael Jackson was the prime example of how you need to stand out to make a name for yourself as a solo artist.

He was a performer. That’s what made him stand out. His concerts and TV appearances were so memorable that people talked about them for days afterward.

When Michael started his solo career in the late 70s, music videos were becoming popular. The success of the 1982 album “Thriller” demonstrated his talent and pushed him even further as a global phenomenon. His creativity and perfectionism shine through in what became one of his most iconic music videos: Thriller. I doubt even he realized how much his videos would influence other artists in the future.

Music videos had become a new standard for storytelling. Whether it was a short film or a small storyline to convey a message, Michael set the tone that quality was the main attribute artists must seek. He also paved the way for many Black artists to be featured on MTV.  Michael Jackson knew he wanted to stand out, so he had to break every barrier that stood against him and make sure those who followed, especially people of color, would also get a fair shot. By the late 80s, music videos were everywhere on TV.

No other artist combined technical dance moves, precise footwork, and singing, all while wearing outfits as iconic as Michael Jackson’s.

The Inner Child in All of Us

Looking back, his 1988 short film Moonwalker is a great example of what Michael Jackson stood for. His mantra was to protect children and give to those he loved. The film's synopsis showcased his talents over the years, but also his love for childlike innocence. He loved exploring fantasy and showing how much fun he enjoyed.

Similarly, the 1986 Disney short film Captain EO, with its themes of friendship, love, and happiness, was a great way to capture a young audience. For Michael to appear in a Disney short at the height of his career was a bold move. He showcased how much he wanted to relate to and be seen by young audiences as a person representing peace.

As kids, our imagination sparks our creativity. Michael understood that and used it in his music and videos.

He wasn’t just a singer who performed adult love songs; he made music for everyone. For example, "ABC" and "I'll Be There" by the Jackson 5 connected with kids and families, while songs like "Black or White" carried messages of unity and inclusivity. Songs such as "Heal the World" and "Man in the Mirror" inspired people of all backgrounds to care and reflect. Whether you loved the beat of "Beat It" or felt the emotions of "You Are Not Alone," there was something for everyone in Michael's catalog.

He embodies the inner child in all of us. Not an ounce of corruption or negativity comes through in his messages, and the fact that children are receptive to a man like him shows he truly wants to heal the world, unlike some celebrities today.  

The Rekindled Love of Michael

I decided to watch Michael Jackson’s This Is It documentary again after watching the new biopic Michael. Seeing his creative process as an adult made me appreciate him even more, especially seeing how much he cared about his craft and entertaining his fans. Watching the rehearsals and knowing he was planning a comeback before he passed always feels surreal.

Since the new movie came out this year, I’ve been listening to Michael’s music again, as well as the Jackson 5 and The Jacksons' albums. Watching Jaafar Jackson play his uncle was very eye-opening in many ways, from embodying his uncle’s lifestyle in the 70s to the wild successor of the 80s. He really nailed his uncle’s persona, signature moves, and stage presence, which made the film feel both nostalgic and exciting.

The tentativeness behind Michael’s performances, portrayed in the movie, shows just how much of an impact it had.

Every Kid Goes Through a Michael Jackson Phase

I can’t fully explain it, but the fact that kids still love Michael Jackson’s music shows how much impact he's had, even after his death. That’s what happens when a person creates such good music; it lasts for generations. These days, it’s rare to find good, quality music that is easy to listen to.

In addition, Michael Jackson had a unique, easily recognizable look, from the famous white glove to the Beat It red jacket to his Smooth Criminal outfit. For kids, it is a character they can identify with easily and imitate because of how great Michael Jackson was as a performer. I can't think of another artist, even today, that young children want to mimic or look like after listening to their music. Michael Jackson's persona was just one of a kind.

For every kid who had an MJ phase, we just wanted to imagine what it was like to be him.

My Top 3 Favorite Songs:

• Heaven Can Wait

• Baby Be Mine

• Ghosts

Did you have a Michael Jackson phase, too? If you did, or if you have memories or favorite songs you still listen to, feel free to share.

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