Michael Jackson was the most influential performer of my generation.
On June 26, 2009, the day after his death, I bounced along in my white Ford Escape down I-95 to Key West from Orlando. Signature Jackson-isms blared through my factory speakers from the FM spectrum, no CDs, no iPods, just the first form of entertainment for our vehicles. I was mourning my favorite artist by listening to special interviews, discussions, and unique musical tributes created by disc jockeys across our nation. Of course, the music is what triggered memories of my life as a professional dancer, remembering the countless warm-ups and routines choreographed to his greatest hits.
Much to my delight, one particular station helped to create the project that this website is dedicated to. This station’s primary language is Spanish. It was the only station I found on the entire drive that devoted the whole day after Jackson’s death only to his music. Between every song, I could translate enough to understand they spoke in great detail of how each song was created, and even spoke about the music video that was produced for it. I realized then that his influence spread so much further than the United States. He was an entertainer for the entire world.
I knew this was my chance to pay tribute to the “King of Pop,” and I believed then and now that his fans were the best ones to help me honor him and his career in a way that would have made him proud. I created MJ’s Magic as an opportunity to come together and remember him not only for his influence on popular music, innovative choreography, and ground-breaking video production, but also for what he was most passionate about in his personal life, charity for those in need.
The “flash-mob” style routine that you see in MJ’s Magic is a benefit for Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Florida (RMHCCF). On June 25th, 2010, at 5:26 pm (exactly one year after his death) we flooded the downtown Orlando, Florida area of Church Street Station and performed original choreography peppered with some of his most familiar moves from his beloved videos. “Black or White,” was selected for the message of equality and love for every human being, no matter what the outward appearance might be. “Man in the Mirror,” was selected for it’s simple message, “I’m gonna make a change, for once in my life.”
The proceeds from this tribute are helping Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Florida provide services to ailing children and their families through times of medical crisis. To find out more about RMDHCCF’s commitment to serving our community and the comforts they provide, please visit rmhccf.org.
Many central Florida businesses made donations and provided services in the name of MJ’s Magic, An Orlando Tribute to the King of Pop. We are featuring each of these donors on the “SPONSORS” tab of this website in return. We could not have made this event possible without their dedication to bettering our community and appreciate everything they have done for us. If you would like to include your business and donate to this cause, please visit rmhccf.org.
A one-time donation of $10.00 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. All donations must be authorized by the account holder. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Florida by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. Messaging & Data Rates May Apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to short code 52000; text HELP to 52000 for help. Privacy Policy can be found at mobilegiving.org. If you wish to donate a different amount, please please visit rmhccf.org.
“If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change.”