Death of Michael Jackson Warms Hearts
Popular On Air Personality Remembers Time with King of Pop
Jun 26, 2009
As the world stands still due to the loss of the Thriller icon, Michael Jackson (29 August 1958 - 25 June 2009) the stillness of many family and friends resonate an unbelievable shock at the death of the arguably world's best entertainer.
"Michael was a lover, not a fighter," Alvin John Waples, Washington D.C., 102.3 On Air Personality, reflect on his time spent with the fallen entertainment icon, his neighborhood and family friend.
On Air Personality discloses fondest memories
In an interview with the on air personality Friday morning, Waples, silent, yet courteous introduces himself as the neighbor in San Fernando Valley who often talked with Jackson about career and family issues. " I went to his house like I would go over yours," Waples remembered, I knew Reby, Joe, Jermaine and Tito."
When asked about his initial feelings entering the news station, he methodically comments, " As more time passes, the greater the impact." When you know someone personally like a super star, it is difficult to deal with the reaction of his absence. Still in shock, Waples remembered when Jackson recorded his first solo project, "Off The Wall."
Jackson called up Waples and they rode down Ventura Blvd. listening to the high defining album of Jackson's career. Waples remembers the excitement of that day and praised Jackson on his first attempt without his brothers. "I told him that no album would surpass this one because it was perfect."
What to know about Michael
"Michael was not an entertainer, he was an energy," the on air personality professed. He was constantly creating, questioning and being amused. Like his mom always said, he had a big heart and sometimes people used that against him.
But, "he was smart," Waples continues. He knew when people were patronizing him. He knew what was going on.
Favorite Michael Jackson song
Jackson is one of the only entertainers with all albums hitting the top of the music charts. The thriller king endured many successes. His compelling dance moves, attention grabbing garments and earth shattering songs pierced the ears of diverse crowds worldwide. In the beginning years of his career, he was one of the few African American artists with playtime on mainstream stations.
One may claim his global success with his life touching and awe inspiring lyrics; yet, it's hard for many to name just one favorite Michael Jackson song. With raving successes as Beat It, Do you Remember the Time,Thriller, Heal the World, You Rock My World and an extraordinary list of hits, popular radio host loved The Girl is Mine. Waples cheered on Jackson's need to do a Frank Sinatra feel song as his attributed favorite song.
Never could say goodbye
Like many beloved Jackson family, friends and fans, waving goodbye is difficult to do, especially when someone makes an extraordinary impact in the lives of so many people. Waples believed that Jackson was an ambassador, he captured the hearts of many people. Waples, native of St. Louis, Missouri, can be found on air 3-7pm at Magic 102.3, Washington D.C. Access Alvin John Waples interview with FOX 5 News, Washington D.C..
