Colin Powell: Celebrate Michael Jackson's art

[divcom]

WASHINGTON – Colin Powell says Michael Jackson had controversy in his life, but in death his art should be celebrated.

The retired general and former secretary of state said he was in Vietnam, Korea or stationed elsewhere during Jackson's heyday.

"So he's not quite of my generation but his art spanned three generations and is worthy of all the tribute that he is receiving for his art," Powell said in a television interview set to air Sunday.

Powell said his most vivid memory of Jackson is of the young boy performing with his brothers in the Jackson 5. He said the Jacksons were "fresh, exciting kids with the 'fros in the early '70s and singing those wonderful songs."

Jackson, who died June 25, had been plagued with heavy debts, allegations of child abuse and use of prescription drugs.

"Yes, there were some challenges in his life," Powell told CNN's "State of the Union," which released excerpts of the interview ahead of the broadcast. "Yes, there was a great deal of controversy about him. But he's now passed on. Let's celebrate his art."

[Mars]

ok "mr iraq has wmd's" haha.

[The Showstoppa]

I prefer to just celebrate his death.

[dr.chimps]

WASHINGTON – Colin Powell says Michael Jackson had controversy in his life, but in death his art should be celebrated.

Well, if we lacked the ability to separate the art from the artist, there would be a lot less art being celebrated, that's for sure. 

[Tre]

Well, if we lacked the ability to separate the art from the artist, there would be a lot less art being celebrated, that's for sure. 

True, but there's zero excuse for black parents not teaching their kids about Hendrix, just because he was a druggie who fooled around with white women.

If anything, they could've said stuff like "See what white women will do to your life, boy?? Stay away from them devils!"

[dr.chimps]

True, but there's zero excuse for black parents not teaching their kids about Hendrix, just because he was a druggie who fooled around with white women.

If anything, they could've said stuff like "See what white women will do to your life, boy?? Stay away from them devils!"

I don't think we're in disagreement, Tre. Maybe I just worded my post poorly. EG:  Quincy Jones is great artist, but he hasn't looked at a Sista since he dumped his first wife. That's a shame, and maybe that allows you some license to hate the artist. Fine. But respect the art! is all I'm saying. For me, I wasn't a big MJ fan, and I think his personal life was a (politely) shambles, but it would silly to denigrate his musical contributions or ignore his footprint in popular culture.