Michael Jackson, The Man in the Mirror.
I was not a lifelong fan of Michael Jackson. But as a kid growing up in the '80s, I couldn't help but be taken in by his music and his dancing when he burst into superstardom during that decade. And now as an adult, I can't help but be awed by how gifted he was.
Thriller was the first cassette tape I ever owned. My mom bought it for me when she bought me my first stereo with a cassette deck. I felt so grown up that day, happy that I could finally put away my kiddie record player. I knew the words to every song on that album by heart within a week, and I eventually wore that tape out from playing it so much--over, and over, and over again.
Michael Jackson was a phenomenal talent. I think it will be a long time before another performer comes along who captures the imagination of the entire world like he did.