TAMPA, FL – There was a scene in the movie titled Michael, when the Bloods and Crips were summoned to the set of Michael Jackson’s Beat It! video shoot. The hood-rats were merely starstruck at the sight of The King of Pop. One gang-banger even asks MJ for his autograph.
That scene took me back to 1983 where I was doing my tour on Rikers Island. I was working on the 5th floor of the jail infirmary, which was a dormitory setting of about 40 beds. The inmates housed there were recovering from bullet wounds, broken bones, and other ailments that came upon them during their act of crimes.
It was about 10pm when on the black and white television set, The Jackson’s appeared to do a medley of their hits. The show was Motown 25, the 25th anniversary of Berry Gordy’s creation. It was when Jackie, Tito, Marlon and Jermaine exited the stage when the 40 inmates in the dorm all turned towards the screen. They were listening to a sparkle-jacketed, glove-wearing Michael talk about how he liked the old songs, but he also liked the new ones. As the audience erupted upon hearing the upcoming beat, the inmates responded the same.
My partner Carolyn James and me were both inside the dorm not wanting to miss MJ’s Billie Jean performance. To miss it would have been a crime. The dorm’s gate was wide open, and a couple of nurses quickly entered once they heard the lyrics, “She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene.”
Every inmate was bopping his head and snapping his fingers to the beat. All eyes were glued to the jeri-curled Michael when suddenly the dorm erupted. Michael began his moonwalk, and as he glided and slided, every inmates’ mouth opened wide in awe. Murderers in wheel chairs were nodding in approval. Rapists and muggers were tripping over themselves trying to imitate The King of Pop.
While the gate remained wide open, the last thing on any of these thugs minds was running toward the exit. As they continued to snap their fingers, bopped their heads and lip sync the lyrics, all they wanted was to be like Mike. It was at that moment that MJ held court and brought peace among these menaces to society, through the power of song and dance.
I still smile at my memory whenever I hear, Billie Jean. For you readers who are probably thinking, ‘What the hell has this article got to do with sports? Well, dance is a sport. Would you rather read about the pathetic Mets or the boring Yankees?
